Helme Church of England Academy

The Local Governing Body (LGB) currently consists of up to 8 members from all walks of life who bring a range of skills to their role as governor. As Helme is a Church of England Academy our current LGB is made up as follows:

Headteacher: Ms G Spooner

Staff: Mrs J Norgate

Foundation (proposed by the Diocese or the Parish Church Council): Mrs N Dyson (chair), Mrs J Gurden and Mr D Couchman

Parent (Elected by parents): Mrs S Birkhead

All members of the LGB support the Vision and distinctive Christian Ethos of the school. In order to fully support this, members of the LGB try to spend time in school when possible, not just when attending meetings. For example this may be in the form of ‘Learning walks’ where a particular aspect is looked at, Health and Safety visits, or attending school council meetings where they can enter in direct dialogue with pupils.

The LGB has a strategic responsibility which encompasses, for example, finance, staffing, the curriculum (including Special Educational Needs), Safeguarding, Health & Safety.

The LGB (through the Chair of Governors, the Resources committee and the Standards & Effectiveness committee) and the Headteacher work together to ensure the needs of the pupils are met.

The strategic responsibility is not to be confused with the day to day organisation and management of the school – this is the Headteacher’s responsibility, although the GB does act as a critical friend.

Therefore some aspects are the responsibility of the GB and others of the Headteacher. There may well be consultation and discussion and, within the guidelines available and legal requirements, a decision will be reached.