Governors

Caldew School is fortunate to be supported by a dedicated and well qualified governing body. Governors all work voluntarily to ensure the school delivers the highest possible standards of education for our community.

“Governors provide appropriate challenge to leaders. They carefully question the decisions that are made, to make sure there are in the best interests of the pupils and students. Leaders, including Governors, are very mindful of the workload and well-being of staff."

Ofsted 2022

The Role of the Governing Body

The main aim of the governing body is to maintain and improve the school’s standards of education. Its work can be divided into three key areas:

  • Setting the school’s vision and strategic aims, agreeing plans and policies, and making creative use of resources.
  • Monitoring and evaluating performance, acting as a critical friend to the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to support and challenge them in managing the school.
  • Ensuring that the school is accountable to the children and parents it serves, to its local community, to those who fund and maintain it, as well as to the staff it employs.

The Responsibilities of the Governing Body

The responsibilities of the governing body are defined by legislation.

‘The Governors’ Handbook addresses governors’ responsibilities and can be viewed through the Department for Education website.

The main areas addressed in the guide are as follows:

  • The role of governing bodies
  • Constitution and procedures
  • Education and inspection
  • Pupil wellbeing
  • Teachers and support staff
  • Organisational changes and the use of school premises
  • School finance
  • Information sharing

Structure Of Members and Governors

 

MEMBERS  (5)

  • Tazeem Abbas 
  • Johanne Doherty
  • Tony Smith
  • Michael Smillie (Vice-Chair)
  • Jennie Wilkinson (Chair)


Head Teacher   Vicki  Jackson      Company Secretary    Gail Howes

 

GOVERNORS  (15)

 First Governors  (Appointed by Members)

  • Sarah Sims
  • Jennie Wilkinson (Chair)
  • Vacancy


Parent Governors (Elected by Parents)

  • Vacancy
  • Karen Warwick (Safeguarding Governor)
  • Clem Coady
  • Hayley Tancred

 

Staff Governors (Elected by Staff)

  • Vicki Jackson (Headteacher)
  • Barry Keal  (Associate Staff Governor)
  • Brendan McArdle  (Teacher Governor)
  • Vacancy


Community/Co-opted Governors (Appointed by FGB)

  • Louise Atkinson
  • Grant Smith
  • Victoria Lawson


Clerk to the Governors         Mrs Sarah Connolly - Email the Clerk

Governors Attendance 22-23Governors Attendance 22-23

 

Leaders have created a welcoming and supportive environment at this school. Pupils and students achieve well in their learning. They are well prepared for their next steps in education, employment and training.

Ofsted 2022

An effective programme of personal development has been created for pupils in key stages 3 and 4. This prepares pupils well for their future, giving them opportunities to have important discussions about healthy relationships, social and moral issues.

Ofsted 2022

Staff have high expectations for pupils’ and students’ behaviour and learning. Pupils and students behave well in lessons and around the school site. They are polite to each other and look out for others in the school.

Ofsted 2022

There is a strong culture of safeguarding in place, with clear systems to record any concerns. Leaders keep safeguarding relevant to all members of the school community through regular updates, training, alerts and reminders.

Ofsted 2022

Leaders provide effective careers guidance to pupils from Year 7 through to Year 13. Clear guidance, including preparation for interviews and ‘Work Ready Days’, helps pupils and students to make considered choices for their next steps.

Ofsted 2022