In this section:

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I think OFSTED should consider this school for outstanding status! My child loves going to school and is progressing exceptionally well. The teachers are 100% dedicated and the kids love them, which helps immensely.

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My child is very happy at St Botolph’s and enjoys coming to school each day, his progress has been magnificent and we are so proud of all he has achieved…. All in all we are extremely happy with this wonderful school!

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As a family we are really happy with St Botolphs. There is so much clarity and communication about all the important aspects of teaching methods, changes and general information.

Meet the Governors

The Governing Body's Core Functions

In order to achieve the goal of promoting high standards of educational achievement, the governing body has a strong focus on three core strategic functions. Briefly explained these are:

1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction. For example, by agreeing school policies and concurring content & priorities for improvement in the school development plan.
2. To hold the head teacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of the staff. For example, asking questions, offering support, constructive advice, help improve proposals, monitor and evaluate school performance, performance management of the head teacher.
3. Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent. For example, checking that resources are allocated in line with the school's strategic priorities, benchmarking spend with similar schools, questioning value for money with budgetary spend.

Our Governors have their own Code of Conduct which they all adhere to.

So what's the role of Governors?

The Full Governing Body (FGB) has general responsibility for the conduct of the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. The Governors are the strategic leaders of our school and have a vital role to play in making sure every child gets the best possible education. The day to day business of school life remains the responsibility of the head teacher and the senior leadership team.

Governors need to know their school. Our governors find that visiting, particularly during the day and during termly parents’ evenings, is a helpful way to find out more about our school. These visits also provide an opportunity to talk with children, staff and parents to gather their views and swiftly refer any concerns for an immediate resolution.

The Governing Body is made up of volunteers who represent different stakeholders in our school community: the Foundation (Church); Parents; local community; staff and Local Authority.

Our FGB meet formally each term as well as meeting for development and training/information sessions. In addition the FGB delegates certain responsibilities to three main sub-committees that meet termly and each have a particular focus:

Curriculum & Standards
Personnel & Finance
Health, Safety & Premises

Governing Body Diversity

As a school we recognise that a diversity of thought, voices and perspectives is essential to good governance and the effective running of any organisation. We regularly collect diversity information from our governors and, depending on current data, can use this to:

target recruitment to address gaps in experience and diversity
develop and adapt board practices to ensure full participation
prioritise training and awareness-raising in identified areas
address potential ‘blind spots’ through seeking wider advice and perspectives on current and upcoming opportunities, challenges and risks

However, we are unable to publish this information as it would mean that individual members of our governing body are identifiable.