Our Governing Body

Our Governors work closely with the headteacher, school staff, pupils and representatives from the local authority (LA). The Governing Body meets regularly. They are committed to ensuring the highest quality of education and welfare for your child. All correspondence to the Chair of Governors can be be sent to c/o Thornhill Primary School. If you wish to contact any members of the governing body, this can be done by contacting the school.

Our Chair is Mr David Thompson.

Our Vice Chairs are Mrs Deborah Halton-Cason and Mrs Julie Nisbet.

Statutory Guidance for Governing Bodies

Thornhill Primary School adhere to the statutory guidance from the Department of 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.

The Constitution of Governing Bodies of Maintained Schools

NGA Code of Conduct 2022-2023

Annually Governing Bodies are required to produce an Annual Governance Statement.

Annual Governance Statement for the Governing Body 2022 23

Attendance of Governors

2021-2022 Governors-attendance

Pre 2021 governors attendance

Governor Structure & Interests

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.

Governing Body and Committees

Governing Body Committee Structure

Thornhill-Committees-2021

Thornill Governor Terms of Office

Governor Responsibilities are aligned to our School Improvement Plan – Governor-Monitoring 2022-2023

Full Governing Body

Remit
The purpose of the Governing Body is to conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. Its three core strategic functions are:

Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

Finance, Premises and Personnel Committee

Remit The purpose of this committee includes:

In conjunction with the Headteacher to draft the first formal budget plan of the financial year, for approval by the full Governing Body.
To monitor income and expenditure
To ensure the school operates within the financial regulations of the County Council
Oversee the use of the premises and keep under review an asset management/building development plan.
To carry out an annual review of the staffing structure in consultation with the Headteacher and the Finance Committee
To oversee the appointment procedure for all staff
To act as the pupil discipline committee for fixed term and permanent exclusions.

Standards and Curriculum Committee

Remit The purpose of this committee includes:

To review the school’s curriculum statement and policies regarding the National Curriculum, policies and provisions for sex education and for collective worship and RE.
To monitor and review information about school performance and reporting to parents according to statutory requirements.
Ensure that the school’s policy on SEN is consistent with the code of practice and Equalities Act
Monitor the provision of RE and PHSCE
Ensure the school is fulfilling its responsibilities regarding child protection and safeguarding
Monitor the school’s performance
Monitor the achievement of disadvantaged groups.
Monitor the school’s attendance
In general terms, monitor teaching and learning and the progress of pupils.
Ensure the school has an effective behaviour and anti-bullying policy.

First / Pay Review Committee

Remit The purpose of this committee includes:

To act in accordance with the Teachers’ Pay Policy adopted by the governing body.
To make any decisions under the personnel procedures adopted by the Governing Body.

Appeals Committee

Remit The purpose of this committee includes:

To consider any appeal against a decision to dismiss a member of staff made by the First/Pay Review Committee.
Headteachers Performance
Remit The purpose of this committee includes:
To arrange to meet with the Education Development Partner (EDP) to discuss the Headteacher’s performance targets.

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