Our Governing Body

At Green Lane we have a passionate group of volunteers who form the governing body of our school. Many are parents whose children either are at the school or have recently left, other governors are connected to St Mary’s Church through our links with the Church of England, some come from the ranks of our dedicated staff, what links them all is an unwavering dedication to the children and families this school serves. The governors want to see every child achieve and thrive, we are particularly focused on assuring that our most disadvantaged pupils leave our school as ready for the next phase of their learning as every other pupil at Green Lane.

Our governors challenge us to be the best we can be and they support us in achieving this aim. If you feel you could add to our team and help us in our mission for excellence then contact the school via email or write to our Chair of Governors, Reverend Alec Harding, using the school’s address.

The school is a Voluntary Controlled school (under the auspices of the Durham & Newcastle Diocesan Board of Education). Our governors work closely with the headteacher, school staff and representatives from the local authority (LA) for the benefit of all the children in the school.

Governor Committee Structure

For further information on who our governors are and what they do, please click on each name below:

Name	Representing	Term of Office	Committee	Responsibilities	Register of Interest	Relationship to staff
Rev Alec Harding - Chair	Foundation Governor	-	Appeals Curriculum Personnel Christian Ethos (Chair)		None	None
Mrs Jennifer Currie	Foundation Governor	26/09/2020	Christian Ethos Headteacher's Performance		None	None
Mrs Maria Waddington	Foundation Governor	22/04/2022			None	None
Mrs Alison Hartley	Co-opted Governor	31/08/2019	Curriculum Personnel Christian Ethos		Teacher at this school	None
Mr Greg Farrar	Co-opted Governor	11/11/2022			None
Mr Robin Lees	Co-opted Governor	18/10/2020	Curriculum (Chair) Appeals	High Force Education SCITT Management Group Equalities Cultural Education / Diversity	Governor Teesdale School	None
Mrs Pamela Petty	Authority Governor	10/06/2022	Finance & Premises Personnel (Chair) First / Pay Review	SEND	Chair of Governors Bishop Auckland College	None
Miss Lisa Johnson - Vice Chair	Parent Governor	07/11/2021	Finance & Premises Pay Review	Pupil Premium Sports Premium School Financial Value Standard Looked after children Link Health & Safety	None	None
Mr Iain Brown	Parent Governor	07/11/2021	First / Pay Review Personnel Headteacher's Performance Finance & Premises	Nursery Liaison	Green Lane Nursery & Childcare Centre Director	None
Mr Simon Baker	Parent Governor	11/02/2023
Mr Robert Goffee	Head Teacher	ongoing	Curriculum, Finance & Premises Personnel		None	None
Mrs Nicola Linsley	Staff	-
Mrs Frances Stenlake

Recent leavers

Mrs Claire Barker-Bedford
Mrs Rebecca Kesterton – Parent Governor

Annual Statement

Each year the governing body is required to publish an annual statement setting out the key issues that have been faced and addressed over the last year, and an assessment of the impact of the governing body on the school. To read the Governors Annual Statement for 201 please view or download the full document below

Annual Governance Statement 2019

Statutory Guidance for Governing Bodies

Green Lane CE Primary School adhere to the statutory guidance from the Department of Education. This means that governing bodies must have regard to it when carrying out duties relating to the constitution of governing bodies in maintained schools. For further information please view or download the full document below.

The Constitution of Governing Bodies of Maintained Schools (2017)

How To Become A School Governor

If you require further information on the roles and responsibilities of School Governors or you are interested in becoming one, visit the Durham County Council website School Governor section.

Governing Body & its Committees

The purpose of the Governing Body is to conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. Its three core strategic functions are:

Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of its staff
Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

The Governing Body has established a number of committee to which it delegates day to day responsibility for the oversight of various aspects of the running of the school. Please view the Governing Body Committee Information page for further information about their main remits.

No members of the Governing Body have declared material interests arising from relationships between Governors or relationships between Governors and school staff. Mr R Lees is also a governor at Teesdale School.

