Who are the Governors of Itchen Abbas Primary School for the academic year 2024-25?

Pecuniary interests

Governors also certify that they have declared to the best of their knowledge, all beneficial interests which they, their relatives and other individuals closely connected with them have with businesses or other organisation’s which may have dealings with the school. This declaration is signed annually, and checked at each meeting of the Board of Governors. Any pecuniary interests have been declared and viewed by clicking on their profile above.

Safeguarding

Keeping children safe is a key role of the governors. All Governors complete the Child Protection training and are familiar with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Our Safeguarding Governor is Karen Tregunna. Her role includes checking the Single Central Register of staff and volunteers on a regular basis, assisting in the recruitment of new staff, as part of her Safer Recruitment role, and meeting with the Headteacher to audit the school's safeguarding provision and complete the annual Safeguarding return to DfE.

Who are we?

Every school is required to have a governing body and school governors are drawn from different parts of the community. This helps to ensure that the governing body has sufficient diversity of views and experience. At any time, our governing body will have a mix of each of these types of governors:

• Co-opted governors
• Local Authority governor
• Parent governors
• Headteacher
• Staff governor

Each autumn the governing body elects a chairperson and vice chairperson for the coming year and new parent governors are elected as required. This year, the role of Chair of Governors is shared between Sharon Priest and Rachael Cowling. The key responsibilities of each governor are set out below.

At Itchen Abbas, the Governors and the Head Teacher work in partnership and are responsible for the strategic direction of the school. Governing bodies act within a policy framework which is set by national legislation and they meet formally every half-term.

Our Governing Body is made up of 1 Sub Committee called 'The Resources Committee' and is made up of a selection of Governors.

The committee is responsible for the close monitoring and scrutiny of the schools' annual budgetary spend, ensure the school meets its statutory obligations when recruiting and managing staff and ensure the premises and grounds meet all current legislative Health and Safety requirements. The committee has a Terms of Reference which are agreed annually.

Governors also certify that they have declared to the best of their knowledge, all beneficial interests which they, their relatives and other individuals closely connected with them have with businesses or other organisation’s which may have dealings with the school. This declaration is signed annually, and checked at each meeting of the Board of Governors. Any pecuniary interests have been declared and viewed by clicking on their profile above.

Vacancy - Are you interested in becoming a Governor?

We are looking for Co-opted Governors from our community (who are not current parents) to join our enthusiastic and committed group of people. Below is information to help you decide whether this is something you might like to consider. 

What will you do? 

• Firstly, and most importantly, we need people who are interested in the education of our young people; who will have the commitment to being involved and attend the school regularly for meetings and other activities. 
• Generally, the GB meetings are once a half-term, about every 6 weeks, and currently are timetabled for Tuesday evenings from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
•  Whatever your skill set, you will be encouraged to participate in all areas of the school and some specific ones. However, if you are thinking ‘I know nothing about education and schools’, then do not worry, as there are plenty of opportunities for you to build up your knowledge – for free. There is firstly an induction course and you will be assigned a mentor from the GB who will lead you through the acronyms and specific educational jargon and procedures. Then there are many courses relating to specific aspects of governor work. Who knows what you find yourself learning about? 
• We have a Code of Conduct which will guide you on the expectations of being a governor. 
• We have days or parts of days in school to see the school in action, so you have a chance to meet the children and staff. These visits are focused so that you learn as well as enjoy visiting and getting to know everyone. 
• All paper work for governor work and meetings are sent out via email well in advance by our lovely and efficient Clerk. You will be given an exclusive governor email address. 
• Although the meetings are serious and run according to an agenda, we do have a laugh and have a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. 
• Finally, you get a free cup of coffee or tea at every meeting! 

So, what do you think? 

If you have read this far, then maybe we have touched a point of interest. If so, there are many ways to move forward: 

1. Phone the school and talk to our Admin Officer, Jo Smith, who is also the Clerk to the governors. 
2. Phone and make an appointment to discuss the role with the Headteacher, Rob Bogan. 
3. Email the school to start the process. 
4. Ask to discuss with a governor who will tell you how they feel and what they do. 

Attendance 2023-24