Instrument of Government:

1.The name of the school is The District Church of England Primary School.

2. The school is a Voluntary Controlled School.

3. The name of the Governing Body is The Governing Body of The District Church of England Primary School.

4. The Governing Body shall consist of:

(a) 3 Parent Governors

(b) 1 LA Governor

(d) The Head Teacher

(e) 3 Co-opted Governors

(f) 2 Foundation Governors

5. Total number of Governors : 11 (The Head Teacher to give written notice that s/he chooses not to be a Governor).

6. Foundation Governors to be appointed by the Parochial Church Council of the Parish in which the school is situated.

7. The holder(s) of the following office shall be a Foundation Governor ex-officio:

(a) The Principal Officiating Minister for the Parish of St. John, Earlestown.

8. The Archdeacon of the Archdeaconry within which the school is situated shall appoint a Foundation Governor to act in the place of the ex-officio Foundation Governor whose Governorship derives from the office named in (a) above, in the event that the ex-officio Foundation Governor is unable or unwilling to act as a Foundation Governor, or has removed from office under Regulations 23(2) of the Regulations.

9. The Archdeacon of the Archdeaconry within which the school is situated can request the removal of any ex-officio Foundation Governor at 8(a) above and to appoint a substitute Governor.

10 The term of office for all governors is 4 years.

11. This Instrument of Government comes into effect on 1st September, 2015.

12. This Instrument was made by order of the St. Helens Council Local Education Authority on 25th August, 2015 to comply with Part 5 (Regulations 26-31) of the School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2012.

Annual Governors Report

Link to Rainbow Education MAT

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What Do Governors Do?

Governors oversee the development of the school but don’t manage it day-to-day. Governors are responsible for providing strategic management, being a ‘critical friend’ and making executive decisions. The governing body makes sure the school provides a good quality education, and sets the school aims and policies together with the Head teacher. There are different categories of governor on a governing body, some elected and some appointed. This mix ensures a diversity of views and experience, but doesn’t mean that governors of a particular category “represent” that group. For example, parent governors don’t act as representatives of the parents of the school and don’t report back to them – rather, they bring a broad parental perspective to discussion and debate. Governors are responsible for promoting high standards of educational achievement and enabling the head teacher and the staff to deliver these, as well as planning the school’s long-term future, overseeing its aims, values and ethos, and monitoring its performance. This involves:

setting the school’s vision and aims
establishing & maintaining the school’s ethos
setting the school’s plans and policies
monitoring and evaluating school performance
agreeing budgets, policies and objectives and making sure these are met

Meetings of the full governing body are held at least once a term, normally in an evening, with governors normally giving up around 6-8 hours per month. Governors can also sit on some of the committees that look at things like finance, curriculum, staffing and premises. Occasionally, being a governor can be hard work. There may sometimes be a lot of papers to read, meetings to attend and, sometimes, difficult decisions to be made.

Governor Membership

Current Membership

Type	Full Name	Appointed by	Start term	End term	Office held
Co-Opted	Tom Richardson	Governors	16/03/2023	15/03/2027
Parent	Kelly Dodd	Governors	16/03/2023	15/03/2027
Associate Member*	Mandy Pierce	Governors	01/04/2021	31/08/2025
Associate*	Mrs Claire Ryder	Governors	07/03/2019	06/03/2023
Co-opted	Mr Frank Maguire	Governors	1/09/2019	31/08/2023	Chair of Governors
Foundation	Reverend Tim Griffiths	Diocese	01/09/2022	31/08/2026
Foundation	Vacant	Diocese
Local Authority	Cllr Terry Maguire	LA	07/12/2021	06/12/2025
Parent	Mr Mike Bevan	Parents	22/05/2018	21/05/2022
Parent	Mrs Tina Thomas	Parents	22/10/2020	22/10/2024	Vice Chair
Parent	Mr. Brian Stanley	Governors	01/04/2022	31/03/2026
Staff	Mrs Sue Swift	Staff	18/10/2017	17/10/2021
Head Teacher	Mrs Lavern Shelford	Governors	//01/09/2017/	ongoing	Head Teacher
Outgoing Governors
Co Opted	Sharon Jevans