Code of Conduct for Governors

Governor Attendance

Schools are required to display a record of Governor attendance at meetings for each school academic year.

Code:
Y Present
N/A Not on this committee
A Apologies received and accepted
O No apologies sent
– Not a member of the governing body at this time

Governor Attendance 2020-2021

Name	Finance & Premises 8th March 2021	Finance & Premises 21st June 2021
Mr Rob Goffee (Headteacher)	Y	Y
Alec Harding	N/A	N/A
Frances Stenlake	Y	Y
Alison Hartley	N/A	N/A
Robin Lees	N/A	N/A
Lisa Johnson	Y	Y
Iain Brown	Y	Y
Greg Farrar	Y	Y
Pamela Petty	Y	Y
Jennifer Currie	N/A	N/A
Simon Baker	Y	Y
Rebecca Kesterton	N/A	-
Maria Waddington	N/A	N/A

Archived Attendance
You can also view previous years attendance on our website.

Committee Terms of Reference

Full Governing Body

CHAIR: Reverend Alec Harding
VICE CHAIR: Ms Lisa Johnson
Terms of Reference

Strategic Leadership and Accountability:

In collaboration with school leaders determine a clear and explicit vision for the future. Ensure this is communicated to the whole organisation.
Set strong and clear values and ensure these are embedded across the organisation and adhered to.
Determine the strategic direction for the school.
Monitor and evaluate pupil progress and attainment by receiving reports and information from the Headteacher and other school leaders; compare against national and local benchmarks over time.
Receive reports from committees, working parties or individuals and agree actions.
Approve the SEF and monitor throughout the year.
Approve the School Improvement Plan priorities and monitor throughout the year progress towards agreed actions.
Ensure there is a transparent system for performance management of all staff which is clearly linked to the school’s priorities. Have oversight of staff performance throughout the year.
Ensure there are mechanisms in place to listen to and respond to the views of parents/carers, pupils, staff, local communities and employers.
Agree recruitment process to be followed in relation to Senior Leader posts; where delegated ratify appointments.
Final approval of the annual budget plan.
Monitor the school’s budget throughout the year.
Agree virement and expenditure limits for the Headteacher.
Hold at least 3 meetings each academic year. Ensure that committee meetings are held in accordance with the agreed terms of reference.

People and Structures:

Elect and/or remove Chair of Governors and Vice Chair of Governors.
Appoint Committee Chairs or delegate to each committee.
Consider and agree delegation of functions to individuals or committees.
Agree committee terms of reference and membership.
Establish a register of Governors business interests.
Ensure Governors information on the Get Information About Schools (GIAS) register and the school website is up to date and compliant with current requirements.
Confirm the Instrument of Government and subsequent amendments.
Appoint Co-opted, Local Authority and where necessary Parent Governors to the Board.
Review and monitor the Governor Induction Process.
Have regard for Governors professional development.
Where necessary, suspend or remove Governors from the Board.
Appoint/dismiss the Clerk to the Governing Body.

Compliance and Evaluation:

Consider business provided by Local Authority and other sources
Suspend or end suspension of staff members.
Ensure all statutory policies are in place and there is an effective policy review cycle.
Review and agree the Governor Code of Conduct.
Confirm arrangements for completion of a Governor Skills Audit.
Ensure there is regular self-evaluation and review of individual’s contribution to the Board as well as the Board’s overall operation and effectiveness.
As necessary, consider an external review of the Board’s effectiveness.
Ensure school website is up to date and compliant with current DfE requirements.

