What do Governors do?

Parent Governors are elected for four years (but may stand down before this) and may continue to be a Governor after their children have left the school.

The governing body at St Augustine’s is made up of Parent Governors, the Headteacher, teacher and support staff Governors elected by their colleagues, local authority Governors appointed by Westminster, and Foundation Governors.

The Governing Body has an important role in the school. Its main responsibility is to promote high standards of educational achievement, and it does this by working in a strategic way with the headteacher and staff and overseeing the development of the school. This includes:

• agreeing the school's aims, policies, targets and priorities
• ensuring the school achieves high standards for all learners
• making sure money is spent wisely
• making sure the curriculum is broad and balanced
• acting as a link between the local community and the school.

Meetings are held usually twice a term and Governors are expected to join one or more committees too; these meet regularly to consider matters in more detail.

The Governing Body works as a team, reflecting the views and interests of parents, staff, the local authority and the community. While Governors are representatives of their electorate or appointing body, they are not delegates and cannot be mandated to vote in any particular way. Each Governor’s main duty is to the best interests of the school.

Governors are volunteers - but may claim for out of pocket expenses, such as travel or childcare.