Co Opted	Lisa Cunliffe

Associate Member + no voting rights

Associate Member* has voting rights

Governor Declaration

Name	Relevant Business and Pecuniary interests	Governance Role in other Educational Institutions	Any material interest arising from relationships between governors and school staff
Cllr Maguire	LA Governor	None declared	None declared
Rev T Griffiths	None Declared	None declared	None declared
Mike Bevan	None declared	None declared	None declared
Mandy Pierce	Maternal Aunt External Auditor	None declared	None declared
Tom Richardson	None declared	None declared	None declared
Frank Maguire	None declared	Governor/Trustee for other NW schools and academies	None declared
Claire Ryder	None declared	None declared	None declared
Sue Swift	None declared	None declared	None declared
Kelly Dodd	None declared	None declared	None declared
Tina Thomas	Works for Learn to Play Live	None declared	None declared
Bryan Stanley	None declared	None declared	None declared
Lavern Shelford	None declared	None declared	None declared

Outgoing Governors

Name	Relevant Business and Pecuniary interests	Governance Role in other Educational Institutions	Any material interest arising from relationships between governors and school staff
Mrs N Knight	None Declared.	None Declared	None Declared
Mrs L Cunliffe	None Declared	None Declared	None Declared
Mrs S Jevans	None Declared	None Declared	None Declared

Nominated Governors

Governor Forum Representative	Shared
Compliance	Mike Bevan
Safeguarding and vulnerable groups inc. pupil premium	Frank Maguire
Teaching, assessment and learning standards (EYFS)	Tina Thomas
SEND/Behaviour	Tom Richardson
Wellbeing and Workload	Reverend Tim Griffiths

Resources Committee

Remit

Quorum : 3 governors – Chair is elected at first committee meeting and terms of reference reviewed

Finance Management and budget setting/monitoring
Pay Decisions – appraisal process
HR – including recruitment, redundancy, staffing structure, staffing policies
Premises, health & safety, lettings
Quality and reliability of 2, 3, 4 year old provision, breakfast/after school
Safeguarding and equality
Lettings Policy
Charging Policy

Membership

L Shelford, M Pierce (voting rights), Cllr Maguire, F Maguire, Vacant, T Thomas (Chair), C Ryder, T Richardson

Governor	Resources Committee Autumn 2023	Resources Committee Spring 2024	Resources Committee Summer 2024
L Shelford	Y	Y
F Maguire	Y	N
S Jevans	N	–
Cllr Maguire	Y	Y
M Pierce	Y	Y
C Ryder	Y	Y
Mr B Stanley	N	–
Mr. T Richardson	Y	N

Learning and Progress Committee

Remit

Quorum : 3 governors – Chair is elected at first committee meeting and terms of reference reviewed

School improvement standards and statutory obligations under the National Curriculum.
School’s performance from SATs results, QCA results, teacher assessments and other performance data.
School website compliancy
Safeguarding and SEND
PSHE

Membership

L Shelford, B Stanley, M Bevan, F Maguire (Chair), K Dodd, T Thomas, C Ryder

Governor	Learning & Progress Autumn 2023	Learning & Progress Spring 2024	Learning & Progress Summer 2024
L Shelford	–	–
L Cunliffe	–	–
M Bevan	–	–
F Maguire	–	–
C Ryder	–	–
M Pierce	–	–
K Dodd	–	–
B Stanley	–	–

Other Committees

Pupil Discipline Committee

Frank Maguire

Tina Thomas

Mike Bevan

Head Teacher’s Performance Management

Frank Maguire

Tina Thomas

Complaints Committee

Frank Maguire

Vacant

Tina Thomas

Mike Bevan

Dismissal/Appeals Committee

3 non-staff governors to be selected for each committee when required

Governing Body Attendance (current year)

