Statement from the Chair of Governors - September 2023

Welcome to the new academic year 2023/24!

My name is Gareth Holly and I am an elected Parent Governor and also the elected Chair of Governors. I joined the Board in November 2021 which was the very same day that the school received its Ofsted inspection. That first board meeting was an amazing experience.  As we all sat listening intently to the feedback given by the Ofsted inspectors about our wonderful school and hearing first hand about the outstanding education across the school it was clear to see the passion and pride school leaders, governors and staff have in our school. That introduction to governance at Springfield allows me as Chair to confidently trust that our school leaders know how to provide the very best educational experience for the children of Springfield and will continue to shape my role as Chair.

Our Governors are committed and play a very active role in the Springfield Community. Formally, we have three key roles: strategic input to support Mrs Chard in her leadership role for Springfield; a focus on the attainment and progress of all children, ensuring that education and learning meet the needs of all; and finally oversight over the efficient and effective use of financial and other resources. Importantly, we agree the annual budget for the School and thus have a direct influence over what the resources are spent on.

Springfield Governors have a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills that we use to support school. In November 2021 Ofsted said "Governors are very experienced in the roles that they have on the governing body. They use their knowledge effectively to hold leaders to account for the quality of education that they provide".

We have a formal constitution and the board is made up of representatives from parents (3), the Headteacher (1), staff (1) and the local authority (1), who are working together with our co-opted governors (7), all acting in the interest of Springfield. None of the Governors can act on their own, nor does any Governor represent a particular point of view or group within Springfield. There are a total of 13 Governors on our Board. Over time vacancies do become available so please keep an eye on the website if you are interested in becoming a school governor.

We meet four times a year and have two committees to support our work. The committees mirror our roles, covering Finance and Asset Management and Curriculum, Staffing & Effectiveness. The Committees meet more often and allow individual governors to develop areas of expertise and/or use their skills and experience. To support the delivery of the School Development Plan, we each have our key Link Governor roles which help us develop expertise on curriculum development; for 2023/24 we are focusing on Maths, Art and outdoor education. We also have link governor roles for SEND and pupil premium; Safeguarding; Sustainability and EAL. Throughout the year, we will tell you more about what we do through the Governors’ Corner in the Monthly Mention.

So please check regularly for updated information. You can contact me and the Governors via Mrs Chard and/or the School Office.

Mr Gareth Holly

Chair of Governors