Governance
Governors play an important role at St.James’ CofE Primary School. The school is part of the Watergrove Trust and it is independent of the local authority.
Overall responsibility for the governance of the school lay with the Board of Trustees.
View St James’ Governance attendance, information and duties records by clicking here.
All our full governing body minutes are available at the bottom of this page.
Click here for information regarding Watergrove Trust (Including Trustee names, attendance records, overall structure, it’s latest annual report and the scheme of delegation.
The school’s governors form the Academy Committee, which meets 6 times a year. A separate Ethos committee has oversight of the school’s Christian Distinctiveness.
What Governors Do
The governing board provides strategic leadership and accountability in schools. It has three key functions: Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction Governors set the aims and objectives for the school and set the policies and targets for achieving those aims and objectives. They monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making and act as a source of challenge and support to the headteacher. In action, this means: Appointing and performance reviewing the head teacher and senior leaders, including making decisions about pay Managing budgets and deciding how money is spent Engaging with pupils, staff, parents and the school community Sitting on panels and making decisions about things like pupil exclusions and staff disciplinary Addressing a range of education issues within the school including disadvantaged pupils, pupils with special needs, staff workload and teacher recruitment Looking at data and evidence to ask questions and have challenging conversations about the school Governors must be prepared to adopt the Nolan principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Governors are also be committed to their role and to young people; confident in having courageous conversations; curious with an enquiring mind; able to challenge the status quo to improve things; collaborative to build strong relationships; critical to improve their own work and that of the board; and creative in problem solving and being innovative.
Sally Ogden – Chair of Governors
I live in the local area and am keen to support the ongoing development of our school. I hope to take an active role in supporting the students and staff at St James’ during my time as a governor.
I am a recently retired secondary school leader and have worked recently in educational consultancy work in the subject areas of Humanities and in wider leadership. I have previously served on other governing bodies in both the primary and secondary sectors.
For all queries for the Chair of Governors, please contact the St James’ office’ by emailing office@stjameswardle.co.uk
Reverand Rachel Battershell – Governor – Diocese
“I am the vicar for the parish of Dearnley, Wardle and Smallbridge. I enjoy my role as a governor at St.James’, contributing to the school’s development and its Christian distinctiveness. I spend a great deal of time in school and run an ethos group with the children”
David Williams – Parent Governor
I’m a Dad of two boys, one of which has now left St James’ for Wardle Academy. It was the dedication of the staff at St James’ and the welcoming school ethos that led me to want to be a governor. I am really looking forward to contributing to the development and success of St James’ primary.
I live and work in Wardle as Managing Director of Urban Soul Design Limited, we’re a website and branding design business that support businesses and schools across the UK. I have over 15 years experience in marketing, branding and internet technologies – skills which I hope will be useful for St James’.
Lauren Fraternale – Governor
I am a secondary school teacher and I have worked in education for 13 years. I feel I have the experience and skills needed to make a positive impact on the St James community. I believe that every child within our community deserves to access the highest quality curriculum. It is my hope that all learners at St James feel valued and not only succeed academically but also succeed on a personal level. I am committed to supporting staff at St James ensuring the school continues to flourish and grow
Rachael Hill – Parent Governor
I have lived in Wardle all of my life and now have two boys at the school, after attending myself. I am committed to ensuring that the high standards of education and care provided by St James’ are sustained and that there is a continual drive for success. This is my first time serving on a school governing body but feel that my experience in healthcare, as Associate Director of Clinical Services for a GP organisation, means that I can provide a broad viewpoint on issues.
