At Annfield Plain Junior School, the school governors work very closely with the Head Teacher, staff and representatives from the local authority, to ensure that our school is a success.

All governors play an important and active role in the development of the school. They visit the school regularly to: observe lessons, work with staff, attend sub-committee meetings, attend training, make specific interest visits, speak to pupils about their work and their school.

Alongside the various sub-committees, the Full Governing Body meets on a termly basis.

Role	Name
Headteacher	Mrs Inez Burgess
Chairperson Co-opted governor	Mrs Helen Collier
Vice-chairperson Co-opted governor	Mr Evan Rourke
Local authority	Councillor Jeanette Stephenson
Co-opted governor	Mrs Louise Strike
Parent representative	Mrs Helen Lolachi
Co-opted governor	Mrs Kath Graham
Co-opted governor	Mrs Nancy Ullathorne
Parent representative	Mrs Christine Hole-Reddock
Staff representative	Mrs Tracey Dorward
Associate member	Mrs Sarah McGregor

Name	Category of Governor	Appointed by	Term of Office ends	Sub-committees	Responsibilities	Register of Interests Educational Establishment Governor
Mrs. I. Burgess	Headteacher	School	-	All committees	Head Teacher	None
Mrs. H. Collier	Co-opted	Full governing body	22/06/2022	Finance and Buildings Every Child Matters Personnel Hearings / First Headteacher Performance	Chair of governors SEND Governor Safeguarding Data Protection	None
Mr. E. Rourke	Co-opted	Full Governing Body	12/11/2022	Finance and Buildings Every Child Matters Hearings / First Headteacher Performance	Vice-chair of governors Health and Safety	Audits school's private funds and FAPs funds
Mrs. L. Strike	Co-opted	Full Governing Body	TBC	Every Child Matters Personnel Appeals	Curriculum ECM	None
Cllr. J. Stephenson	Local Authority	Local Authority	17/11/2023	Personnel Every Child matters	Curriculum ECM	Governor at Catchgate Primary School & Annfield Plain Infant School
Mrs. H. Lolachi	Parent	Parents	07/10/2022	Every Child Matters Personnel First Committee	Curriculum ECM Governor training	None
Mrs. K. Graham	Co-opted	Full Governing Body	31/08/2023	Appeals Every Child Matters Finance and Buildings	Curriculum ECM	None
Mrs. C. Hole-Reddock	Parent	Parents	13/11/2023	Every Child Matters Personnel Appeals	Curriculum ECM	None
Mrs. N Ullathorne	Co-opted	Full Governing Body	18/12/23	Every Child Matters Appeals Personnel	Curriculum ECM	None
Mrs. T. Dorward	Staff	School	31/03/24	Finance and Buildings ECM	Staff (teaching)	None
Mrs. S. McGregor	Associate Member	School	31/03/2024	Every Child Matters	Staff (Teaching)	None

Statutory Guidance for Governing Bodies

Annfield Plain Junior School adheres to the statutory guidance from the Department of Education. This means that governing bodies must have regard to it, when carrying out duties relating to the constitution of governing bodies in maintained schools. For further information, please view or download the full document below.

The Constitution of Governing Bodies of Maintained Schools (2017)

How To Become A School Governor

Our school always welcomes interest in becoming a governor. If you are interested in becoming a school governor don’t hesitate to come and see us or, alternatively, visit the Durham County Council website school governor section for further information on the roles and responsibilities of school governors.

Currently there are no parent governor vacancies – please visit school to register your interest for future vacancies.

Annual Governance Statement for the Governing Body of Annfield Plain Junior School

In accordance with the Government’s requirements for all governing bodies, the three core strategic functions of Annfield Plain Junior School’s Governing Body are:

Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils;
Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

Governance arrangements:

The full governing body is constituted as the table above; it meets once each term. We also have the following committees: finance and buildings, personnel and every child matters; they meet regularly throughout the year. We also have committees which meet when required e.g. to consider pupil discipline and staffing vacancies etc.

