Annual Governance Statement
Chairs Statement
On behalf of the Local Governing Body (L G B) of our Cornerstone schools. Barton, East Cowton Kirkby Fleetham, and Ravensworth Church of England Primary schools.
The Cornerstone group are members of the Dales Academies Trust, as part of our inclusive nature, which is a crucial part of our ethos, we have put together this statement to inform how the work of governance is organised.
It is our role as governors to follow the 3 recognised core functions of governance
- Ensuring the clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
- Holding the Head Teacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
- Oversee the financial performance of the school and making sure that money is well spent (as part of the academy regulations much of this particular responsibility is undertaken by the Dales Trust Board)
The Cornerstone four school model was formed 2 years ago to enhance support for four, smaller than average, rural schools
There was an interim board appointed in January 2021 this became the substantive L G B in January 2022.
We have had much discussion on how we are organised to best fulfil the responsibility we have, in providing a safe, welcoming school environment and the provision of the quality of education for the pupils in our care. We abide by the governors’ code of conduct including the seven Nolan Principles of public life.
Our priorities
- How our vision statement “Building Futures With Love” is incorporated in everything we do in school. Our vision statement was decided after consultations with children, staff, parents and governors.
- Ensure pupils enjoy school, feel safe, valued, and part of the school community
- Ensure pupil progress and attainment is monitored and maximised.
- To ensure we monitor staff well-being and workload.
- To approve policies and procedures.
- To oversee and monitor the quality of education the school provides.
To support us in our work we have established a program of allocating governors to the focused monitoring of specific aspects of the work of the school. This linking of governors also includes the development priorities in the school development plan.
Governors also visit school to attend collective worship, performances, sporting, and other events.
Governors’ meetings are held every half term, each meeting is planned and focused, the minutes of all our L G B meetings are taken by an independent clerk.