Governors
Governing Body
Who We Are
The Governors of St Philomena’s Catholic Primary School are volunteers who give their time, knowledge and experience to support the school and its pupils.
The Governing Body works collectively to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the school. Our central aim is the welfare, education and achievement of all pupils, within the Catholic ethos and mission of the school.
All governors are expected to act in the best interests of the school and its pupils. Governors work as a corporate team and accept collective responsibility for decisions made by the Governing Body.
How We Are Selected and Who We Represent
Governors are appointed or elected through different categories, in accordance with the school’s Instrument of Government. These include Foundation Governors, Parent Governors and Staff Governors.
Although governors may be appointed or elected through different routes, all governors have the same core responsibility to act in the best interests of the school and its pupils.
The Governing Body works closely with the Headteacher and school leaders to provide effective strategic oversight and challenge.
The Role of the Headteacher
The Headteacher is responsible for the day-to-day management and leadership of the school, including:
- the day-to-day management of the school;
- implementing policies and decisions of the Governing Body;
- leading the operation and development of the curriculum;
- the educational performance of the school; and
- the effective leadership and management of staff and pupils.
The Role of Governors
The Governing Body provides strategic leadership and oversight of the school.
Governors are responsible for determining, monitoring and reviewing the policies, plans, targets and procedures within which the school operates.
Governors fulfil these responsibilities through Governing Body meetings, committee meetings, school visits, working parties, training and discussions with the Headteacher and other school leaders.
The Governing Body’s work is focused on supporting the school to provide a high-quality education and to raise the educational achievement and wellbeing of all pupils.
Effective Governance
The Governing Body aims to:
- provide a clear strategic direction for the school;
- ensure that the school’s Catholic vision, ethos and values are upheld;
- support and challenge the Headteacher and school leaders;
- hold the school to account for the standards and quality of education it provides;
- oversee the effective use of the school’s resources;
- monitor the progress and achievement of pupils;
- ensure that safeguarding remains a priority; and
- contribute to the continuous improvement of the school.
Commitment, Confidentiality and Conduct
Being a school governor involves a significant commitment of time, energy and responsibility.
Governors attend regular Governing Body and committee meetings and may also take part in working parties, training, school visits and other activities.
Governors are expected to read papers and correspondence in preparation for meetings and to undertake appropriate training to develop and maintain the knowledge and skills required for effective governance.
Governors must maintain confidentiality where required and must comply with the Governing Body’s Code of Conduct and relevant school policies.
Governors may express their views freely during meetings and are expected to contribute constructively to discussion. Once a decision has been made collectively, governors support and uphold that decision.
Governors are expected to declare relevant interests and to manage any conflicts of interest appropriately.
The Catholic Governor
Foundation Governors have a particular responsibility to support and uphold the Catholic character and mission of the school.
All governors contribute to ensuring that pupils and staff experience a strong Catholic Christian environment in which faith, learning and service are closely connected.
The Governing Body ensures that Religious Education and the liturgical celebration of Catholic life remain an important part of the school’s strategic work.
Catholic governors undertake appropriate training relating to their responsibilities and contribute to the development of the school’s Catholic ethos.
The Governing Body seeks to ensure that every child is supported to develop their God-given talents to the highest possible level and is encouraged to use those talents in the service of others and in building the Kingdom of God.
Our Governors
Chair of Governors
Mrs L Blyde
Foundation Governors
Reverend Longinus
Mrs L Blyde
Mr S Tokoro
Mrs T Shenji
Teacher Governor
Mrs R Williams
Support Staff Governor
Mr M Hill
Parent Governor
Miss K Procter
Governor Information
The school publishes the following information for governors who have served at any time during the previous 12 months:
- full name;
- category and appointing body;
- date of appointment;
- term of office;
- date of resignation or end of term, where applicable;
- attendance at Governing Body and committee meetings during the previous academic year;
- relevant business, financial and pecuniary interests;
- governance roles in other educational institutions; and
- relevant material relationships or interests involving governors and school staff.
This information is reviewed and updated regularly.
Governing Body Structure and Committees
The Governing Body operates in accordance with the school’s Instrument of Government and its agreed committee structure.
Information about the structure, remit and membership of committees, including committee chairs, is available from the school office.
Contacting the Governing Body
Parents and members of the school community who wish to contact the Governing Body should contact the school office in the first instance.
The school can provide information about how correspondence can be passed to the Chair of Governors or the appropriate committee.
Becoming a Governor
Governor vacancies are filled in accordance with the relevant category of governor and the school’s Instrument of Government.
Anyone interested in becoming a governor can contact the school for further information about current or future opportunities.
