The purpose of the governing body is to help the school provide the best possible education for its pupils. We play a strategic role, meaning that we concentrate on the underlying principles of how the school is run, rather than day-to-day management issues, which remain the responsibility of the head teacher and his staff. We have a considerable number of statutory responsibilities to fulfil (such as approving the school budget, performance management of the head teacher, the delivery of the national curriculum, safeguarding and child protection policy, approving arrangements for school trips as well as other health and safety issues) and generally monitor and evaluate progress in school development and achievements.

We also play an important role in accountability. Not only is the head teacher accountable to the governing body, but the governing body in turn is accountable to parents, the LA and ultimately to the Department for Education. However, perhaps one of the best phrases used to summarise the role of the governing body is that of “critical friend”. At Coleridge we have a long history of excellent working relationships between the governing body, head teacher and staff. The 2015 OFSTED report commented that “Governors use their wide range of expertise, including in assessment data, to question senior leaders incisively and to hold them very closely to account for the school’s performance”.

We meet as a full governing body twice a term and each of our committees (Child and Community, Resources and Environment) also meets twice a term with Health & Safety meeting once a term. Between them, the committees divide up responsibility for monitoring and reviewing school policy and supporting the school development plan. To see the remit and responsibilities of each committee, please click on the links below to see their Terms of Reference.

• Terms of Ref Charities and Sponsorship Committee
• Terms of Ref Child and Community Committee
• Terms of Ref Environment Health and Safety Committee
• Terms of Ref Pay Committee
• Terms of Ref Resources Committee

At Coleridge, in keeping with our commitment to openness and transparency, the main Part One of governing body meetings is open and parents are welcome to attend. Most meetings are held in the Coleridge West staff room, and the dates of the meetings are available on the school calendar or the Governors meeting dates page.