Our Governing Body

School governing bodies are responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a good quality education. Together with the Head Teacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management, they set the school’s aims and policies. Governors work closely with Head Teachers, school staff and representatives from the local authority (LA).

Statutory Guidance for Governing Bodies

St John’s CE (Aided) Primary School adhere to the statutory guidance from the Department of Education. This means that governing bodies must have regard to it when carrying out duties relating to the constitution of governing bodies in maintained schools.

The Constitution of Governing Bodies of Maintained Schools

The Role of the School Governor and Governing Bodies

The Governing Body of St. John’s C of E Primary School has a strong focus on its three core strategic functions:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Holding the Head Teacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

They also carry out a number of other important duties, which include:

• Determining how the school’s budget is spent
• The appointing and dismissing of staff
• Hearing appeals and grievances
• Forming policy on the school’s curriculum and collective worship
• Setting standards for pupils’ behaviour and discipline
• Making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe
• Setting and monitoring the school’s aims and policies

Monitoring the Curriculum 

Each Governor will meet with subject leads on a termly basis, to monitor their area of the curriculum.  The findings from these meetings are shared in termly full Governing Body Meetings.

Governance Arrangements

The Governing Body of St. John’s C of E Primary School is made up of 2 staff governors (including the Head Teacher), 2 elected Parent Governors, 1 Local Authority Governor and 7 Foundation governors. Foundation governors are appointed by the Durham Diocese Board of Education and the Parochial Church Council of St John’s Church and include the Priest in Charge of the parish. The Governing Body also includes the Deputy Headteacher as a non-voting Associate Member.

Members of the governing body have been appointed because they have the skills required to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school.
The staff and parents governors bring detailed knowledge of the education provision offered to pupils over a period of time. Foundation governors ensure that the distinctive nature of our school as a Church of England school is maintained. Our local authority representative provides invaluable experience from a wider political and social perspective.
Each governor also has a wide range of skills identified in a skills audit. Highlights from this include: community leadership, social care provision, justice, health, adult mental health, education (teaching) (public and private sector), education (support), administration, Church leadership and economic regeneration.
The full Governing Body meets once each term, and we also have a number of committees to consider different aspects of the school in detail:

•       Finance, Premises and Pay (Inc. Performance Management)
•       Head Teacher’s Performance
•       Curriculum and Standards

We also have committees that meet if required to consider pupil discipline and staffing matters.

How To Become A School Governor

The role of the school governor is demanding but very rewarding.  If you require further information on the roles and responsibilities of School Governors or you are interested in becoming one, visit the Durham County Council website School Governor section.

Contact Details
The Governing Body always welcomes suggestions, feedback and ideas from parents/carers.  Please contact the Chair of Governors, Mr Andy Harris via the school office.

Governors’ Information and Duties

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