Governance at Allendale Primary

Governance at Allendale Primary School

Whether you are a pupil, parent, prospective parent, member of staff, member of our local community, or someone interested in becoming a governor, thank you for your interest in our website. I hope you will take the time to read about how Allendale Primary School is governed and who is involved.
I feel very privileged to be the current Chair of Governors at Allendale Primary School. Over the past few years there have been many changes at APS and I am confident that our school will continue to go from strength to strength during my term as Chair.

Yours sincerely
​
Mrs Cheryl Litster Smith
Chair Governors

 

How is our school governed?

All schools are required to have a Governing Body whose role is to have a strong focus on three core strategic functions:

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

The Governing Body is made up of volunteers who, as a whole group, have the knowledge, skills and time to be able to perform these strategic functions. Here at Allendale Primary School we have 12 places on our governing body. We meet as a full governing body at least once per term but the majority of our work takes place in committees which also meet at least once per term. As well as being members of committees, our “non- staff” governors also take an interest in all areas of the curriculum.

How are we doing?

All our governors work hard to support, challenge and hold the school to account so that Allendale Primary School is successful both now and in the future. We have a high attendance record of all governors at both full board and committee meetings.
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Following our very positive Ofsted Inspection report in July 2018, the leadership team, both staff and governors, have continued to drive the school forward towards our vision. The Ofsted inspection report can be read by following the link on this website. The Inspection team stated that “Governors apply their professional expertise and knowledge well to make certain that they target support and provide challenge where and when it is needed. They are fully involved in setting the school’s strategic priorities and consult with parents and carers to ensure that their work is relevant. Regular visits to see what is happening, discussions and consultation with staff and pupils, and close attention to pupils’ academic performance result in a good knowledge of the school. Governors undertake regular training to ensure that they maintain effective challenge. ”

 

During 2021 / 22 we:

 

  • Started to visit school again and undertake subject specific monitoring visits:

  • assessed the sequential progression of skills and knowledge throughout the school; and

  • judged (evaluate) against the Curriculum Skills Map.

  • Monitored pupil progress in those elements of the English and Mathematics curriculums as identified in the SDP.

  • Monitored the outcomes of any post Covid 19 catch up activities, such as the National Tutoring Programme, to ensure value for money and effectiveness.

  • Promoted enrichment activities including those which involve collaboration with other schools and organisations within the local community. Evaluate the impact that such activities have on children’s learning and wellbeing.

  • Monitored and evaluate strategies in school which promote good learning behaviours through programmes such as Friends Resilience.

  • Ensured that the Sports Premium is used to provide quality sports provision and evaluate its impact on pupils’ health and well being.

  • Ensured that issues such as the diversity of life in modern Britain and global concerns, such as climate change and social justice, are addressed when planning topics and other learning activities.

During 2022 / 2023 we will:

 

  • Support the development of English through phonics, reading, writing and spelling as identified in the School Improvement Action Plan.

  • Support the development of Maths including a focus on challenge, language and times tables as identified in the School Improvement Action Plan.

  • Monitor the Therapeutic Classrooms approach and evaluate the impact on pupil attainment within the newly implemented learning environment. 

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum subject action plans and curriculum intent statements through subject monitoring visits.

  • Oversee the spending of monies raised for the improvement of the outdoor learning environment to ensure best value.

  • Ensure that the Sports Premium is used to provide quality sports provision and evaluate its impact on pupils’ health and well being.

  • Through visits to school and liaison with staff, monitor progress towards achieving the Arts Mark accreditation.

  • Monitor behaviour for learning, attendance and punctuality targets and the impact on these of any initiatives such as the Behaviour Hubs programme.