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The Composition of the Governing Board
As we are a federation we have one Governing Board covering both schools. The formal constitution provides for a minimum of five Governors with flexibility to appoint others to meet demand for skills and experience. The Crossways Schools Governing Board consists of:
Once in place each governor plays a full and equal part in the running and management of the schools. Nobody is there to represent their particular group. Most are educational amateurs but bring experience from home and work. Each governor serves a term of four years. We often welcome new members to add to the diversity, skills and experience of the governing body. If you would like to take on this challenging but interesting and rewarding role, please contact the Chair of Governors or Clerk via the school office.
Responsibilities
When compared to a business we are the board of directors with the Executive Head Teacher being the Managing Director. The Governing Board has the final accountability to the Secretary of State for Education for the running of the schools. We set, agree and oversee budgets; appoint the Executive Head Teacher, Federation Deputy Head Teacher and Federation Assistant Head Teacher; monitor the implementation of changes in the law; ensure the national curriculum is being taught, with all pupils having equal access; and help formulate the vision and aims. All this whilst ensuring that the ethos of the schools is supported. We are fortunate to be able to delegate many responsibilities to the Executive Head Teacher.
Name | Status |
Emma Aiken-Jones | Chair of Governors, Co-opted (Parent) |
Dominique Ayotte-Reader | Associate (staff) |
Alan Bucke | Co-opted (Parent) |
Claire Clarke | Co-opted Staff |
Philip Clarke | Co-opted (Parent) |
Cori Davies | Parent |
Yvonne Fagan | Co-opted (Parent) |
Paul Gardiner | Vice Chair of Finance & Resources, Co-opted (Parent) |
David Jenkins | Chair of Finance and resources, Local Authority |
Julia Jolley | Chair of Staff Development Commitee, Co-opted (Parent) |
Nicky McMahon | Executive Head Teacher |
Paul Medlicott | Co-opted Staff |
Emma Mitchell | Co-opted Staff |
Helen Mitchell | Parent |
Jane Stockton | Staff |
David Vernon | Co-opted Community |
Sarah Wickett | Vice Chait/Chair of Pupil Development, Co-opted (parent) |
Michelle Galliot | Clerk to Full Governing Board & all committees |
Execution of Responsibilities
Each year governors elect the Chair and Vice-chair. Our Governors meet regularly throughout the year, as a Full Governing Board and in sub-committees (Finance and Resources; Pupil Development; Staff Development). There are 5 Full Governing Board meetings and 11 committee meetings per year. The Chair of Governors and Executive Head Teacher meet once a fortnight.
Governor Contacts
Governors can be contacted for issues causing concern to parents/carers or for any other reason. If there are general issues with the running of the schools, governors are always open to approaches. Please feel free to speak informally. However, the role means that governors are remote from day-to-day running of the schools and it is more beneficial to contact your child’s class teacher, the Federation Deputy Head Teacher or the Executive Head Teacher. Letters should be directed via the school office and are, of course, treated with utmost confidentiality.
Governors have a close relationship with the Executive Head Teacher and staff to provide a source of support and challenge. This will include a variety activities, from helping to set the long term direction for the schools, setting the schools’ budget, recruiting staff and monitoring schools performance through to attending school concerts, helping out in class, and lending a hand at school fundraisers.
For further details on the Governors, please see the ‘Pecuniary and Business Interest’ document attached below.
To contact the Chair or Clerk of the Governors, please send a letter c/o either school office or send an email to infantschool@crossways.org.uk or juniorschool@crossways.org.uk marked for their attention.
