The purpose of the Governing body is to conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. Its three core strategic functions are:

• Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
• Holding the Head Teacher to account for the educational performance of the school, its pupils and the performance management of the staff.

Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

As a governing body we aim to uphold the 7 principles of Public Life which are :-

• Selflessness – Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.
• Integrity – Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties
• Objectivity – In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
• Accountability – Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
• Openness – Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take.  They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands
• Honesty – Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
• Leadership – Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

Our Governors

Our Governor team is made up of a variety of Community, Parent and Staff representatives who work closely with the Head Teacher to ensure the school is meeting its statutory responsibilities, determine the strategic direction of the school and monitor our spending to ensure that our funding is being used for the benefit of the pupils at our school.

We hold full governing body meetings termly and committee and link governor meetings half termly.

We do have some vacancies for school Governors and are actively seeking skilled and committed individuals to work with us for the benefit of our pupils, community and staff. If you have some time to give, are passionate about enhancing the life chances of children in our community, this could be the role for you.

We offer a full induction for new Governors and the opportunity to attend relevant training to help them carry out their role

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Governor at South Bank Primary School, please contact the School Business Manager, Mrs Cochrane on 01642 453451 for an informal discussion.

The Key Functions of South Bank Primary Foundation Governing Body are to:

• ensure that the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined 

• ensure that the head teacher performs his or her responsibilities for the educational performance of the school

• ensure the sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources. 

The total number of governors on the instrument of governance is 8. 

Date of reconstitution:  07/2021

The Governing Body  comprises of the following:

• Parents - 2 (1 vacancy)

• Staff Governors - 1

• Head Teacher

• Local Authority representatives - 1

• Foundation – 1

• Co-opted governors - 2

Governing Body Committee Membership

Finance, premise Health & Safety

Two governors (or more) including Chair of Governors

Head Teacher Performance Management

Two governors (or more), including Chair of Governors plus one other.  No staff governors

Staff Discipline Committee

Three governors (or more)

Staff Discipline Appeals Committee

As above but not same governors involved in making the initial decision

Pupils Discipline Committee

Three governors (or more) 

How to apply to be a governor at South Bank Primary

You can use the website of the local authority or approach the school directly to see if we have any current or upcoming vacancies.

You can also sign up with either of the following free recruitment services. These services work with schools to help them find volunteers.

• Inspiring Governance
• Governors for Schools

Resources and links to help you understand the role of a governor:

Redcar & Cleveland Vacancies

Eight Elements of Effective Governance

NGA - Resource Bank for Effective Governance