What we do
Role of the Governors/Governing Body
The headteacher of the school is responsible for day-to-day management of the school. The role of the Governing Body is to provide strategic management, and to support the school. As well as supporting the school, governors need to ask challenging questions to be sure that the school is providing the best possible education. This role is often called ‘being a critical friend’.
Responsibilities
Governors also have a role in monitoring the school’s progress, including involvement in the school self-evaluation process, and in setting annual targets for the school’s performance and for the headteacher (and ensuring that the headteacher sets targets for other staff).
Governors are also involved in the Ofsted inspection process, and as part of this Ofsted expect the governing body to have a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of their school.
Schools generally have a delegated budget to cover salaries, running costs, maintenance and equipment; the Governing Body is responsible for overseeing the management of this budget and approving spending decisions where necessary.
As Acle St Edmund C of E is a Foundation school, the governing body sets the admissions policy (in line with County guidelines), makes admissions decisions and defends admissions appeals.
One of the most important activities governors will undertake is visits to the school. This allows them to learn about the school, to see the school at work and to get to know the staff and the children. The governing body at Acle undertakes a monitoring morning once a year where they observe lessons and speak to staff and children. Each year has a different focus.
Governors will hear or read sensitive information whilst undertaking their duties and great care must be taken not to breach confidentiality.
Meetings
The Full Governing Body meets once each half – term (six meetings per school year).
In addition, there are two committees, the Standards, Teaching and Learning Committee, and the Strategy and Resources Committee, which also meet at least once each term. Each governor sits on one of these committees.
Training
The school purchases a support package from the LA, as part of this, training courses are available to all governors.
Reports
Each summer the Governing Body produce an annual report. Please click on the document below for the Summer 2022 report.