Governing bodies are the strategic planners of schools

In order to do this a governing body:

• determines aims, policies and priorities which allow the Headteacher the necessary tools to carry out his/her responsibilities
• sets statutory and non-statutory targets for improvement
• has an operational manager (the Headteacher) who is responsible for the day to day management of the school
  acts as the critical friend of the school and Headteacher
• receives and discusses reports on the resulting practice and conduct of the school

Governors are appointed to provide

•  strong links between the school and the community it serves
• a wide experience of the outside world
• an independent view
  a visible form of accountability for the Headteacher and staff of the school
• a team focusing on long term development and improvement
• accountability to the community for the use of resources and the standards of teaching and learning in the school
  support for the Headteacher and staff.

Governors are responsible for

• monitoring and evaluating the work of the school
• appointment of staff and ensuring the implementation of a range of personnel procedures
  management of the budget
• securing high levels of attendance and good standards of pupil behaviour
• ensuring that all children in the schools have access to a broad and balanced curriculum which is suitable to age, aptitude and ability, which prepares them for adult life.
• ensuring the health and safety of pupils and staff

School governors are expected to

•  attend the regular, special and committee meetings of the governing body
• get to know the school, its needs, strengths and areas for development, and show an interest in school activities
• work as a member of the governing body (not as an individual) in the best interests of the school
• respect all governing body decisions and support them in public.
• act within the framework of the policies of the governing body and legal requirements.
• become familiar with the rules of school governance
• commit to training and development opportunities.

Decisions of the governing body are made in formal meetings, either with the full governing body or in committees.  t PhAt Philip Morant School and College the Governing Body meets once every half term.  There are four main committees, Curriculum and Students, Finance, Personnel and Premises, which also meet once every half term to:

• carry out tasks specifically given to them by the governing body
• aid the work of the governing body
• report back to the governing body