Statement from the Chair of Governors - September 2020

Governors play a vital 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. Most 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. We have a formal constitution and the board is made up of representatives from parents (3), the head teacher (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, not does any Governor represent a particular point of view or group within Springfield. There is a total of 13 Governors on our Board.

We meet four times a year and have three committees to support our work. The committees mirror our roles, covering Finance and Asset Management; School Effectiveness (pupil progress) and Staffing, Teaching and Learning. 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 pair up to develop expertise on curriculum development; SEND and pupil premium; Early Years Foundation Stage; Safeguarding and Data. Throughout the year, we will tell you about 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.

Cllr Mike Freeman

Chair of Governors

September 2020