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Governors' Report

The Governing Bodies at R A Butler Schools

Governors have an important part to play in raising school standards through their 3 key roles of

1. setting strategic direction and policy
2. ensuring accountability
3. monitoring and evaluating school performance

They work together with the headteacher and staff and the strength of this relationship is central to the success of the schools.

How is the work of the Governing Bodies organised? 

Each area of the schools’ work is steered by a committee. The main committees and sub-committees are as follows:

Finance and Premises
Curriculum and Pupil-Related Matters
Personnel                   

The sub-committees are:

1. Premises including Health and Safety          
2. Pay
3. Admissions

Governors have produced policy documents on all areas of their responsibility in accordance with statutory requirements and all committees operate under clearly documented guidelines.

These are available from reception.

 As a member of the governing body the main areas that governors are involved in are:

-  attending meetings of the full governing body (at least once a term)

-  making decisions – ranging from the colour of the school sweatshirt to the appointment of the head teacher

-  planning for all aspects of school development and improvement

– from the building maintenance programme to setting targets for children’s achievement

-  monitoring and evaluating previous plans to show that progress is being made

-  acting as a champion for the school in the local community

What is the School Development Plan?

Each year a School Development Plan is put together by the staff and Governors.  The School Development Plan describes the aims and targets for the coming year and for the coming term. Committees review progress against the Plan through the year as well as looking ahead to plans for the next year and longer future.

A summary of the School development Plan is distributed to parents each year. Extra copies are available from Reception.

How does the Governing Body come to decisions?

When the governing body makes decisions and acts upon them it does so as a corporate body. This means that separate members do not have any individual powers. They fulfil their duties by meeting together, discussing issues for consideration and then coming to an agreement about what course of action to take.  Agreement may have been arrived at by consensus because everyone agrees it is the right thing to do, or it may have been put to a vote. Even if an individual governor, voted against a particular decision, once this is agreed by the majority of governors all governors are required to abide by it and defend it publicly.

Who is on the Governing Bodies?

Each school has its own Governing Body but they meet and act as one in most circumstances. The composition of the each governing body is as follows:-

            Parent Governors (5 for each school);
            Partnership Governors (3 for each school);
            Staff Governors (3);
            Local Education Authority (1 for each school);
            Community Governors (3 for each school).

From time to time there will also be Associate Governors with a particular specialist skill or interest.

How long do people serve on the Governing Body?

All governors serve for a four year term except for the Head whose post as a governor coincides with their period of Headship.  Staff Governors cease to be governors if they leave the school’s employment.

When do the governors meet?

Each term there is one main business meeting which everyone attends.  There is then a meeting of each of the four committees, Curriculum, Finance and Premises, Personnel, and Admissions. 

Each governor is a member of at least one committee.
There may also be a ‘special focus’ meeting to discuss a particular issue or to provide training to all governors.

 Who can become a school governor?

Being a school governor is a demanding but rewarding role.  No formal qualifications or particular skills are needed but time is required to become actively involved in the daily life of the schools on a fairly regular basis.

Attendance at meetings and other activities during school hours from time to time
It is a voluntary position and no allowances are paid.
Employers are encouraged to give reasonable time off for duties but are not obliged to give paid time.

If you would like any further information about the Governing Bodies or you have any comments or suggestions for effective means of communication, please speak to Gayle Mawson, Rosemary Timms or Caroline Lanskey (Chair of Governors) on lanskey@compuserve.com.