Our vision is to love our neighbour, enabling everyone to flourish and reach their full potential.
Ellingham and Woodton Primary Schools Federation
Governing Board Annual Report
The Governing Board provides both support and challenge to the schools. We are tasked with three core functions: Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction; Holding the Head Teacher to account for the educational performance of the schools and pupils; overseeing the financial performance of the schools and ensuring that financial resources are well spent.
Our effectiveness in achieving these functions is evaluated by Ofsted and during visits we are held to account as much as the schools. Some quotes from recent Ofsted reports include:
“Members of the governing body know the school well. They are committed to ensuring that pupils receive an aspirational education. They provide the necessary support and challenge to school leaders.”
“The school offers an exciting and innovative curriculum that inspires pupils to learn. Teachers make the most of the school’s considerable outside spaces to provide pupils with experiences that broaden their knowledge and understanding. Pupils’ behaviour in lessons and conduct around the school are good. Pupils are friendly, respectful of each other and are polite and well mannered. Relationships between adults and pupils are warm, nurturing and very effective.”
We meet as a Full Governing Board at least six times annually while our Finance committee also meets six times a year.
As Governors we have been incredibly impressed by the response from both schools to the impacts of Covid. Every step has been carefully planned from only opening for vulnerable children and those of key workers to the schools being open but having to work in tight bubbles. Children, parents and staff have been kept safe while learning has been as near to normal as possible. We would like to thank parents and carers for playing their part and supporting the schools when there has been so much disruption at home to contend with.
The Governors would also like to thank all staff for their continued commitment to the success and wellbeing of all pupils in the schools and we recognise and appreciate the extraordinary level of flexibility and adaptability that they have demonstrated over this past year.
As our Head Teacher, Dawn Read has led the schools calmly and skillfully through the ever changing rules and risk assessments ably assisted and supported by Sarah Querelle. We are incredibly lucky to have such strong Senior Leaders who have such a passion for our schools and the wider communities.
The Governors are also grateful for the efforts of the two PTAs who have continued to raise much needed funds for the schools.
As Governors we all remain proud of being associated with two successful, vibrant and friendly schools and are committed to ensuring that each pupil flourishes academically, socially and spiritually whatever their strengths and aspirations. We always welcome feedback from parents and carers, staff and members of the community so do feel free to get in touch with us through either school office.
Charlotte Carter, Chair of Governors
