Our Governing Body
What Do Governors Do?
Governors work together to:
Set the strategic direction of the school by helping to establish its long-term vision and values.
Monitor educational performance, ensuring pupils make good progress and achieve their full potential.
Oversee financial management, making sure resources are used effectively and provide value for money.
Provide support and challenge, acting as a critical friend to school leaders while maintaining high expectations.
Engage with the wider community, listening to the views of parents, carers and stakeholders.
Ensure compliance and safeguarding, helping to ensure the school remains a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
The Governing Body meets six times each year to review the school's performance, consider key priorities and make strategic decisions. In addition, governors may serve on committees or working groups that focus on specific areas such as finance, personnel and premises.
Although governors are not involved in the day-to-day running of the school, their guidance, oversight and commitment make a significant difference to the experiences, opportunities and achievements of our pupils.
The Governing Body at Silver Birch Primary School
The Governing Body is made up of representatives from the school staff, parents, the Local Authority and the wider community. Governors are typically appointed or elected for a four-year term, although many choose to continue serving through re-election or reappointment.
Our Governing Body can consist of up to 13 members, including:
- The Headteacher
- One Local Authority Governor
- Parent Governors elected by parents and carers
- One Staff Governor elected by school staff
- Co-opted Governors appointed by the Governing Body
When a Parent Governor vacancy arises, all parents and carers are notified and invited to apply. If there are more candidates than vacancies, an election is held.
Types of Governor
Our Governing Body brings together individuals with a wide range of skills, experience and expertise, enabling it to effectively support and challenge the school.
Parent Governors
Elected by parents and carers of children attending the school, Parent Governors provide an important link between the Governing Body and the wider parent community.
Co-opted Governors
Appointed by the Governing Body, Co-opted Governors are selected for the skills, knowledge and experience they bring. This may include expertise in areas such as finance, human resources, education, leadership, law or business.
Staff Governors
Staff Governors are elected by school employees and may be teachers or support staff. They contribute valuable knowledge and understanding of school life.
Local Authority Governors
Local Authority Governors are nominated by the Local Authority and appointed by the Governing Body. They bring skills and experience that support effective governance.
Associate Members
Associate Members are appointed by the Governing Body to contribute their expertise to specific areas of governance. They may attend meetings and provide professional advice and information but do not have voting rights.
This structure ensures the Governing Body has a balanced range of perspectives, knowledge and skills to support the ongoing development and success of the school.
Our Governors
Staff Governors (Including the Headteacher)
Mrs Catherine Jones (Headteacher)
Ms Claire Wright
Local Authority Governor
Mrs Donna Hargrave
Parent Governors
Mr Glenn Proctor (Vice Chair of Governors)
Miss Alice Rowell
Miss Mandy Watt
Co-opted Governors
Mr Nick Lawson
Mr Lewis Lynch
Mrs Lorraine Scott (Chair of Governors)
Associate Members
Mrs Nicola Leyland, Deputy Headteacher, and Mrs Ruth Jenner, School Business Manager, serve as Associate Members of the Governing Body. They attend meetings and provide governors with valuable professional knowledge and expertise to support decision-making. Associate Members do not hold voting rights.
Contacting the Governing Body
If you wish to contact the Chair of Governors or the Governing Body, please do so through the school office, and your enquiry will be forwarded accordingly.