Governance at Ridgefield Primary School

Who are the governors?

Governors are volunteers who support the school by working together as part of the Governing Body. This group may include parent governors, staff governors, local authority or community governors, and other co-opted or appointed members, depending on the school. Together, they bring a diverse range of skills, experience, and perspectives to guide and oversee the school. Governors play a vital role in the leadership and management of the school, providing both support and constructive challenge to school leaders.

Chair of Governors  – Jane Rickell

Chair of Resources Committee – Bruce Napier

Chair of Curriculum Committee – Eleanor Neal

Safeguarding Governor – Kath Austin

What do the governors do?

It is the governors’ role to support the staff strategically by checking to see if the school’s targets are being met and that priorities on the School Development Plan are being addressed. Governors develop a positive relationship with the head teacher and staff so that we can support them through problems, celebrate achievements and challenge them when we think they could be doing better. The governors play an important role in the school and we are all committed to ensuring Ridgefield continues to be a good school for your children to come to.

The Governing Body meets once every half-term and minutes are taken by the Clerk. These minutes are available to parents and school staff. Smaller groups of Governors (committees) meet separately at least twice a term to oversee important aspects of the running of the school. We have two sub committees – one for curriculum and one for resources. These two committees report back to the Governing Body. During the pandemic we also had a Covid Recovery Committee.

Governors also have links with members of staff responsible for key areas and visit the school from time to time during the day to talk with staff and see the school in action.

Here are some of the other things we do:

• Check that all statutory requirements are being met
• Review and set the school’s budget
• Support school leaders in making new appointments
• Monitor the school development plan
• Monitor the children’s progress and standards
• Keep a close watch on the provision for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and for those with particular needs
• Monitor the children’s attendance
• Review school policies
• Attend school events
• Visit classes and talk with staff and children
• Check up on all health and safety aspects of the school site

The Governing body is committed to increasing the diversity of its members to better reflect the school community.

Meeting agendas and minutes can be obtained by contacting the clerk on clerk@ridgefield.cambs.sch.uk