Attendance record of governors:

Governors have excellent attendance at meetings and we have never cancelled a meeting because it was not “quorate” (the number of governors needed to ensure the legal decisions can be made).

The work we have done on our committees and in the governing body:

The governing body, in 2020-21, continue to work closely with school staff, focusing on continuous school improvement and accountability, implementing actions from the previous Ofsted 2020 actions, as well as interviewing for vacancies that may arise.

Governors meet termly with staff in a joint staff meeting to share school improvement (SATs results, standards across the school including work scrutiny, safeguarding, curriculum developments and the school improvement plan, implementing the school vision, school self-evaluation form). When needed, governors also meet with the Senior Leadership Team on specific priorities and subject leaders to develop an understanding of each curriculum areas strengths and areas for developments.

Governors also attend training as a governing body, often with governors from local schools and with staff. In recent years, this has included: school improvement including the data dashboard, how to monitor school improvement, child protection level 1 training, equality training and LGBT training.

The finance and buildings committee meet each term and look at the maintenance and development of the school premises, making decisions about how the school should use its budget, producing an annual best value statement. Internal audit visited the school in 2017 and awarded substantive assurance. The school in 2017 had a Health & Safety inspection and internal audit review, as well as in 2018 a fire safety audit; governors are updated of any developments around health and safety, as well as security, each term. The chair of this committee and another governor completes an annual health and safety check with the headteacher/caretaker and meet regularly to analyse progress/needs etc. Our health & safety governor is Evan Rourke.

The Every Child Matters committee also meets termly. Depending upon the priorities, the following items are discussed:

key data for all cohorts and groups (girls/boys, disadvantaged, SEND, high ability, Looked After Children, EFL) and their progress across the key stage;
safeguarding;
how pupil premium and sports premium is spent and their impact;
the use of interventions and their impact;
reviewing of school policies as needed;
equality;
pupil behaviour and attendance.

Our safeguarding and SEND governor is Helen Collier. Our curriculum and ECM governors are Nancy Ullathorne, Helen Lolachi, Louise Strike and Christine Hole-Reddock. Regular meetings are arranged to ensure governors analyse the effectiveness of policies, procedures and best practise in the areas they are responsible for.

The personnel committee usually meet every term, depending upon agenda and vacancy needs.

The minutes of the full governing body and committee meetings are public documents and you can view them in the school office, if you wish to do so.

Governors also carry out a number of visits to monitor and evaluate the work of the school:
– lesson observations with the headteacher;
– attending visits and visitor sessions; – working with pupil groups to collect and evaluate their views;
– joint staff and governor meetings which include: carousels to understand the school’s curriculum vision, standards in books and data, progress in school improvement priorities, wellbeing interventions and support; safeguarding; peer review;

-working with subject leaders and SENCO to develop an understanding of the school’s curriculum – strengths and further developments.

The body take great pride in celebrating community events, such as the annual singing picnic with Annfield Plain Infant School and the Remembrance Service at the local park’s war memorial with other local schools. Governors try to involve the community in the publication of the school’s community newsletter, published twice a year and distributed amongst the community. The governing body also support community events, special school events and celebration events.

Future plans for the governors:

To continue to monitor school improvement, participate in school activities and work with staff in joint meetings/training on the priorities for 2020-21.

To continue to support school, to continue participating in community events and activities which raise the profile and vision of the school.

How you can contact the governing body:

We always welcome suggestions, feedback and ideas from parents – please contact the Chair of Governors, Mrs Helen Collier, via the school office.

Governor Attendance

Schools are now required to display a record of Governor attendance at meetings for each school academic year.