The Finance, Personnel, Premises and High Force Committee

Terms of Reference:

To establish and review a performance management policy for all staff.
In conjunction with the Headteacher to draft the first formal budget plan of the financial year, for approval by the full Governing Body.
To establish and maintain an up to date 3 year financial plan.
To monitor income and expenditure, including virement decisions, significant anomalies from the anticipated position and report termly to the Governing Body.
To ensure the school operates within the financial regulations of the County Council and the requirements of the DfE School Financial Value Standard.
To monitor expenditure of all voluntary funds kept on behalf of the Governing Body.
To annually review charges and remissions policies and expenses policies.
To make decisions in respect of service level agreements.
To make decisions on expenditure following recommendations from other committees.
To prepare financial statements for inclusion in any reports to parents.
To ensure as far as is practical that any Health and Safety (H&S) issues are appropriately funded in accordance with priorities.
Ensuring that the school meets health and safety requirements and review the school H&S policy regularly.
Ensure that buildings and the learning environment are maintained and fit for purpose.
Oversee the use of the premises by outside users.
Establish and keep under review an asset management/building development plan.
Establish and keep under review an Accessibility Plan.
Ensure that adequate provision is made to make the building safe and secure.
Any other relevant issues delegated by the Governing Body

Meetings: termly, or each half term, planned to coincide with Oracle Statements.
Disqualifications: when there may be a conflict of interest; a fair hearing is required; or a pecuniary interest.

Virement & Expenditure Limits

Virement Limits		Expenditure Limits
Limit set for Headteacher without prior written approval of Chair or Governing Body	£ 5,000	Any items of expenditure up to	£ 10,000
Limit set for Headteacher with approval from Chair of Governors	5,001 – 10,000	Above this limit if item was previously notified to the Governing Body. Prior Finance Committee or Chair of Governors approval (whichever is the soonest) to be sought outside of this limit and reported at the earliest opportunity.
Prior Finance Committee or Chair of Governors approval (whichever is the soonest) to be sought outside of this limit and reported at the earliest opportunity.

NB Any goods/services purchased and works to be carried out are subject to Durham County Council Contract Procedure Rules (January 2014) for quotations.

First / Pay Review Committee

CHAIR:
Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).
Annually agree the Teachers’ Pay Policy.
Act in accordance with the Teachers’ Pay Policy when carrying out the annual review of teachers’ salaries.
Report to the Finance and Premises Committee on pay review related expenditure.
Consider any requests made in accordance with personnel policies e.g. flexible working, leave of absence etc. (unless delegated to the Headteacher).
Make any decisions under the personnel procedures adopted by the Governing Body e.g. disciplinary, grievance, ill-health, capability etc. (Unless delegated to the Headteacher).
Deal with matters relating to staffing reductions.

MEETINGS: at least annually
QUORUM:
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Headteacher; Chair of Governors (if have prior knowledge); where there may be a conflict of interest; any Governor whose spouse/partner is involved; staff (annual pay review and matters relating to staffing reductions)

Appeals Committee

CHAIR:
Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).
Consider any appeal against a decision made under the personnel procedures adopted by the Governing Body.
Consider any appeal against a decision made by the First/Pay Review Committee during the annual review of teachers’ salaries.
Consider any appeal against selection for redundancy through a staffing reduction process.
Consider complaints against the school in accordance with the agreed school Complaints Procedure.

MEETINGS: as and when required.
QUORUM: Must have at least the same number of Governors as were present at the original hearing.
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Headteacher; Chair of Governors (if have prior knowledge); any Governor involved in the original hearing; where there may be a conflict of interest; any Governor whose spouse/partner is involved; staff (appeals in relation to salary or staffing reduction decisions)

Headteacher’s Performance Review Committee

LEAD GOVERNOR:
Terms of Reference

Set, with the support of the External Advisor (EA) or Education Development Partner (EDP) Headteacher’s annual performance objectives.
Monitor throughout the year the performance of the Headteacher against agreed performance objectives.
Review, with the support of the External Advisor (EA) or Education Development Partner (EDP) achievement of performance objectives.
Make recommendations to the First/Pay Review Committee in respect of the Headteacher’s annual pay progression.

