The Governing Body consists of 12 members with a wealth of different experiences and from a range of backgrounds. Their role is absolutely key to the effectiveness of our school.
The role of the governing body is a strategic one, its key functions are to:
- Set the aims and objectives for the school
- Set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
- Set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
- Monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards the achievement of its aims and objectives
- Be a source of challenge and support to the headteacher (a critical friend)
The headteacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing body.
Overchurch Infant School – Governance Impact Statement
At Overchurch Infant School, the Governing Body plays a vital role in supporting and challenging the school to ensure the highest standards of education and wellbeing for all our pupils. Our primary responsibilities include setting the strategic direction of the school, holding the school leadership team to account by acting as a critical friend and ensuring financial resources are well managed and directed where they are most needed.
Our governors bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to the role, and we are committed to continuous professional development. Governors undertake regular training to stay informed of changes in education policy and best practice, ensuring they can effectively discharge their responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to school improvement.
Formal board meetings take place every half term, providing a structured platform to review school performance, evaluate progress against the School Development Plan, and monitor safeguarding, finance, and curriculum outcomes. These meetings are essential in holding the senior leadership team to account and ensuring transparency in all areas of school operation.
Link governors are assigned to specific priorities within the School Development Plan and make regular visits to school to deepen their understanding of the operational impact of a range of associated work streams across school. These visits allow governors to see the school in action, engage with staff and pupils, and gain firsthand insight into the impact of initiatives. Reports from these visits feed into governing body discussions, helping to ensure that decisions are well-informed and aligned with the school’s goals. This is a great part of our role and it really brings decision making into focus.
Governors work closely with the Headteacher and leadership team to shape the strategic direction and vision of Overchurch Infant School. Nominated governors carry out the Headteacher appraisal annually, supported by an independent educational advisor. The appraisal process allows us to look closely at the performance of the Headteacher, have discussions about areas of strengths and where necessary, areas for development. New targets are then set against criteria which the Headteachers performance will be evaluated.
Recent highlights include:
-Developing our wraparound care provision to better meet the needs of our families, supporting working parents and ensuring continuity of care for pupils within the ethos of Overchurch Infant School.
-Collaborating with key stakeholders, including the local authority and community partners, to strengthen our school environment and ensure it continues to meet the needs of our children.
-Promoting staff and pupil wellbeing, placing mental health and emotional resilience at the heart of our school culture and embedding new initiatives and dedicated wellbeing support for pupils, families and staff.
The Governing Body is proud of the progress made over the past year and remains fully committed to supporting Overchurch Infant School as it continues to thrive as a nurturing, inclusive, and ambitious learning environment.