The Role of Governors

Auriol Junior School is part of the Bourne Education Trust. ‘Transforming schools; changing lives’ – the aim of the Bourne Education Trust is to create a community of outstanding schools with the highest aspiration and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for all learners.

Governance plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the school and challenging the school leaders to ensure every child has the opportunity to achieve their personal best. The Bourne Education Trust delegates the majority of powers and responsibilities to Auriol Junior School Governors under the Scheme of Delegation.

Parent representatives on the Governing board are an important part of our school and home partnership. Not only are they directly aware of the results of school policy on our children and are easily accessible to you the parents, but they can bring a variety of skills needed in the present day governing of schools.

Who are we? What do we do?

We are all volunteers who are either parents, live in the local community or are passionate about enabling your children to have the best education they can have, to be the best they can be. We have no statutory responsibilities however the Bourne Education Trust believes it’s important to have local voices to challenge and support the school. There are three parts to our job. 1. To work with the leadership team to set the strategic direction of the school 2. To hold the school and Trust to account for performance 3. To ensure the money is well spent and resources well used.

When do Governors meet? What do we talk about in meetings?

Local Governing Committee (LGC) meetings are held six times a year, once every half term. We talk about things that help us hold the school to account, for example the headteachers report and safeguarding. We also see presentations from staff about projects they are delivering in school.

How do we know we make a difference?

We consistently review the impact we are having on the school and keep the best interests of the children at the forefront of any conversation. Over the last year, we have made a positive impact on the support provided for subject leaders, reviewing and agreeing monitoring visits, hearing about the work taking place in school to develop the curriculum, questioning how school supports the well-being of staff and senior leaders, challenging the school about what led to the strong results last year, what it was based on and how it can be sustained for the future.

How could you get involved with the Local Governing Committee?

Our governor meetings are closed meetings. Governors generally hold their office for a period of four years and when parent governor positions become available, they will be advertised in the newsletter, along with application details. Following this, if you would like to join the governing committee, please leave a message with the school office and the appropriate person will get in contact with you. Please note that our parent governors are elected by Auriol parents and when a position is available, an election will be held.