The Role of the Levens School Governing Body
The governing body has the following core functions:
• To provide the best possible education for each individual child by supporting the school in setting its strategic aims and objectives, ensuring that targets are met and finances are managed efficiently and effectively;
• To monitor progress, support and challenge the headteacher;
• To be accountable to the Local Authority, the parents and the wider community for the way in which it carries out its functions as a Governing Body;
• To act in accordance with statutory regulations and the school’s instrument of governance;
• To maintain and develop the ethos and reputation of the school;
• To ensure that the school’s interests are properly represented at both local and national level wherever and whenever appropriate.
Further information on governor responsibilities: The Code of Conduct for School Governing Bodies
Structure of the Board
The Board is made up of twelve governors, who serve a four year term, with parent governors having a three year term.
• Three foundation governors
• Four elected parent governors
• One elected staff governor
• One Local Authority governor
• Headteacher governor
• Two co-opted governors
The Headteacher and the Priest in Charge are ex-officio governors. Parent governors are appointed for a 3 year term of office, all other governors, with the exception of the ex-officio governors, are appointed for a 4 year term of office.
The Board meets at least five times per school year.
The Board members are appointed to one of two main sub-committees – Curriculum and Staffing; Finance and Property – depending on a member’s area of expertise. Committees meet once per term. Information regarding the terms of reference and current membership for each committee can be found on our website. Governors may also be appointed to other committees who meet annually or as required, these include the headteacher’s appraisal group, and pay review committees.
Governors are allocated specific responsibilities which are here.
Committee terms of reference and membership, and areas of specific responsibility are reviewed annually, with Governors completing a skills and experience audit to support this process every two years. Where possible, governors attend trainings relevant to their various roles and responsibilities.