Role of the Governing Body

Role of Governors

The Governing Body has a really important role to play in the school.  Made up of volunteers, including parents, staff and members of the community with appropriate skills, the Governing Body is an integral part of the school leadership.  The role of the Governing Body is to help raise educational standards of achievement and ensure public monies are spent effectively to provide the best possible education for all the pupils in the school.

The Governing Body’s work focuses on 3 main areas:

  1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction for Russell Lower School.
  2. Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
  3. Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

In carrying out the above, Governors spend time developing and reviewing policies covering all aspects of the school’s work including areas such as the curriculum, staff- related issues, health and safety and safeguarding children.  They also get involved in evaluating the work of the school and putting together a Development Plan to help the school achieve its goals.  Governors are expected to act as a ‘critical friend’ to the Headteacher – providing both support and challenge.

Being a Governor does involve commitment but it is really enjoyable and rewarding.