Message from Judith Ward, Chair of Governors
Welcome to the governors’ section of the school website. I hope that you will find the information in this area useful.
Our Governing Board comprises 14 governors from very diverse backgrounds and therefore an eclectic mix of people, which ensures that we bring a multitude of different skills and expertise to our role as governors. You can read our pen portraits in the section, ‘Meet the Governors’.
- 2 parent governors
- 1 headteacher
- 1 staff governor
- 1 local authority governor
- 9 co-opted governors
We attend 6 full governor meetings a year, one per half term during which we address most of our business. Additionally, there are 3 committees to which we have recourse, when necessary.
- Human Resources Committee
- Complaints, Appeals & Pupil Disciplinary Committee
- Head Teacher’s Performance Management Committee
The calendar of our meetings is in the Governors’ Information Section. The committee membership and the code of conduct to which we adhere is also in that section.
Some of the documents on the Governors’ Information section are statutory, such as our attendance data for the previous year and our personal and business interests. Others are to provide additional information.
Our main purposes as a Governing Board are:
- ensuring there is clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the performance management of staff
- overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent
- ensuring the voices of stakeholders are heard
Each of the governors is attached to a subject or cross-curricular area and we monitor these once per term, reporting back to the whole governing board in written and verbal format. The list of the governors and their subject links is in the Governors’ Information section.
It is a privilege to chair this team but also a responsibility I take very seriously. I am extremely proud of my role and the voluntary team of governors that I lead. They are tremendously hardworking and committed to ensuring that all our children at Laygate receive an excellent education in an exceptionally vibrant and caring environment. Our key aim is that our children will receive an outstanding level of education and pastoral care which will ensure they achieve their full potential and are fully equipped to become responsible citizens of the future.
We are always pleased to talk about our role and would encourage others to volunteer as governors. Should you feel you could contribute to the continued improvement of Laygate School and gain a sense of achievement in making a difference to our children, then contact me at the email address below
Judith Ward
Chair of Governors