The District C E Primary – Governor Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2023/24

The District CofE Primary School

Attendance

Y = Attended, N = Apologies Accepted, NA = Apologies not Accepted, NS = No Apologies sent,

? = Attendance Not Marked, – = Not Required

		Full governing board	Full governing board	Full governing board	Full governing board
Governor	Governor Type	Sep 2023	Dec 2023	Mar 2024	Jul 2024
Reverend Tim Griffiths	Foundation governor	N	N	N
Mr Michael Bevan	Parent governor	N	N	N
Mr Heavey	Clerk	Y	Y	Y
Mandy Pierce	Associate Member*	Y	Y	Y
Vacant	Foundation governor	–	–	–
Angela Webster	Clerk	–	–	–
Sharon Jevans	Co-opted governor	N	N	–
Mr Frank Maguire	Co-opted governor	Y	Y	Y
Cllr Maguire	Local Authority Governor	N	N	Y
Mr Tom Richardson	Co- Opted Governor	N	N	Y
Mrs. Kelly Dodd	Parent Governor	Y	Y

Mrs Claire Ryder	Associate Member*	Y	N	Y
Ms Lavern Shelford	Headteacher	Y	Y	Y
Mrs Sue Swift	Staff governor	Y	Y	Y
Mrs Tina Thomas	Parent governor	Y	Y	Y
Ms Shirley Nield	Clerk	–	–	–

Full Governing Body Attendance (past year)

The District C E Primary – Governor Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2021/22

It is a requirement to hold a termly full governing body meeting and committee meetings. These may increase dependent upon needs of the school

Name	Autumn 1 2022	Autumn 2 2022	Spring 2023	Summer 2023
S Jevans	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
M Bevan	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Rev T Griffiths	Yes	No	No	No
L Cunliffe	Yes	No	–	–
F Maguire	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
M Pierce	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
C Ryder	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
T Richardson	–	–	Yes	Yes
S Swift	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
T Thomas	No	Yes	No	Yes
B Stanley	–	–	Yes	Yes
Cllr T Maguire	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
L Shelford	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
K Dodd	–	–	Yes	Yes

Our Governors

Mr F Maguire (Co-opted Governor) I was Headteacher of Emmaus School, the first purpose built, joint denominational church school in the country. Prior to this I was Headteacher of a Primary school in Halewood. In December 2007 I resigned in order to work as an Educational Consultant. I am also engaged independently by schools and Local Authorities to advise on raising standards, performance management, staffing structures, skills audits and create staffing needs which match financial circumstances. Other aspects of my work include acting as an adviser/consultant for the Diocese of Liverpool. I am a governor at two other schools and Member of the Board of the Rainbow Education Multi Academy Trust. I am proud of the work taking place at The District and believe we provide an atmosphere which rejoices in success and acknowledges real effort on the part of each individual. In our school, all children are of equal value and we strive to provide for each according to need offering positive encouragement and support. I have been a governor with The District since 2012.

Mrs L Shelford I am proud to be the Headteacher of The District CE, a school with a strong Christian ethos and a wonderful history. I have previously worked in Wigan, Bradford, Batley and other St Helens schools. Prior to taking up the post of Headteacher at The District, I was Head of School at Platt Bridge Community School in Wigan for two years and Deputy Headteacher for nine years. I have worked in eight previous schools and also as a Local Authority consultant. I have supported many schools in diverse contexts, and most of my career has been spent working in areas of socio-economic deprivation. I have two children and as a parent and an educationalist I am committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed. I aim to ensure that all our pupils experience excellent educational provision, led and taught by highly skilled and nurturing adults. I am keen for parents to engage in school life and to support their child’s learning journey, throughout their time at The District.

