The role of the Governing Body

The statutory purpose of the Governing Body in a school such as Lyndhurst is to promote high standards of educational achievement at the school.

The day to day management of the school is the responsibility of the Headteacher and staff, whereas the governors are responsible for the general direction of the school and providing a strategic overview.

The Governing Body acts as a critical friend to the school and ensures accountability, whilst considering the interests of children, parents and staff. It makes decisions about curriculum, finance, staffing and premises matters, to help raise standards of achievement and to make sure that the school provides a good quality education for all of our pupils.

Mission Statement

In July 2015 the Lyndhurst Governing Body adopted the following mission statement:

Structure of the Governing Body

Following reconstitution in 2014, the Lyndhurst Governing Body has 12 places. These are for:

• Three elected parents
• One elected member of staff
• One governor nominated by the local authority
• The Headteacher
• Six co-opted governors.

Elected parents and staff are appointed after an election has taken place. If the number of nominations exceeds the relevant number of vacancies a ballot will be held, with votes being cast by the parents and carers of children at the school, or staff employed by the school, as appropriate.

The local authority governor is nominated by West Sussex County Council.

The Headteacher is allocated a place on the Governing Body by law, but can decide whether or not to take up this place. The Headteacher at Lyndhurst has opted to take up her place.

Co-opted governors are appointed by the Governing Body from among people in our school and local communities, because they have skills or qualities needed to contribute to the governors’ work.

The term of office for governors at Lyndhurst is usually four years.

How the Governing Body operates

Working as a team, the governors meet as a whole group at least once each term to discuss the needs and achievements of the school. In addition, dedicated committees meet either at least once each term or when necessary.

The current committees are:

• Curriculum & Achievement
• Premises
• Pay & Employment Matters
• Performance Management
• Discipline & Exclusion
• Complaints

As well as committees, working parties meet on a regular basis to discuss particular areas of work in more depth. These are:

• Pupil Premium Working Party
• Finance Working Party
• Income Generating Working Party

In addition to attending meetings, Lyndhurst governors undertake monitoring, for example in respect of particular areas of the curriculum. They also get involved in school life in other ways, for example meeting parents of children new to Reception each year, attending the annual summer fayre and supporting school performances by the children.

The Governing Body is supported by a Clerk, who works part-time.

Contacting the Governing Body

The Clerk to the Governors or Chair of Governors (Donna Felstead) may be contacted via the school office.

Current Governors