Priestley Smith Governing Body Groups

All members of the governing body meet regularly at Full Governing Body Meetings to take oversight of all of the work of the schools. This group responds to new legislation, ratifies decisions from committees and add rigour to school evaluation. This group holds school leaders to account.
In order to save time and manage the workload better, most governing bodies appoint smaller committees and give them responsibility for specific areas. The prime responsibilities and decision making powers for each committee are determined by the full governing body and are set out in the ‘Committee Terms of Reference’ which are reviewed annually.

We have three sub committees that support the full governing body.

Priestley Smith Governing Body '23/24

Teaching & Learning Committee

The Teaching and Learning Committee looks at all matters relating to pupils and their learning experiences in school. This includes our curriculum offer and pupil progress. The committee scrutinises achievement of all pupils, including disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, including those accessing Pupil Premium. They also consider the difference in achievement between boys, girls and different ethnic groups.

The Teaching and Learning Committee are responsible for ensuring that all students receive their entitlement to a rich, broad and balanced curriculum which is relevant to their needs and prepares them well for the future.

They review the school’s policy on all matters relating to the curriculum, including Sex and Relationships Education, Religious Education and Educational visits and monitor the School’s arrangements for providing daily collective worship for all pupils.

Finance Committee

This committee looks at all matters relating to school finances and ensure that staff and resources are in place to aid the best learning experiences for children. They pay particular attention to planning and spending budgets wisely and take into account any targeted funds for particular pupil groups.

Personnel & Health & Safety Committee

This committee reviews staffing to ensure the school has capacity to meet new demands and aspirations for the schools moving forward. They also monitor all aspects of health and safety, including safeguarding. They ensure that safer recruitment processes are followed rigorously when recruiting and appointing staff and that performance management systems hold staff accountable and support them to function at the highest level.