The position of school governor has been in place since the 13 century. School governors are the largest body of volunteers in the country, there are over 500,000 governors working hard to support the schools in the UK.
The governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools. Governors appoint the head teacher and it is governors who hold the main responsibility for finance in schools. Governors work with the headteacher to make the tough decisions about balancing resources.
The main functions of the governing body are to:
set the aims and objectives for 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 (a critical friend)
The full governing body (FGB) has 3 sub-committees. These are Staffing and Strategy, Finance and Premises and Performance and Standards.
Full Governing Body (FGB)
FGB at Stanton is composed of 12 people. These are 2 members of staff, 4 parents, 1 member representing the Local Authority and 5 co-opted governors. FGB meets 6 times a year.
Staffing and Strategy (S&S)
Composed of the Head Teacher, Chair and Vice-chairs, this committee is responsible for all staffing matters at the school. S&S also set the strategy for the school, often spearheading new initiatives that may take months or years to come to fruition. S&S report to the full governing body (FGB).
Finance and Premises (F&P)
The F&P committee oversee all the financial matters at the school, developing budgets and setting spending priorities in line with the School Development priorities. F&P report to the full governing body.
Performance and Standards (P&S)
The P&S committee monitor academic performance at Stanton, providing support and challenge to the senior teaching staff. Committee discussion and actions revolved around tracking of data, identifying areas for improvement in all areas related to performance.