KEY
✓ – Attended meeting
A/A – Apologies sent and accepted by meeting
N – Did not attend
X – Not a member of the committee

Record of Attendance 2018-2019

Name	Meeting 13th June 2019	Meeting 17th October 2019	Meeting 11th June 2020	Meeting 15th October 2020
Mrs Helen Collier Chairperson	Apologies accepted	Present	Present	Apologies accepted
Mr Evan Rourke Vice-chairperson	Present	Present	Present	Apologies accepted
Mrs Louise Strike	Present	Present	Present	Apologies accepted
Mrs Helen Lolachi	Present	Present	Apologies accepted	Apologies accepted
Mrs Nancy Ullathorne	Present	Not present	Not present	Not present
Mrs Christine Hole-Reddock	NA	Present	Present	Present
Councillor Jeanette Stephenson	NA	NA	Present	Apologies accepted
Mrs Inez Burgess Headteacher	Present	Present	Present	Present
Mrs Tracey Dorward	Present	Present	Present	Present
Mrs Sarah McGregor	Present	Present	Apologies accepted	Apologies accepted
Mrs Kath Graham	Present	Present	Present	Present

Committee Terms of Reference

The Finance & Buildings Committee

Terms of Reference:

· In conjunction with the Headteacher to draft the first formal budget plan of the financial year, for approval by the full Governing Body.

· To establish and maintain an up-to-date 3 year financial plan.

· To monitor income and expenditure, including virement decisions, significant anomalies from the anticipated position and report termly to the Governing Body.

· To ensure the school operates within the financial regulations of the County Council and the requirements of the DfE Schools Financial Value Standard.

· To monitor expenditure of all voluntary funds kept on behalf of the Governing Body.

· To annually review charges and remissions policies and expenses policies.

· To make decisions in respect of service level agreements.

· To make decisions on expenditure following recommendations from other committees.

· To ensure as far as is practical that any Health and Safety (H&S) issues are appropriately funded in accordance with priorities.

· To ensure that Hearings/First Committee and Appeals Committee decisions are appropriately funded.

Personnel Committee

Terms of Reference:

· To carry out an annual review of the staffing structure in consultation with the Headteacher and the Finance Committee.

· To oversee the appointment procedure for all staff.

· To establish and review a performance management policy for all staff.

· To keep under review work/life balance, working conditions and well being, including the monitoring of absence.

· To make recommendations to the Finance Committee on Personnel-related expenditure.

Appointment: The Governing Body can delegate the power to appoint outside the leadership group to:

· The Headteacher

· One or more Governors with the right of the Headteacher to advise

· One or more Governors and the Headteacher

Governing Body delegates to one or more Governors and the Headteacher responsibility for the appointment of all appointments outside the Leadership group.

Dismissals: Governing Body retains responsibility for the dismissal of all staff.

Headteacher’s Performance Review Committee

Terms of Reference:

· Set, with the support of the External Advisor (EA) or Education Development Partner (EDP) Headteacher’s annual performance objectives.

· Monitor throughout the year the performance of the Headteacher against agreed performance objectives.

· Review, with the support of the External Advisor (EA) or Education Development Partner (EDP) achievement of performance objectives.

· Make recommendations to the First/Pay Review Committee in respect of the Headteacher’s annual pay progression.

Hearings/First Committee

Terms of Reference:

· Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).

· Annually agree the Teachers’ Pay Policy.

· Act in accordance with the Teachers’ Pay Policy when carrying out the annual review of teachers’ salaries.

· Report to the Finance and Premises Committee on pay review related expenditure.

· Consider any requests made in accordance with personnel policies e.g. flexible working, leave of absence etc. (unless delegated to the Headteacher).

· Make any decisions under the personnel procedures adopted by the Governing Body e.g. disciplinary, grievance, ill-health, capability etc. (Unless delegated to the Headteacher).

· Deal with matters relating to staffing reductions.

Appeals Committee

Terms of Reference:

· Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).

· Consider any appeal against a decision made under the personnel procedures adopted by the Governing Body.

· Consider any appeal against a decision made by the First/Pay Review Committee during the annual review of teachers’ salaries.

· Consider any appeal against selection for redundancy through a staffing reduction process.

· Consider complaints against the school in accordance with the agreed school Complaints Procedure.

MEETINGS: as and when required.

QUORUM: Must have at least the same number of

Governors as were present at the original hearing.

