Together we achieve
Margaret Fletcher
My name is Margaret Fletcher and I am the current vice-chair of Governors. I’ve been a Governor at St Michael’s for 26 years -initially as a parent governor (my son was only 5 when I started!) and subsequently as a Co-opted one. In my professional life I work for HMRC and bring my financial knowledge and a lifelong love of learning to the Governing Board. I am currently undertaking an MA in classics with the Open University showing one is never too old to study!
Phil Knox-Roberts
My name is Phil Knox-Roberts, the Chair of Governors.
I joined the board in late 2019 as a parent governor before being co-opted a year later.
My background is in the music industry; formerly General Manager and marketing director at Warner Bros before setting up a number of my own businesses. I am somewhat of an all-rounder but my main experience is in marketing, planning and management. I have sat on boards of businesses and trade bodies and chaired various committees across the business and I am keen to bring some of that experience to the school.
Millie Tanner
I'm a co-opted governor and have been on the board since 2019. I take responsibility for safeguarding on behalf of the board; before that I was the governor for SEND. I care about young people and education and I really love having the opportunity to help make St Michael's the best possible school for its pupils and families. In my day job I work in the emergency services, and in my copious free time I'm learning the clarinet. #
Saima Hussain-Sheikh
I joined as a parent governor in 2021 and I am also the nominated SEND governor. I have a significant interest in ensuring the continued excellence and improvement of St Michaels Primary school as my children attend the school currently. I am keen to ensure children can achieve to the best of their abilities and are happy and confident.
I have nearly 15 years of experience working for the NHS to support our providers in delivering the Patient Safety and Quality agenda.
I have enjoyed getting to know the excellent staff at the school and admire their dedication and professionalism. I look forward to supporting the success of St Michaels Primary school for many more years to come.
Jennifer Woodham
My name is Jennifer Woodham. I joined as a co-opted governor in 2022. I have one child at the school currently, with a second hoping to start in September. I'm really keen to contribute to the continuing success of the school. In my professional life, I work for a healthcare regulator. I manage a team of investigators looking into fitness to practise matters. In my free time, I like to run.
Gemma Stagg
I have been a parent governor since 2021, I decided to become a governor as I have two children currently at St Michael’s and I’m passionate about the schools progress and the children’s education during their time here . I am also the health and safety governor. In my personal life I am a hairdresser with over 25 years experience.
Primary Role of Governing Board
Governing boards have three core functions:
The Headteacher is responsible for the internal organisation, day to day management and control of
the school and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the Governing Board, through the school development plan.
Role and Responsibilities
The governors of St. Michael’s are at the heart of the school’s strategic direction, monitoring and evaluation. It is important, therefore, that the Governing Board gets its job done correctly and efficiently. How we do our job affects the interests of pupils, staff and the reputation of the school in the community and ultimately contributes to fulling the school’s vision. As governors we support and challenge the head teacher by gathering views, asking questions and discussing what's best for the school. As a governor you are required to play an active part in the decision making process of the school, through school visits and attending committee meetings. You should be prepared to give and take advice, work constructively and positively with staff and must be loyal to decisions taken by the Governing Board as a whole. As long as the Governing Board acts within the law, and takes appropriate advice, governors are protected from any financial liability for the decisions they take.
Strategy - Governors have a strategic role to ensure that all pupils achieve the very best that they are capable of. You will play a key role in developing a policy on the curriculum; setting budgets and approving school development plans; and responding to inspection plans and publishing action plans.
Monitoring and evaluating - the school’s work. This is achieved by making sure that the school keeps to its policies, budgets and plans and keeps up to date with the quality and educational standards in the school. Governors will visit the school regularly to observe lessons, scrutinise books, and assess facilities.
Recruitment - In an executive role, governors take direct responsibility for the recruitment of senior staff and some disciplinary matters.
Accountability – making sure parents are kept informed about what is happening in the school and that parents’ views are taken into account. Report on progress against the school improvement plan. Governors are also responsible to the wider community.
Governors serve as a ‘Critical Friend’ by supporting, advising and challenging the Head teacher through gathering views and asking questions.
Legal Framework
The Governing Board are bound by statutory requirements, overseen by the Department for Education (DFE) and is accountable to the public and to the parents for the way in
which the school is directed and managed.
The staff of the school is accountable to the Governing Board for the delivery of the curriculum, use of resources and for the quality and effectiveness of the teaching and learning that is taking place.
The statutory requirement of the Governing Board is to conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement (School Standards & Framework Act 1998). Achievement should be considered both in terms of academic education but also in terms of personal and social development and welfare e.g. are the children
developing in confidence, able to work collaboratively in teams as well as independently etc
Table of Statutory Duties | |
Admissions |
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Behaviour |
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Exclusions |
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Curriculum |
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Finance |
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Governing Body Procedures
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Parents and the Community |
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Pupil Wellbeing |
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Safeguarding |
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Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) |
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Staffing and Recruitment |
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Pay and Appraisal
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