The Full Governing Body is currently composed of 15 members, drawn from 5 different categories, with a vacancy for 1 Foundation Governor and 1 Parent Governor
Foundation Governors who are appointed by the Bishop, Staff Governors elected by the staff, Parent Governors elected by parents, Local Authority Governors nominated by the L.A. We also have 3 Co-opted Governors. The Headteacher is also a Governor.
In a Catholic school, the Foundation Governors must be in the majority. Foundation Governors are appointed specifically to ensure:
- That the religious character of the school is preserved
- That the school is conducted in accordance with its trust deed
- That the religious education curriculum is in accordance with the bishops policy for his diocese, based on the Bishops Conference Curriculum Directory
The Function of a Governing Body is to:
- Set the aims and objectives of the school
- Set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
- Set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
- Monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
- Be a source of challenge and support to the Headteacher.
The organisation of our Governing Body
Currently the Governing body is made up of:
- 15 governors (full set) as follows:
- 1 Head Teacher
- 9 Foundation Governors
- 1 Staff Governor
- 1 Local Authority Governor
- 1 Co-opted Governors
- 2 Parent Governors
The Full Governors meet six times each year.
The role of the Full Governors is:
- To ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- To hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
- To oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure its money is well spent
The more detailed work takes place at committee level. The Full Governors have decided that the model they operate should be linked to the Ofsted Inspection Framework. And so there are four committees.
- Leadership – Chaired by Mr Philip Jardine
- Curriculum – Chaired by Mr Philip Jardine
- Finance, Buildings and Health & Safety – Chaired by Mr Stephen Maxwell
- Attendance and Behaviour – Chaired by Mrs Patricia Poole
- Catholic Ethos – Chaired by Mrs Janice McKeating
The terms of reference which reflect the school priorities are:
Leadership and Management
- The terms of reference will be agreed at the first meeting in September 2020
Finance Buildings Health and Safety
- The terms of reference will be agreed at the first meeting in September 2020
Attendance & Behaviour
- The terms of reference will be agreed at the first meeting in September 2020
Curriculum Committee
- The new terms of reference are being signed off by the committee in September.
Catholic Ethos Committee
- Carry out a review of the Catholic ethos of St. Joseph’s school
- Provide progress reports to Leadership & Management Committee
- Present proposals for renewal of the Catholic ethos to Full Governors
- Take into account thinking on the role and future development of Catholic schools locally, at Diocesan and Vatican levels
- Review the teaching of RE at St. Joseph’s in relation to the Reformed GCSE in Religious Studies, taking account of guidance from the Catholic Education Service