Foundation Governor

Reverend Tim Griffiths

Hello, my name is Tim Griffiths and I have recently been appointed as a Foundation Governor of the District School. I am currently the Priest in charge of St. Michael’s Church Burtonwood and Associate Priest within the Newton Team Ministry with responsibility for St. John’s Church, Earlestown. I have some previous links with the area as I began my working life as an underground fitter at Parkside Colliery where I worked for ten years. I then trained as a teacher completing a Bachelor of Education Degree at Edge Hill College, Ormskirk. I worked for twenty- four years as a teacher in three different Primary schools across all year groups and holding various management positions. My work included seven years as staff representative Governor. I believe passionately that the main purpose of a Primary School, is to provide children with an education of high quality within their classrooms, in a safe and happy school environment. I look forward to joining the other Governors in supporting the work of the Headteacher and her staff and to developing further links between school and the church.

Mrs S Swift I have worked at the District CE Primary School since 2014 in my role as Head of Safeguarding and Extended Services. I have worked within the Local Authority for many years, and have enjoyed the day to day challenges of working with children and families. In my role here at the school I have attended Governing Body and sub-committee meetings to deliver reports related to Safeguarding and Extended Services. My work at the school enables me to develop good working relationships with our children, their parents, staff and many partner agencies. I have developed a good knowledge of the local community and understand the dynamics of the local area. I enjoy and thrive on the challenge that comes with every aspect of school life and about high quality education and each and every child reaching their full potential. Nothing but the best is good enough.

Cllr Terry Maguire,

I am 60 years old and have been married to my dear wife Ann for 40 years, we have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. I am a family orientated man and my family mean the world to me.

I have had my own business since 1991 and employed many tradesmen and developed apprentices through that time

I have always enjoyed helping in our community and strongly believe everyone should give a little help and care towards others. Based on that philosophy, I developed Business For Youth in 2011. BFY became a registered charity in 2016 and helps many children and families in our town. BFY and it’s team are a huge passion of mine

I was honoured to have recently been elected as a local councillor to represent the Earlestown ward and I will represent all in a dignified and respectful manner.

I now have the honour of becoming a school governor at District C of E school and hope to help that school in any way I can to achieve its goals.

Mrs T Thomas – Vice Chair I have 2 children who attend The District. I have worked as a primary teacher for the last 15 years and am currently working as a Dance specialist in schools throughout the North West. I have been a parent governor for over 4 years. I am keen to support the school and its staff in developing all aspects of school life and moving the school forward to give our children the best start to their education.

Mr M Bevan – appointed May 2018 Hi, my name is Mike Bevan and I am a parent Governor, I have 3 children who have all attended The District. My links with The District go back a long way, I and my 2 siblings also attended and I have friends who I met through the school. During recent years I have seen many changes to the school and I truly believe that those changes have been for the better, the school is led in a positive way and provides a great atmosphere for all children to learn and feel safe, I am proud to be part of the District family. I am a Health and Safety Advisor for the North West Prison Service and believe that the skill-set I have for my job role can be transferred into my role as Governor to assist the school in progressing and developing.

Mandy Pierce

I have worked for the local Authority for over 20 years and involved with Governance at the school since 2019. I have since had the opportunity to become the School Business Manager. I look forward to gaining more experience and managing the school’s business objectives.

Mrs C Ryder

I have worked at the District CE Primary School since January 2019 in my role as Deputy Headteacher. I have previously worked in two other primary schools one in St Helens and the other was situated in Wigan. I am passionate about improving outcomes for our pupils, celebrating their differences and raising aspirations. I am committed to providing an environment that will support, encourage and motivate our pupils. I value working in partnership with our families and the wider community to help support our pupils to achieve their potential and enable them to flourish.

L.A. Officials undertake clerking for full Governing Body Meetings Office Supervisor – Mrs. Tamara Ellaby undertakes clerking for Resources and Learning and Progress Committees