What is a school Governing Body?

What are school Governing Bodies?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues.

Their core responsibilities involved are:

  • Ensuring accountability
  • Acting as a ‘critical friend’ to the Head Teacher
  • Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
  • Budgetary allocation and control
  • Planning for the long term future of the school
  • Setting the school’s aims and values
  • Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or health and safety. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

Mrs Seddon

Chair of Governors

Ms Parker

Vice Chair of Governors

Mrs W Blundell

Co-opted Governor

I have been involved in school governance for 26 years and have been a Governor at Astley Park School for 20 years, first joining when my son became a pupil at our school. What began as a way of supporting the school my son attended grew into a long-standing commitment to a community that has meant a great deal to me and my family.

I served as Chair of Governors for the majority of my time at Astley Park, a role I was very proud to hold, before recently passing the position on to another governor. I remain an active member of our Governing Body and sit on the Finance & Staffing, Premises, Health & Safety, and Headteacher Appraisal Committees. Over the years, I have seen our school grow and change, but the care, dedication and commitment shown to our pupils and families has always remained at the heart of Astley Park. Having first joined as a parent, I know personally how important it is for families to feel that their child is understood, valued and supported.

Astley Park has been part of my family’s life for many years, and our school community is one that I care about deeply. I feel very fortunate to have been able to contribute to its journey and I remain committed to supporting our pupils, families and staff for many years to come.

Miss A Blundell

Co-opted Governor

I have been a Governor at Astley Park School since 2017. I am currently the nominated Governor for Safeguarding and sit on the Finance & Staffing, Premises, Health & Safety, and Headteacher Appraisal Committees.

I have a BA (Hons) degree in Social Work and a particular interest in safeguarding, disability, special educational needs and inclusion. I am passionate about promoting accessibility, independence and the rights of disabled people and people with special educational needs, and ensuring their voices are heard and valued. Alongside my governor role, I volunteer within the local disability community and also speak to university students about lived experience of disability and caring responsibilities.

I am proud to have been part of the Astley Park community for many years and to support the school as it continues to develop.

Mr Maher

Co-opted Governor

Mrs Ruane

Co-opted Governor

Mrs Kelly

Co-opted Governor

Miss Hendy

Staff Governor

Mr Zlatogorsky

Parent Governor

As a University Academic and a fellow of the Higher Education Academy, I have developed extensive experience in leadership, policy development, safeguarding and pastoral support. As the parents of an autistic child and a volunteer coach for children with complex disabilities, I am passionate about inclusive education and keen to support the school's strategic development and governance.

Miss Wells

Ex-officio