Governance
School Governors RoleAs Governors of West Street we are proud to play a part in ensuring the best possible education for all the children.
We are a dedicated team who share a real concern and interest in the life and work of the school.
Our responsibilities are wide and varied but above all we are here to ensure the very best provision at West Street.
We do this by:
- working closely with staff and the senior leadership team
- reviewing regularly the school improvement plan and the progress and attainment of the children
- monitoring teaching & learning; from maths and literacy to how well trips and visits are planned and conducted
- listening to the views of pupils, parents and staff
- being visible in school to provide help, support and ideas
If you would like to know more about our role or to give us your views of West Street please contact us through the school or come and have a chat. Most of us are in school on a daily basis. We also hold coffee mornings once a half term.
Governors Meeting Schedule 2019 – 2020
What is the role of a governor – what do we do?
The role of a governor is voluntary and unpaid. Governors have a high level of responsibility overseeing the development of the school and ensuring it meets all statutory requirements. They are accountable to OFSTED, the local authority, parents and pupils.
Our governing body has the following committees:
- Full: considers the position of the school in light of the work of the committees, local and national developments, feedback from stakeholders including parents. Meets termly.
- Resources: considers staffing, finance and buildings, including health & safety. Meets termly.
- Curriculum: considers teaching & learning including curriculum design and extra curricular provision. Meets termly.
- Standards & Effectiveness: considers the progress and attainment of pupils in relation to their starting points and comparison with national and Lancashire. Meets termly.
- Pay: considers the pay of staff and decides on any pay awards to be given. This committee meets once a year.
- Discipline & Appeal Committees meet as and when required and are served by untainted governors.
How do we carry out our role?
Governors sit on committees one of which must be the full governors. They attend a minimum of 3 termly meetings for full governors and additional termly meetings for any committees they represent.
However the main thrust of the governors’ role is to get to know the school inside out. They do this by spending time in school, visiting classes, taking part in activities, supporting with monitoring and meeting with pupils, parents and staff. From this knowledge and understanding they are able to make informed decisions about the position of the school and its future development.
Governors are provided with training and experienced governors mentor newly appointed governors.
How are governors elected?
Parent Governors (2 representatives)
Any vacancies for parent governors are advertised through the school newsletter and website. We then follow the local authority process for selection which is done through an election with a confidential vote and ballot for more than one candidate. The parent with the most votes is then elected as a governor.
Co-opted Governors (7 representatives)
Anyone can become a co-opted governor and do not necessarily have to have a link to the school. We have a number of spaces for co-opted governors with the specific aim of being able to target gaps in specific skills and experience. Applications are made via the Clerk to Governors or by contacting the Head Teacher.
Local Authority Governors (1 representatives)
Local Authority governors are suggested by the Local Authority. Governors assess candidates and agree on the best person for the role.
Staff Governors (1 representatives)
Staff governors are elected by the staff within the school. Vacancies are internally advertised followed by an election with a confidential vote and ballot for more than one candidate.
Associate Governors (no limit)
Associate governors support the development of the school through attending at meetings and offering opinions, skills and experience. They do not have any voting rights.
Governors Overview and Declaration
Governors Overview and Declaration
Attendance at Meetings
Regular attendance at meetings is essential and any unexplained non attendance is followed up by the Chair of Governors. The following information shows attendance at meetings for the academic year 2016-2017.