Local Governance
As well as driving up the standards of achievement and attainment, every Local Committee has four core functions which are:
- Establishing the strategic direction of the school
- Ensuring accountability
- Overseeing compliance
- Monitoring the impact of some grants (such as the pupil premium)
Governance arrangements at Valley End
We meet as a Local Committee twice each term to look at:
- what has been achieved against the School Development Plan
- information about the school
- ensuring our statutory duties are being met
- challenging the school and ourselves
- ensuring the strategic direction of the school will meet all pupils’ needs
Local Committee members also:
- ensure that certain policies (as delegated by The Good Shepherd Trust) are reviewed and updated to underpin the school’s work
- visit the school to speak with staff and children
- ensure that all statutory duties are met
- attend training both in and out of school to increase their knowledge about governance
- prepare for each meeting by reading information to be able ask the challenging questions which help the school show that there is a continuous drive for improvement in all aspects of school life
Being a Local Committee member requires commitment and time but is very rewarding. If you have any further questions or want to find out more about school governance, please contact Felipe Manzatucci or Tom Pembrey, the Co-Chairs of the Local Committee, via the school at info@valleyend.surrey.sch.uk
Local Committee constitution
The Local Committee consists of nine members:
Two parents/carers of children on roll at the time of appointment at the school, elected by the parent body. Parents/carers may be appointed by The Good Shepherd Trust if there are fewer nominations than vacancies. At the end of the 4-year term of office, the parent member would have to be re-elected to be eligible.
Five general members appointed by The Good Shepherd Trust. Our local committees do not have foundation governors. There is an expectation that a local committee in a Church school will include representatives from the Church where possible, nominated by the parish on a skills basis rather than an ex officio basis.
One staff member elected by the staff body. At the end of the 4-year term of office, the staff member would have to be re-elected to be eligible.
The Headteacher, whose term of office continues while they are in post.
The term of office for a Local Committee member is four years and a Local Committee member may serve two terms (8 years) if eligible. In exceptional circumstances, and where it is in the best interests of the Trust, a Local Committee member may serve a further period of up to four years whilst a successor is found.
The Good Shepherd Trust
Valley End C of E Infant School is an academy in the Good Shepherd Trust (GST). The GST is a multi-academy trust (MAT) within the Diocese of Guildford. More information about the GST can be found here.
The functions of the Trust Board of the Good Shepherd Trust are to lead strategy development, hold the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and his team to account, operate within financial constraints, define an overall vision for GST schools, meet the governance compliance required by law and create a strong, effective governance structure on the board and in schools.
The Chair of the Trust Board is Mr James Friend, who can be contacted via:
Academies Office
Larch Avenue
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 1JY
Telephone: 01483 910210
E-mail Address: admin@goodshepherdtrust.org.uk
Information about the finances and governance arrangements (including annual reports and accounts) can be found here.
The members of the LC, the Headteacher and staff work together constantly to improve the quality of the education we provide to our children and to promote Christian values in all aspects of school life.
All LC members are formally appointed by the Trust including where they are proposed through election, and are expected to perform their duties in accordance with a Code of Conduct.
Declarations of interest are declared and reviewed at each LC meeting and are available on this page.
The link to the academy’s governance page on GIAS (Get Information About Schools) is here.