The Role of the Governors
Governors of a school have legal duties, powers and responsibilities to ensure that the school provides the best education for all pupils. They act together to do this.
Where do they come from?
Governors are volunteers who come from all walks of life.
In New Horizons there are four main categories of Governors.
Co-opted Governors — representatives invited to join the Governing Body and appointed by other members of the Governing Body.
Local Authority ( LEA ) Governors — appointed by the local Authority by nominations from political parties. At New Horizons we are eligible for one nomination from the Liberal Democrat party.
Parent Governors — elected by other parents and they have a child in the school or at school in the Authority
Staff Governors — elected by other members of staff
The Headteacher is a Governor.
Associate Governors can be appointed for their expertise in some field of Governance.
All the main categories of Governors serve a four year term of office from when they start, which can be at any time during the academic year. Governors have the option of resigning at any time during their term of office.
Summary of Posts
Post Required
Co-opted Governor 10
LEA Appointment 1
Parent Governors 2
Staff 1
Head Teacher 1
Clerk 1
What do governors do?
Governors commit time and effort in working with other Governors who make up the Governing Body, the Headteacher and the Local Authority, to raise standards of achievement for all pupils in the school.
Governing Bodies have to monitor and evaluate progress towards the school’s priorities and targets, support the Headteacher and staff, as well as challenging their expectations, and account to all stakeholders for the school’s overall performance and for the decisions that they have made.
They do NOT run the school day to day.
The Headteacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school and for advising on and implementing the Full Governing Body’s strategic framework. Headteachers draw up aims, policies, targets and plans for the Governing Body to consider adopting.
The staff, including the Headteacher, are accountable to the Full Governing Body for the delivery of the curriculum, use of resources and for the quality and effectiveness of the teaching and learning which takes place.
Governors key functions are to:-
- Determine the strategic plan for the school
- Agree the aims, objectives, policies and priorities of the school.
- Monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards the aims and objectives.
- Decide and monitor how the school budget should be spent.
- Appoint the staff , including the Headteacher.
- Support and challenge when necessary the Headteacher and staff.
- Ensure that all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum which takes account of age, aptitude and ability.
- Ensure the health, well-being and safety of all staff and pupils.
- Ensure that the school buildings and grounds are welcoming and safe.
How often do they meet?
The Full Governing Body meets around ten times in an academic year. The meeting is chaired by our Chair of Governors and supported by the Vice-Chair as necessary.