2. Maple Cross School Governing Body

3. Role of Governing Body The prime concern of the Maple Cross School Governing Body is to ensure that the school promotes high standards of educational achievement in a safe and happy environment. In particular we have a strong focus on three core strategic functions:  Ensuring the clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school;  Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils; and  Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent We aim to at least maintain our Ofsted ‘Good School’ rating.

4. Governing Body Structure The Governing Body devolves a lot of its work to two committees, the Education and Strategic Planning Committee (E&S) and the Resource and Personnel Committee (R&P). All key decisions are ratified by the Full Governing Body (FGB). Each group (FGB, E&S and R&P) meet twice a term. Full Governing Body Colin Crook - Chairman - LEA governorAmanda Erasmus - Parent Governor John Reynolds - Vice Chairman - Parent GovernorSelcuk Bir - Parent Governor Duncan Roberts - HeadteacherSeb Brummell - Teaching Staff Governor Ann Shaw - Co-opted Governor - CommunitySteve Cook - Staff Governor Abbie Ranns - Co-opted Governor - CommunityTwo Vacancies Clerk: Philippa Gosden Education and Strategic PlanningResource and Personnel John Reynolds - ChairmanColin Crook - Chairman Colin CrookDuncan Roberts Selcuk Bir Ann ShawAbbie Ranns Amanda ErasmusVacant In addition, small specialists groups are formed to assess HT performance, complaints, SEN and safeguarding, health and safety and exclusions. All non-staff governors are linked to individual classes to monitor the implementation of the School Improvement Plan. Class visits are expected at least once a term.

5. Governing Body constitution All Governors of the school are unpaid volunteers. The Governing Body consists of a balance of staff, parents and local community representatives so that all important interested parties have a say in how the school is run. Both parent and staff governors are elected by their respective constituents. The Governing Body seeks a balance of skill sets that matches the needs of the school. We currently have a nice balance of experts in finance, education, local government, child protection and health and safety.

6. What have we achieved?  We have managed the transition of the senior management team  We have managed to continue significant investment in the needs of the school despite government cut backs: iPads, new library, play equipment, improved disabled access, enhanced security.  We have tried to improve the communication between parents and governors through: governor board, parent questionnaire, governor suggestion box, governor email (chair@maplecross.herts.sch.uk), letter to parents from governors.  We have responded to parents concerns, e.g. new fencing, pupil and parent behaviour.  We have encouraged the elimination of bureaucracy whilst strengthening the quality of reporting systems to allow better focus on each child’s individual requirements.

7. What have we achieved?  By challenging original plans for expansion we will have managed to provide a dedicated early years education unit, whilst better utilising existing school space, all at cost lower than original expectations.  We have developed budget, finance and benchmarking tools that allow us to have a better understanding of the schools costs relative to pupil numbers, previous years and comparable schools.  A rigorous Health and Safety review has improved the respective systems and accountability of staff to everybody’s benefit. The school is now rated Good on Health and Safety matters.  All governor meetings now involve informed discussion and debate on the important operational aspects and/or strategic direction of the school.

8. What more can we achieve?  The Governing Body continually looks at ways to improve its own effectiveness and that of the school.  The continued growth of the school brings new challenges. The Governing Body needs to ensure that there are always adequate resources available to cope with that growth without affecting the performance of the school.  The Governing Body is now more able to set targets, appraise performance and remunerate the key personnel at the school. We intend to do this in line with the desires and needs of the local community.  The School has the aim of being the ‘go to’ primary school in the local area. This will require further improvement in pupil progress and attainment, greater community involvement and efficient allocation of resources. Source: Annual school census

9. Would you like to help?  The FGB is looking for one new non-parent governor. Ideally we would like somebody with financial experience. Do you know anybody that may be interested? Please let us know.  The School will hold elections for two parent governors in November. If you are interested and would like more details, please contact the school office.  We are looking for people who are willing to work with the school management team to further the achievements of the school. The person must be prepared to challenge ideas, take responsibility for certain aspects of the role (in particular Health and Safety) and be able to give their spare time as required. In return we believe we can offer an interesting and rewarding experience as you help improve the lives and prospects of our pupils.

10. “A good school” Ofsted, November 2011