DISQUALIFICATIONS: Headteacher; Chair of Governors (if have prior knowledge); any Governor involved in the original hearing; where there may be a conflict of interest; any Governor whose spouse/partner is involved; staff (appeals in relation to salary or staffing reduction decisions).

EVERY CHILD MATTERS COMMITTEE

ECM areas- Be Healthy

Staying Safe

Enjoy and Achieve

Economic Wellbeing

Positive Attitude

Terms of reference:

· Ensuring that the school meets health and safety requirements and review the schools H&S policy regularly.

· Ensuring that PE is taught as part of the school curriculum and monitoring the quality and adequacy of provision.

· Promoting an ethos that encourages participation in competitive sport both within the school and between schools.

· Monitoring nutritional standards within the school to include school meals, snack provision and food available during wrap-around provision.

· Ensure that the school’s policy on SEN is consistent with the code of practice and Equalities Act and that arrangements are made to ensure the policy is monitored and reviewed regularly. The policy is known to parents and carers.

· Consider developing a whole school drugs policy.

· Decide whether or not to provide sex and relationships education and consult parents (Primary). Agree the content and organisation of the school’s programme of sex and relationship education and notify parents of their right to withdraw their child (all secondary schools and primary schools that choose to provide S&R education).

· Monitor pupils’ attitudes, values and how other personal qualities are developed within the school through the provision of RE and PHSCE and that parents are told of their right to withdraw their child.

· Ensure the effective integration of children with SEN.

· Consider the provision of sex and drugs education. Secondary schools: ensure sex education is provided.

· Ensure that adequate provision is made to make the building safe and secure, Health and Safety policy.

· Ensure the school is fulfilling its responsibilities regarding child protection and the requirements of “Working Together to Safeguard Children”.

· Anti-Bullying and Behaviour Policies.

· Ensure that buildings and the learning environment are maintained and fit for purpose.

· Oversee the use of the premises by outside users.

· Establish and keep under review an asset management /building development plan.

· Establish and keep under review an Accessibility Plan.

· Conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of education achievement (SSFA 1998).

· Ratify targets for achievement at KS2. Monitor the school’s performance against these targets.

· Monitor the achievement of disadvantaged groups and the impact of policies on race, SEN, Looked After Children and Disability on pupils, parents and communities.

· Contribute to the development and monitoring of the School Improvement Plan and the SEF.

· Ensure that every child receives the full statutory curriculum that the school must provide.

· Ensure that a report on each pupil’s educational achievements is forwarded to their parents/ guardians annually.

· Ratify attendance targets and monitor the school’s performance against these targets.

· Ensure the school has a curriculum policy that meets pupils’ needs.

· Ensure the school has policies on Race and Disability Discrimination.

· In general terms, monitor teaching and learning and the progress of pupils.

· Monitor the provision of extra-curricular activities including overnight stays provided to encourage recreation and social development.

· Ensure the quality of education, teaching and learning (see Enjoy and Achieve re promoting high standards).

· Plan to raise standards of achievement and monitor the school’s performance.

· Consider out-of-hours provision (wrap around provision, study support, extended schools).

· Ensure the school works well with its community, parents and other schools.

· Ensure the school meets the requirements of the SEN and relevant disability legislation.

· Ensure the school works effectively with other agencies to support vulnerable children and their families.

· Ensure the school has an effective behaviour and anti-bullying policy. Monitor the implementation of this policy and its impact.

· Monitor the development of pupils’ attitudes, values and other personal qualities.

· Aims and values for the school are agreed and positive ethos for the school is promoted. Policy decisions are consistent with the agreed aims, values and ethos.

· Ensure that the school has an effective school council. The Governing Body takes account of the school council in determining the way in which the school is conducted.

· The school promotes inclusive policies that allow for the achievement of all pupils.

· Ensure that adequate provision is made for transition between primary and secondary education.

· Ensure that the school fulfils its statutory responsibilities in terms of Race discrimination.

· Ensure each child is able to reach their potential including the gifted and talented (differentiation).

· Act as Pupil Discipline Committee for Permanent/Fixed Term exclusions.

· Complaints.

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