MEETINGS: Autumn Term plus monitoring meetings
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Headteacher and staff

Personnel & Performance Review Committee

Terms of Reference:

To carry out an annual review of the staffing structure in consultation with the Headteacher and the Finance Committee.
To oversee the appointment procedure for all staff.
To establish and review a performance management policy for all staff.
To keep under review work/life balance, working conditions and well being, including the monitoring of absence.
To make recommendations to the Finance Committee on Personnel-related expenditure.
Monitoring nutritional standards within the school to include school meals, snack provision and food available during wrap-around provision.
Ensure the school is fulfilling its responsibilities regarding child protection and the requirements of “Working Together to Safeguard Children”.
Conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of education achievement (SSFA 1998).
Set targets for achievement at KS1 and KS2. Monitor the school’s performance against these targets.
Monitor the achievement of disadvantaged groups and the impact of policies on race, SEN, Looked After Children and Disability on pupils, parents and communities.
Contribute to the development and monitoring of the School Improvement Plan and the SEF.
Ensure that a report on each pupil’s educational achievements is forwarded to their parents/guardians annually.
Set attendance targets and monitor the school’s performance against these targets.
In general terms, monitor teaching and learning and the progress of pupils. Ensure the quality of education, teaching and learning.
Plan to raise standards of achievement and monitor the school’s performance.
Ensure the school works well with its community, parents and other schools.
Ensure the school meets the requirements of the SEN and relevant disability legislation.
Ensure the school works effectively with other agencies to support vulnerable children and their families.
Ensure that the school has an effective school council. The Governing Body takes account of the school council in determining the way in which the school is conducted.
Act as Pupil Discipline Committee for Permanent/Fixed Term exclusions.
Complaints

Meetings: as required.
Disqualifications: when there may be a conflict of interest; a fair hearing is required; or a pecuniary interest. Staff members cannot take part in any salary decisions.

Delegation to the Headteacher

School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009.

Appointments:

The Headteacher is delegated responsibility for

All posts
Personnel Committee invited to interviews for permanent teaching staff

Dismissals:

The Headteacher has no delegated responsibility for dismissals.

Christian Ethos Committee

Terms of Reference:

Plan, monitor and evaluate all aspects of Collective Worship, Religious Education, spiritual development and the Christian Ethos of the school.

Meetings: Termly.

Curriculum Committee

Terms of Reference:

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).
Consider representations from parents/carers in the case of fixed term exclusions in line with statutory guidance.
Consider the appropriateness of any permanent exclusion or any exclusion where one or more fixed period exclusions total more than 15 school days in one term or where a pupil is denied the chance to take a public examination in line with statutory guidance.
Ensure the school has an effective behaviour and anti-bullying policy. Monitor the implementation of this policy and its impact.
Monitor the development of pupils’ attitudes, values and other personal qualities.
Aims and values for the school are agreed and positive ethos for the school is promoted. Policy decisions are consistent with the agreed aims, values and ethos.
The school promotes inclusive policies that allow for the achievement of all pupils.
Ensure that adequate provision is made for transition between primary and secondary education.
Ensure that the school fulfils its statutory responsibilities in terms of Race discrimination.
Ensure each child is able to reach their potential including the gifted and talented.
Ensure that every child receives the full statutory curriculum that the school must provide.
Ensure the school has a curriculum policy that meets pupils’ needs.
Ensure the school has policies on Race and Disability Discrimination.
Monitor the provision of extra-curricular activities including overnight stays provided to encourage recreation and social development.
Ensuring that PE is taught as part of the school curriculum and monitoring the quality and adequacy of provision.
Promoting an ethos that encourages participation in competitive sport both within the school and between schools.
Ensure that the school’s policy on SEN is consistent with the code of practice and Equalities Act and that arrangements are made to ensure the policy is monitored and reviewed regularly. The policy is known to parents and carers.
ensure the effective integration of children with SEN.
Consider developing a whole school drugs policy.
Decide whether or not to provide sex and relationships education and consult parents. Agree the content and organisation of the school’s programme of sex and relationship education and notify parents of their right to withdraw their child
Monitor pupils’ attitudes, values and how other personal qualities are developed within the school through the provision of RE and PHSCE and that parents are told of their right to withdraw their child.

MEETINGS: termly/held as necessary
QUORUM:
DISQUALIFICATIONS: prior knowledge; any Governor whose child is involved

Adobe Reader
You may need a product like Adobe Reader (free download) to view our PDF documents on our website.