Annual Governance Statement for the Governing Body

Annual Governance Statement for the Governing Body of Skelton Newby Hall and Sharow CE Primary Schools

September 2019

In accordance with the Government’s requirement for all governing bodies, the three core strategic functions of the Skelton Newby Hall and Sharow CE Schools 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. Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its’ money is well spent.

Governance Arrangements

The governing body of Skelton Newby Hall and Sharow CE Schools was reconstituted in 2012. A copy of the constitution is held by the School.

A broad range of skills is required to contribute to the effective governance and the success of the school.  A survey is undertaken annually to confirm that the Governing Body is able to demonstrate a suitable range of skills and if new governors are required that recruitment can reflect specific need.

The governing body has a programme of meetings throughout the school year.  It has been agreed that committees will no longer be formed for the general business of the Governing Body.  There are some areas requiring specific training for which committees have been agreed.

Attendance record of Governors.

A record is kept by the clerk to the governing body, of governors attendance at meetings, details of attendance can be found on the school website.

Meetings need to be ‘quorate’ in order to ensure that decisions can be made, a definition is contained within the Standing Orders document.

The work we have done on our committees and in the governing body meetings.

During the past year we have recruited a number of new members of staff including altering the leadership team and appointing a new Headteacher.  We have worked to explain the schools, their settings and to familiarise the new Headteacher with pupils, staff and ethos.

We have met to consider and set a new vision for the schools in order to guide future direction.

We have assisted with the development of a new Nursery provision for Skelton School in order to bring in a new Key Stage 1 cohort and retain the school for future generations.

We have considered and set budgets for each of the schools.  These budgets have been examined and discussed at future strategy meetings with NYCC

School Polices are under continual review with a programme of update throughout the year.

The minutes of governing body meetings are held on the Schools websites for 12 months following the meeting. 

Strategic Planning for the future.

We have considered the PAN for Sharow School and propose that this be increased this year allowing it to better serve the community.

We have supported the opening of a Nursery at Skelton which will appeal to the residents of the catchment and those living in adjacent communities.

How to contact the Governing Body.

Information about the governing body is available on the governor’s page of the school’s website.  Messages may be left at the Schools offices or letters may be addressed to the School Sites.

The Skelton Newby Hall and Sharow CE School Governing Body Membership

 ​​​​​