Governors

The purpose of the governing body is to act as a critical friend. This is clear in every governor’s mind. Without this as a principle it wouldn’t be possible to fulfil its other roles of providing a strategic view and ensuring accountability.

Governors may be described as volunteers in that they get no remuneration for their work on the governing body. However, they are not volunteers in the sense that they have to abide by certain laws and have very definite roles and responsibilities.

Governor’s responsibilities include:

Attending meetings regularly and contributing to discussions. Governing Bodies must meet at least three times per year
Helping to establish the aims, policies and objectives of the school, and how standards of education can be improved
Helping to draw up the school development plan
Setting the school budget and monitoring expenditure
Ensuring that the national curriculum is implemented and hearing any complaints about its delivery
Appointing, promoting, supporting and disciplining school staff, and deciding their salaries
Acting as a link between the local community and the school
Producing an action plan after an OFSTED inspection and monitoring how the plan is put into practice
Considering cases of excluded pupils
Establishing school policies and ensuring adherence to these
Ensuring accountability

The Governing Body at Dinnington Comprehensive School is made up of 22 people from different walks of life and with different abilities. This is important as it has a number of sub committees fulfilling important roles.

The main agenda item of termly meeting is the head teacher’s report. It is during the presentation of this report that governors have the opportunity to question the headteacher, challenge its contents and propose actions where appropriate. It is also an opportunity to praise the work of the staff and the progress of the students

A number of governors have aligned themselves to curriculum areas and have regular visits to those faculties, meeting staff and students.

There are regular presentations from students at governing body meetings during which they bring new ideas to the members. Individual governors work with students on community projects as well as seeking assistance from the school council on policy reviews.

Monica Carroll
Chair of Governors