Governance
Governing Body
The key functions of the Governing Body are:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding school leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff
- Overseeing financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent
The Governing Body of St Mary’s is made up of people representing the Parish, the Local Authority and the School. Many of these are parents, staff and members of the congregation. We are responsible for ensuring the school’s commitment to nurturing our children in a Christian environment and to showing them the importance of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect within our diverse community.
Governors work closely with the Headteacher in the strategic development of the school. We monitor every aspect of school life and make sure that the school offers the very best experience and opportunity for each child. We also monitor the progress of children, the curriculum, the buildings and the budget and are a ‘critical friend’ to the Headteacher. We ensure the school is a safe and healthy environment for all children and are responsible for the implementation of the safeguarding and child protection policies.
The governing body meets at least once a term as well as in committees for Resources, Curriculum & Achievement and Children, Families & Community – see below for more information on the committees. You can contact the governors via The Clerk to the Governors on: governors@stmarysn8.co.uk
- Chair of Governors – Venetia Brown
- Vice Chair of Governors – Angela Loulopoulou
Link Governors:
Each Governor has at least one ‘link’ subject or key area which they look after and report on.
| Governor | Committee | Link Governor Role |
| Venetia Brown | Curriculum & Achievement (Chair) + Strategic Steering Group (Chair) | Safeguarding, SEND and Well-Being |
| Angela Loulopoulou (Vice Chair of Governors) | Children, Families & Community (Chair) | Equality, Diversity & Inclusion |
| Jane O’Brien (Staff Governor – Head Teacher) | All committees | n/a |
| Fthr Bruce Batstone | Resources Committee / Strategic Steering Group | RE, Health & Safety |
| Vacancy | Curriculum & Achievement / Strategic Steering Group | English – Reading, Writing & Speaking & Listening |
| Paul French | Curriculum & Achievement / Strategic Steering Group | Art, PE, DT, Music |
| Alice Greenwell | Resources (Chair) | Personnel |
| Katie Chubb | Resources | EYFS |
| Eileen Clark | Children, Families & Community | MFL (French) PSHE / RSE |
| Javi Punzano | Children, Families & Community | Science, Computing & Maths |
| Harriet Frohock | Curriculum Achievement | n/a |
| Karl Reimer | Resources + Strategic Steering Group | English |
| Clemency Flitter | History & Geography | |
| Adam Cortazzo |
Committees:
We have three active committees which meet once a term, and each governor sits on at least one committee. Their remit is below.
- Resources Committee
This committee oversees the school finances, the school premises, health & safety and staffing. - Curriculum & Achievement Committee
This committee oversees pupil achievement, ensuring the school provides a high quality teaching and learning experience and delivers a broad and balanced curriculum in keeping with the school’s aims, pupil needs and legal requirements. - Children, Families & Community Committee
This committee oversees the school’s contribution to pupil well-being, and parental and community engagement. This includes the behaviour and safety of pupils, the promotion of healthy lifestyles and the contribution to the school and wider community.
Downloads:
Letters:
