Responsibility of the Governing Body

The governing body has general responsibility for the conduct of the school with view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. This general responsibility gives rise to a wide range of specific responsibilities which in turn require the governing body to establish a range of procedures.

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Termly full governing body meetings and various other committee meetings are held to discuss school developments and monitor the impact on teaching and learning to ensure the school continues to strive for the best for its pupils.

During inspection, Inspectors will consider whether governors:

• carry out their statutory duties

• understand the strengths and weaknesses of the school, including the quality of teaching

• ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction

• understand and take sufficient account of pupil data, particularly their understanding and use of the school data dashboard

• are aware of the impact of teaching on learning and progress in different subjects and year groups

• are challenging and supporting leadership in equal measure

• are providing support for an effective headteacher, or whether they are hindering school improvement by failing to tackle key concerns

• are transparent and accountable, including in terms of governance structures, attendance at meetings, and contact with parents and carers

• understand how the school makes decisions about teachers’ salary progression

• performance manage the headteacher rigorously

• are failing to perform well and contributing to weaknesses in leadership and management.

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How To Become A School Governor

If you require further information on the roles and responsibilities of School Governors or you are interested in becoming one, visit the Durham County Council website School Governor section.

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Statutory Guidance for Governing Bodies

Benfieldside Primary School adhere to the statutory guidance from the Department for Education. This means that governing bodies must have regard to it when carrying out duties relating to the constitution of governing bodies in maintained schools. For further information please view or download the full document below.

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The Constitution of Governing Bodies of Maintained Schools (2017)

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New Governors Induction Policy

Benfieldside Primary School – Induction Policy for New Governors 2018