How Does the Governing Body Work?
School Governing Bodies become involved in many aspects of school life and make decisions collectively on a range of issues including:
- curriculum
- budget management
- staffing matters
- pupil discipline
- health and safety
- school improvement
- performance management
The Governing Body conducts most business via termly meetings, working closely with the Head Teacher and the LEA. Sub-committees are appointed from the full membership to deal with some aspects of business and these will meet separately. Special meetings can also be called in order to discuss a particular item of business.
Meetings times vary from school to school, some schools hold their meetings during school hours and others in the evening.
Who is Represented on the Governing Body?
PARENTS - who are elected by other parents who have children attending the school.
HEAD TEACHER - if he or she chooses to be.
TEACHERS - who are elected by other teachers at the school.
NON-TEACHING STAFF - who are elected by other non-teaching staff.
LEA REPRESENTATIVES - people appointed by the Local Education Authority.
CO-OPTED GOVERNORS - people appointed from the local community by members of the governing body.
FOUNDATION GOVERNORS - (Church Schools) people appointed by the church.