Governance at St. Anne's

In accordance with the Government’s requirements for all governing bodies, the three strategic functions of St Anne’s governing body are:

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;

3. Monitoring the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well-spent.

As a Catholic School, these requirements are underpinned and guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church. Our governing board consists of members who have the skills and expertise required to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school. As governors we provide challenge to the school by holding the headteacher and senior leaders to account for improving the quality of teaching, learning and school performance. We achieve this through questioning, regular monitoring and analysis of data on children’s performance and progress. Governors hold the headteacher to account for the performance management of teachers.

The governing board considers:

• The religious life of the school
• Standards, attainment and progress of all year groups § The School’s Improvement Plan
• Attendance and punctuality § Safeguarding
• Staffing
• Budget and finance monitoring
• Support for children with special educational needs § Pupil Premium allowance and its impact on pupils
• Health and Safety for premises and stakeholders

Some of the ways in which the governing body have impacted the school in 2022/2023 are as follows:

Religious Life of the School

Foundation governors are appointed by the bishop to ensure that gospel values are central to all aspects of school life and that the teaching of religious education is given equal priority with other subjects. Our parish clergy were frequent visitors to school and the children attended Masses at St Anne’s church and visited on a regular basis.

School Improvement Plan (SIP)

Senior leaders shared the School Improvement Plan with governors so they were able to identify and monitor progress made towards the key area objectives. The current SIP is based on priorities identified from data and Ofsted priorities. The SIP was reviewed and monitored termly and discussed at governors’ meetings.

Policies

Governors reviewed all relevant policies on a programmed basis to ensure that all guidance was current and up to date. Special attention was paid to ensure that the school complies with the Department of Education’s mandatory policy list and the Local Authorities’ recommended list.

Data

Data was made available to governors with both verbal and written presentations followed by discussion with the headteacher and members of the senior leadership team, enabling the governors to benchmark their data against similar schools, the Local Authority and schools nationally. Emphasis was placed on pupil progress across all ability groups including vulnerable groups and on the effective use of our Pupil Premium Grant.

Finance

Members of the governing board have attended training on school finance management, and the budget was monitored effectively through regular review.

Governor Visits and Training

Governors visited the school regularly to ensure the priorities of the school were evident and to understand more effectively the key issues on the SIP. Visits were reported back to governing body meeting for discussion. Governors brought a variety of expertise to the school and this helped to ensure the school was focussed on progression. Governors attended training to enable them to perform their roles effectively.

Attendance

Governor attendance was good and any absences were explained. There is a good level of commitment shown by all members of the governing body.

Review

The governing board annually performs a skills audit of its members.

Governor Roles 2022/2023

Clerk to the Governors 2022/2023

Cheryl Jackson cheryl.jackson@cheshireeast.gov.uk  or contact Michele Ashbrooke, school business manager, via the school office. 

Governor Committees 2022/2023

For Staff grievance, 3 of the following governors will be chosen,

Anne Lucas

Debbie Penny

John Popham

Mags Rogers

Debbie Penny

Liz Moffatt

Jim Wilkinson

John Popham

Simon Reynolds

Jon Knapper

Mary Pettifor

For Appeals, 3 of the following governors will be chosen

Anne Lucas

Debbie Penny

John Popham

Mags Rogers

Debbie Penny

Liz Moffatt

Jim Wilkinson

John Popham

Simon Reynolds

Jon Knapper

Mary Pettifor

Linked Governors 2022/2023

Attendance

75% attendance at Full Governing Board Meetings

94% attendance at committee meetings

Calendar of Meetings 2022/2023

Please click on the following link to find out about St. Anne's Governors Business Interests. 

CODE OF CONDUCT

St. Anne’s Catholic Primary follow the Catholic Education Services Code of Conduct for Governors which can be found on the following link

https://www.catholiceducation.org.uk/guidance-for-

schools/governance/item/1003629-codes-of-conduct-for-governors-and-directors

Register of Business Interests

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