The governors of Callow End CE Primary School who make up the Local Academy Board (LAB) bring expertise from all areas of the community.  Their interest and expertise is not just in education but also from commercial backgrounds, the wider school community and importantly our Church of England heritage.  The governors of the LAB meet regularly at the school to provide challenge and support to the headteacher, drawing on their knowledge and experience.  They make strategic decisions, taking into account the schools distinctive Christian vision, on matters such as performance, targets, school policies and school development plans.  They monitor the impact of the schools Christian vision within wider school policies and oversee school budgets and staffing, report on school achievements and respond to inspection recommendations.  They ask the searching questions that need to be asked of a Church school whilst respecting the position of the headteacher as the professional leader of our school.

How are governors chosen?

Parent governors are elected by the parents of the children currently at the school and staff governors are elected by the school staff.  Community governors are appointed by the Governing Body and vacancies are advertised in the Parish and on the school website. We also have Governors appointed by the Diocese (Foundation Governors) and Associate Governors.  It is the intention that these governors initially serve for a period of four years which can be extended by re-election or re-appointment.  Associate governors bring particular skills to the Governing Body and are invited to join the Governing Body on an annual basis.  The Head Teacher is also a Governor.

Whenever a vacancy for a parent governor arises, all parents are notified and nominations are invited.

How can I contact and meet the school governors?

The governors can be contacted through the school office by message or letter.  In addition Governors also attend many school events where parents are also invited such as carol services, sports functions, and performances.

What do governors do?

Governors are there to make sure the school is being run well and the learning experience Callow End School offers remains a positive one with continuously improving standards.  While the headteacher is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school, school governors look at the bigger picture. Governors are at the centre of all the major decisions that need to be taken about the school and its future.

Governors are answerable to parents and the Diocese of Worcester Multi Academy Trust (DOWMAT) for the school’s performance. As well as supporting the school and staff, governors are expected to challenge or question the performance of the headteacher and the school as a critical friend.

What does it take to be a governor?

Governors don’t need any special qualifications. They just need enthusiasm, commitment, and an interest in contributing to the success of the school. Training is provided for new governors by the Local Authority and by the church.  Governors attend a full Local Academy Board meeting four times a year.  Our chair, Peter Grieve, is also chair of Madresfield CE Primary School.

If you are interested in knowing more about being a Governor please contact the Chair for an informal chat.