Our Governing Board

The Governing Board plays an important role in the life of Woodlands Infant School. Governors work closely with the Headteacher and school leaders to help ensure that the school provides the very best education, care and support for all pupils.

Our role is strategic. Governors do not manage the day-to-day running of the school, but help to set its vision, ethos and strategic direction, monitor its work and hold leaders to account. We support and challenge school leaders so that Woodlands continues to improve and every child is given the opportunity to flourish.

The Governing Board’s core responsibilities are to:

• set the school’s vision, ethos and strategic direction;
• hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils;
• oversee the school’s financial performance and ensure that public money is used effectively;
• ensure that the school meets its statutory responsibilities.

Governors oversee areas including safeguarding, SEND and inclusion, curriculum, attendance, behaviour, finance, staffing, health and safety and the school premises. They also contribute to important decisions about the future of the school, including the appointment of the Headteacher and, where appropriate, other members of staff.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is a key priority for the Governing Board. Governors ensure that safeguarding remains a regular part of meetings, monitoring and training. The school has a named safeguarding governor, alongside governors with link responsibilities for areas including SEND, wellbeing, curriculum and priorities within the School Development Plan.

All governors undertake appropriate training to help them carry out their role effectively. This includes induction for new governors, safeguarding training, safer recruitment training where appropriate, and further training linked to individual responsibilities and school priorities.

How the Governing Board works

The full Governing Board meets regularly throughout the academic year to review the school’s performance, priorities and wider development.

Individual governors have link responsibilities for particular areas of school life. Link governors visit the school, meet relevant leaders and report their findings to the Governing Board. This helps governors understand the school’s work and provide appropriate support and challenge.

The Governing Board does not operate through a large number of separate committees, as we want all governors to have a broad understanding of the school. However, governors may work in smaller groups or working parties when focused work is required.

The Governing Board also has a Finance Committee, which meets when required. Its responsibilities include considering matters relating to staff pay in accordance with the school’s agreed policies. Committee members act impartially and maintain appropriate confidentiality.

Governors also adopt, review and monitor a range of school policies, including those relating to safeguarding, behaviour, complaints, curriculum, health and safety, finance and performance management.

Chair of Governors

Acting Chair of Governors: Anna Topa

The Acting Chair leads the Governing Board and works closely with the Headteacher and Clerk to support effective governance.

Our Governors

Details of our current governors, including their category, appointment dates, terms of office, link responsibilities, committee membership and attendance, are available below.