Governance

Ashlyns’ Board of Governors is dedicated to school improvement and work closely with the school to create an environment where students feel happy and safe, are stimulated, and provided with a platform for a successful future.

Working closely with the Headteacher we set the strategic direction of the school; the Headteacher, along with the Senior Leadership Team is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school.

Governors’ responsibilities include:

  • setting strategic direction, policies and objectives
  • approving the school budget and School Development Plan, which sets the School’s priorities each year
  • reviewing progress against the School’s budget and objectives
  • appointing, challenging and supporting the Headteacher

As a Foundation School, Ashlyns’ Board of Governors is the custodian of the school site and acts as the employer.

Governors are trained volunteers made up of representatives of key stakeholders: elected parents, staff, the local authority and the local community. The policy of Ashlyns’ Governing Body is to endeavour to recruit governors with skill sets and knowledge to support its work.

As a Board we act as a critical friend to the school, reviewing policies, monitoring best practice and value for money to ensure the curriculum is delivered in the best interests of the students. Governors also support the school in practical ways by offering advice through their own experiences or professions.

There is a full Board meeting once each half term throughout the year. Additionally the Board has two committees:

i) Finances, Premises and Personnel (Chair – Mr T Gillen)

ii) Curriculum, Teaching and Care (Chair – Mrs R St. John)

Each committee meets at least once each half term to consider in detail the matters for which it is responsible. Every governor serves on the Full Board and on one committee. Governors also take individual responsibility for policies and for areas of the school. Policies are reviewed regularly by senior staff and governors working together on these revisions. The relevant link governor is listed on each policy.

Governors are particularly interested in the views of our stakeholders so representatives attend the Parents Forum meetings. We also recognise the valuable support of the parents association, ASA, who support school life in many ways.

Governors’ Register of Interests and Meeting Attendance over last academic year