Our Governors
Governors are the largest voluntary organisation in the UK, with just over 300,000 members.
Governors are essential to the work of the school. We are legally responsible for its finances, for the teaching and learning that take place there and for the general strategic direction of the school.
In practice, we appoint the Head teacher and then delegate the day to day running of the school to them. The Governors, however, are still involved in major decisions, for example we approve the Budget, the School Development Plan and we help appoint new staff. By working closely with the Head teacher, the Governing Body helps shape and monitor policy and practice.
In total there are 13 governors at Alvanley and Manley Village School, some of whom must be parents. These governors are elected by the other parents to serve for a maximum of four years. We value our Parent Governors particularly for their common sense approach in dealing with practical issues. They play a full role in the work of the Governing Body.
All Governors are expected to be 'critical friends' to the school supporting the whole school team and, when appropriate, asking searching questions. Broadly the work involves the following:
- Attending and participating in two full Governing Body meeting per term
- Exploring and forging links with the school – for instance with subject areas or a particular aspect of school life (SEN, Maths Provision, Wellbeing, Pupil Premium, Health and Safety etc). Within a Governor Link role you would be expected to meet with the relevant staff member to act as a critical friend, support and provide a written report to the wider Governing Body at least once a term.
- Governors are invited to visit school during the school day, parents evenings and at the many events run throughout the school year.
All this involves approximately 15-20 hours per year. Meetings usually take place between 5pm and 7pm. Depending on their interests and time available, we have some governors who like to be involved in other aspects such as fund raising, joining in school trips or offering specialist advice and support in an area of expertise.
Training
Of course we anticipate that Parent Governors will bring a wide range of knowledge and experience with them, however to support you further in this new role a variety of training activities are available run by Cheshire West and Chester. These include Governor Induction training, Child Protection, Finance etc for those interested.
Our Governing Body is part of the National Governors Association (NGA)
https://www.nga.org.uk/Home.aspx
For the current Instrument of Governance, Governor Photographs, Governors resigned, Code of Conduct - see web page 'Our Governing Body'
Governor Effectiveness report - TBC