The Governing Body

Mrs Vivien Stevens

Chair Governing Body

vivien.stevens@upperbeedingprimary.co.uk

Hello, I’m Vivien Stevens, Chair of the Governing Body at Upper Beeding Primary School. On behalf of the Governors let me welcome you to our section of the website and tell you about our role. 

 

Every school has a Governing Body to represent the wider community in the running of the school. We are a group of committed volunteers who bring perspectives from ‘ordinary’ life and work with the staff and local authority to help secure the best possible education for the children at Upper Beeding Primary School.

 

Our core functions are as follows:

 

- working with the school leadership team to establish the Strategic direction of the school, set the vision, values and objectives of the school, and agree the School Development Plan.

 

- ensuring accountability by monitoring progress towards targets, engaging with stakeholders, and contributing to school self evaluation. We hold the Head Teacher, Mr Andrews, to account for the educational performance of the school, its pupils and staff, and challenge and support him as a ‘critical friend’.

 

- ensuring the financial security of the school. The Governing Body and Head Teacher agree school development strategies that determine budget allocation, and we then monitor the budget and the impact spending plans are having on school improvement. We aim to ensure that value for money is obtained and risks are managed.

 

The Head Teacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school and the implementation of the School Development Plan while our role is strategic.


Please read on to find out more about who we are, how we work and our committee structure.

 
We have a full Governing Body meeting every half term. We also have four committees which look at things in greater detail. These committees meet once a term.

The Finance, Pay and Performance Committee looks at the budget.

The Curriculum, Quality and Standards Committee deals with the curriculum and how children are performing.

The Pupil Welfare Committee makes sure children are well looked after and the school is a great place to learn whatever their background.

The Premises Committee have responsibility for looking after the school buildings and making them safe and pleasant places to work.
Finally, I should point out that all Governors give their time for free. It’s a purely voluntary role but it’s great to give something back and make sure children get the best possible start in life here. If you would like to find out more about becoming a Governor, or you have anything you want to raise with us, please send me an email.