All state maintained primary, secondary and special schools, are accountable to their governing bodies, which in turn are accountable to parents and the community.

The Value of School Governance

Governing bodies make decisions which are in the best interests of the children and young people. Keeping the decision making as close as possible to those that are affected by the decisions makes for sound and efficient leadership and governance.

The Role of the Governing Body

The governing body is responsible for the conduct of its school, and must promote high standards of educational achievement at the school. It is the school’s accountable body and as such:

• provides a strategic view of the school by establishing a vision and setting the purpose and aims of the school within an agreed policy framework. It appoints and performance manages the headteacher, agreeing the school improvement strategy which includes setting statutory targets with supporting budgets and staffing structures
• monitors and evaluates the work of the school by reviewing the performance of the headteacher, the effectiveness of the policy framework, progress towards targets, and the effectiveness of the school improvement strategy
• holds the headteacher to account for the performance of the school
• Governors need to work together as a team, under the leadership of the Chair of the governing body. Most governing bodies require their governors to sign a code of practice

Meetings

Governing bodies are required to meet formally a minimum of three times a year. Meeting dates are usually set well in advance and meetings generally last between two and three hours. Governors are expected to be well prepared for these meetings and attendance is expected, with apologies only for good reasons.

Other Commitments

Many governing bodies meet more frequently than this, and most also delegate work to committees and/or working parties and task groups which meet between the governing body meetings. Governors are  expected to play a full role in agreeing how their governing body works, and then in supporting this.

Skills and Training

Governors do not need specific skills, but many of the tasks they are required to undertake can benefit from general business knowledge such as understanding management systems, budget planning and HR functions.

Federated Governor Information 

Chair	Julie Walker
Vice Chair	Gill Gregory
Safeguarding Governor	Gill Gregory
Residential Governor	Sue Morris
Chair of Performance Sub-committee	Bridget O’Mahoney
Chair of Finance Sub-committee	Phil Carter
Performance Sub Committee members	Bridget O’Mahoney, Caitlin Barry, Gill Gregory, Judy Larner, Sue Morris
Finance and Buildings Sub Committee members	Phil Carter, Jo Ottley, Brian Parkes

 

 

Pecuniary Interest Declarations

Click  [ here ] to download

 

Governor Pen Portraits.

Caitlin Barry – Staff Governor
I was voted on to the Governing Board this year (2017) to represent the staff cohort across both Springfield House School and Lindsworth School. I have worked at Springfield since 2016 and prior to that my experience has been within the Mental Health Sector. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing enduring mental health difficulties within hospital and home settings. I have a passion for understanding the complex nature of the difficulties faced by many children with developmental and mental health disorders and also the mental health and well-being of those who support these individuals on a daily basis. 

Dr Phil Carter - Chair of Finance Sub-Committee 
I worked in National Grid and its predecessor British Gas for over 25 years, predominantly in commercial, strategic and business development roles. As Head of Commercial for the company's gas import and storage businesses I was involved in setting strategic direction and, with budget management responsibility, gained significant finance experience. I have lived in Knowle for over 25 years and am particularly looking forward to using my skills and experience in a different area, working with a diverse range of Board members to give something back to the community. I recognise the importance of education having a degree and Doctorate in Aeronautical Engineering from Manchester University and a Masters in Business Administration from Aston University. I now work as an independent consultant, focusing on large energy and power projects. I am married with 3 children and my wife is Headteacher of Longwill School for Deaf Children.

Bridget O’Mahoney – Chair of Performance Sub Committee.
I have been a secondary school teacher for 39 years, spending the last 12 years as a member of the Leadership Team of a large, mainstream Birmingham secondary school. I loved my job and so when I retired in August 2014 I was keen to continue to help and support a school as a governor. I joined the IEB of Lindsworth School in January 2015 and when the school came out of Special Measures I joined the new Governing Board. The federation with Springfield House School was an exciting time and allowed me to enter the previously unvisited territory of primary education. I am the teaching and learning, curriculum and assessment governor for both schools. I chair the Performance sub-committee which takes an overview of all aspects of pupil performance, behaviour, attendance, care and well-being. I am able to visit both schools and witness first hand all the hard work done by pupils and staff. It is a privilege to be part of the Federation Governing Board of both of these schools.

Jo Ottley – Co-opted Governor
I have been employed at Lindsworth School for 18 years.
I have had several different roles within the School working closely with all departments and feel that this has given me a good understanding of all areas of the school i.e. curriculum, support services, care and working with and supporting pupils.
During this time there have been many changes, and recently some very positive changes.  These positive changes have made me enthusiastic to become more involved in contributing to the future progression, improvement and success of The Springfield House and Lindsworth Federation schools.

Brian Parkes - Co-opted Governor
Since 2008 I have been a governor of Springfield House School and subsequently the Federated Schools. Born in Solihull with close family connections to Birmingham I identify strongly with the local community.
I would still describe myself with pride as a ‘teacher’. Professionally I am familiar with working both in the state and independent sectors. Much of my career was spent in Further Education where apart from being a lecturer and latterly a departmental manager I was a very active trade unionist. In association with my educational experience have been much involved with Cambridge Assessment as a senior examiner.
As a long serving member of the Finance and General Purposes Sub-Committee I have a particular responsibility for Health and Safety and Buildings.

Julie Walker - Chair of the Governing Board 
I am the Chair of the Federated Governing Board. I first became a parent governor at Springfield House because my daughter has special needs and I wanted to ensure that she and her peers had the best possible education and care. Eventually, I was elected as the Chair of Governors at Springfield House School and subsequently, when Springfield House & Lindsworth federated, I became the Vice-chair of the newly federated Board. Upon the resignation of the last Chair in 2018 I was very proud to be elected as Chair of the Board.. 
Before my retirement, I was a senior leader with a large Housing Association and have over 30 years management experience. Within this role, I managed a large rented stock, and managed significant, complex projects and budgets. I have also been responsible for supported housing as well as for residential homes for people with learning disabilities, and have extensive people management experience. 
I also have a PTLLS qualification and have taught in adult education or in ‘Lifelong Learning’ at different times throughout my career. 
In addition, I was a member of the District Board in Lichfield District, and previously a Trustee of the South Staffordshire Water Charitable Trust. I am currently the Vice Chair of a Domestic Abuse charity which mainly operates in Staffordshire.