Governors work closely with headteachers, school staff and representatives from the local authority (LA).
What do Governors do?
The governing body is a group of people from a variety of backgrounds who are responsible for making sure that the school provides a high standard of education and experience for its pupils.
The governing body of the school commit their time voluntarily to offer both support and challenge to the headteacher in the effective running of the school and the continuous drive to always aim higher.
- As a governing body we are proud to be an integral part of shaping the lives and futures of the pupils of West Rainton Primary School.
- We know we provide a safe, happy and welcoming school where everyone is listened to and respected.
- We are committed to delivering the best possible learning experiences in line with the school’s key curriculum drivers of: aiming high; skills for learning and life; growing healthily; and knowledge of the world.
- We are a school at the heart of our local community. We strive to be an integral, positive part of society, making diverse and ambitious links to work together for success.
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.
Statutory Guidance for Governing Bodies
West Rainton Primary School adhere to the statutory guidance from the Department for 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 documents below.
The constitution of governing bodies of maintained schools 2017
Annual Governance Statement for 19-20
Governor terms of reference 2020-21
Our Current Governing Body Committee Structure and Register of Interests
| Name | Position | Committee | Term of Office | Representing | Responsibilities | Appointing Body | Voting rights | Business Interest | Personal Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rev Michael Beck | Chair of Full Governing Body | Staffing, Curriculum, First Committee, Finance, Headteacher’s Performance Management | 23/11/20- 22/11/24 | Co-opted | Safeguarding SEN LAC | Governors | Yes | No | No |
| Gordon Murphy | Chair of Appeals | Appeals, Curriculum | 26/11/19- 26/11/23 | Co-opted | Health and Safety | Governors | Yes | No | No |
| Simon Scott | Vice Chair of FGB Chair of Curriculum Committee Chair of Finance committee | Appeals, Curriculum Finance | 02/11/21- 01/11/25 | Parent | Pupil Premium Website e-safety English Maths | Parents | Yes | No | Yes- Pupils in school |
| Neil Bennett | Chair of First Committee | First Committee Staffing | 01/09/19- 01/09/23 | Co-opted | Sport Premium Governor training | Governors | Yes | No | No |
| Helen Forster | Chair of Staffing Committee | Staffing, First Committee, Finance, Headteacher’s Performance Management | 25/11/19- 25/11/23 | Co-opted | Data Protection Arts and Culture | Governors | Yes | No | No |
| Kirstin McGowan | Finance | 01/09/19- 01/09/23 | Co-opted | Staff | Yes | No | No | ||
| Claire Maddox | Curriculum | 04/11/21- 03/11/25 | Staff | Staff | Yes | No | No | ||
| William Kellett | 17/06/19- 17/06/23 | LA | Governors | Yes | Yes- DCC councillor | No | |||
| Christine Charlton | Curriculum Appeals | 03/02/21- 03/02/25 | Co-opted | EYFS Staff wellbeing Arts and Culture | Governors | Yes | No | Yes- daughter is a staff member | |
| Jodean Dawson | Curriculum Appeals | 04/02/20- 04/02/24 | Parent | Parents | Yes | No | Yes-pupils in school | ||
| A McDonough | Head Teacher | Curriculum, Staffing, Finance | N/A | NA | Yes | No | Yes- husband teacher in school |
Our Current Governing Body Attendance Register
| Name | Governor briefing-covid update pre-summer 08/07/20 | Autumn 2020 04/11/20 VIRUTAL | Spring 2021 03/02/21 VIRTUAL | Summer 2021 16/06/21 VIRTUAL | Autumn 2021 04/11/21 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rev. Michael Beck | attended | attended | attended | attended | attended |
| Mr Neil Bennett | attended | attended | attended | apologies- connection issue | attended |
| Mr David Blenkiron | attended | attended | attended | attended | apologies- work commitments |
| Mrs Christine Charlton | Newly appointed- attended | apologies- holiday as meeting date was rearranged | attended | ||
| Mrs Jodean Dawson | attended | attended | attended | attended | apologies- work commitments |
| Mrs Helen Forster | attended | attended | apologies | attended | attended |
| Mr William Kellett | apologies | attended | attended | attended | apologies- attending another meeting |
| Mrs Claire Maddox | attended | attended | attended | attended | attended |
| Mrs Alison McDonough | attended | attended | attended | attended | attended |
| Mrs Kirstin McGowan | attended | attended | apologies | attended | attended |
| Mr Gordon Murphy | apologies | attended | attended | attended | apologies- personal reasons |
| Mr Simon Scott | attended | attended | attended | attended | apologies- work commitments |
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