Our Governing Body

Governors work closely with headteachers, school staff and representatives from the local authority (LA).

Governor Committee Structure

For further information on who our governors are and what they do, please click on each name below:

Name	Representing	Term of Office	Committee	Special Interests	Register of Interests	Relationship to Staff
Mrs. Pauline Crook - Chair	Community	01/01/19-31/12/22	Appeals; Finance and Premises (Chair); Curriculum and Performance Review; Personnel and Discipline.	Sports Premium;Pupil Premium; Health and Safety; Early Years	None	None
Mr Anthony Jones - Vice Chair	Parent	19/05/17-18/05/21	Curriculum and Performance Review; Pay Review; Headteacher Performance Management	Assessment; SEND; LAC; Behaviour; Attendance; Curriculum and Standards	None	None
Mr Malcolm Gray	Community	22/05/19-21/05/23	Personnel and Discipline (Chair); Pay Review; Curriculum and Performance Review.		None	None
Cllr. Shirley Quinn	Local Authority	16/05/17-15/05/21	Personnel and Discipline; Pay Review; Curriculum and Performance Review; Finance and Premises	RSE; More Able and Talented; Curriculem and Standards	Governor at St. Mary's RCVA Primary School.	None
Mrs. Lynn Boulton	Head Teacher	n/a	Personnel and Discipline; Finance and Premises; Curriculum and Performance Review.		Head Teacher	None
Miss Nicola Stainsby	Staff	08/11/17-07/11/21	Finance and Premises; Curriculum and Performance (Chair)	RRS;Attendance; Safeguarding; Online Safety; GDPR Incl DRP; Curriculum and Standards	Parent Support Advisor	None
Ms. Fiona Minay	Community	06/12/18-05/12/22	Headteacher Performance Management; Personnel and Discipline; Appeals; Finance and Premises; Curriculum and Performance Review.	English and Mathematics; Curriculm and Standards;	None	None
Mrs. Samantha Townsend	Parent	01/04/19-31/03/23	Finance and Premises; Curriculum and Performance Review	Curriculum and Standards;	None	None
Mrs. Nicola Greaves	Associate - Voting rights agreed at full governing body meeting.	31/01/19-30/01/23	Finance and Premises; Curriculum and Performance Review.	English and Mathematics; Behaviour	School Business Manager	None
Mrs. Kathryn Mortimer	Community	05/03/20-10/03/21	Curriculum and Performance Review		None	None
Mrs Bernadette Cooper	Parent	08/11/19-07/11/23	Curriculum and Performance Review; First Pay Review.	Early Years	None	None

How To Become A School Governor

If you require further information on the roles and responsibilities of School Governors or you are interested in becoming one, visit the Durham County Council website School Governor section.

Statutory Guidance for Governing Bodies

Timothy Hackworth Primary School adhere to the statutory guidance from the Department for Education. This means that governing bodies must have regard to it when carrying out duties relating to the constitution of governing bodies in maintained schools. For further information about our governors please view or download the document below.

The Constitution of Governing Bodies of Maintained Schools (2017)

Governing Body Action Plan

Governor Action Plan – Dec 2020

Governor Attendance

Schools are now required to display a record of Governor attendance at meetings for each school academic year.

Attendance

Record of Attendance 2020-2021 Governor Attendance

Committee Terms of Reference

You can download/view a copy of our Governor Terms of Reference here.

Instrument of Governors

More about our School Governors

Pauline Crook – Community Governor (Chair of Governors)

I have been a member of the Governing Body at Timothy Hackworth Primary School for over 23 years. I also have a long association with the school as my mother was a former pupil here, as was I and also my two daughters; we have many happy memories of our school days. Prior to my retirement in 2018, I was Business Manager of the school for over 20 years. I am proud to be associated with Timothy Hackworth School and I’m committed to providing the children with a happy, safe environment where they can enjoy their learning and reach their full potential. Being a school governor is often challenging, but also very rewarding; I look forward to continuing in my role and supporting the school leadership to ensure the school meets its educational aims and, consequently, the best possible outcomes for all our children.

Anthony Jones – Parent Governor (Vice Chair of Governors)

Hello my name is Anthony Jones and I am delighted to have been selected as Parent Governor for Timothy Hackworth Primary. I am a father of three and my two boys attend Timothy Hackworth Primary. Through the role I hope to help the school continue to provide excellence in education and help to build relationships between the parents and the school. I have completed 26 years military service and now work in a children’s residential home as the Positive Behaviour Support Coach helping the children with special educational needs and behaviour concerns. I will also be hoping to help the school and parents with the extra challenges a SEND child encounters.

Shirley Quinn – Local Authority Governor

Hello I am Councillor Shirley Quinn. I am an elected Councillor for Shildon Town Council and Durham County Council. I was a previous pupil of this school in the 1970,s having many happy memories and a good start to my education. I am a frequent visitor to the school, sharing my pride for all the children who are always polite, eager to learn and achieve many awards. I have worked in the catering trade, management of staff in the emergency alarm service and in the care of the elderly. I currently work in a local nursing home. I aspire to letting all pupils have the best that can be achieved and will promote a belief of reaching for the stars as well as helping to make Shildon a great place to live, play and work.

Nicola Stainsby – Staff Governor

I have been a dedicated member of the team at Timothy Hackworth Primary for over 17 years and part of the Governing body for over 10 years. As Staff governor my link areas/specialist interests are Rights Respecting Schools, Safeguarding and Online Safety. I am passionate about our school supporting every child to be the best that they can be!

Fiona Minay – Community Governor

I was Co-opted on to the governing body in December 2018. I am the Practice Manager of a local family dental practice, Ashby and Atkinson, here in Shildon. Due to my position at work, I feel I bring experience in child safeguarding, people management, conflict management, multi-agency working and prioritising the needs of vulnerable children. I also hold the PGCE qualification which I feel will give me further insight in the general day to day running of a classroom. The school and council are providing me with the opportunity to attend a wide range of training courses which will enable me to understand what is expected of me in my role as governor, and what policies the school must adhere to, to run effectively. I am proud to be a governor of Timothy Hackworth Primary School, and want to strive to ensure every child who attends is safe, happy, and enable to develop their full potential.

Malcolm Gray – Community Governor

This is my first term as a Governor of the school, and the opportunity to support the school, pupils and parents is a challenge I relish. I have worked in Local Government since 1991 and I currently work for Livin Housing Limited as their Community Investment Manager. My experience of work areas includes rent collection, council tax, housing and housing support, ASB and now in community investment. I am currently the chair of the East Durham Rural AAP and I manage the Foundations building in the centre of Shildon.

Timothy Hackworth has vast potential with an optimistic and bright future. I have met with some of the pupils, teachers and governors and I consider it an honour and a privilege to help support the school moving forward. The team at the school take great pride in their efforts both individually and as a collective and I will do my very best to help our young people enjoy their learning, have fun and develop the skills and attributes they need for a bright and successful future.

Samantha Townsend – Parent Governor

I am a mam to 3 children (Reception, Year 3 and Year 5) at Timothy Hackworth Primary School. I am a serving Councillor on Shildon Town Council and a qualified teacher.

I really appreciate the ethos and values of Timothy Hackworth School and I’m really excited about the opportunity to help it build on its strengths by joining the team as a parent governor. I’m very interested in protecting SEND provision and helping the school continue to be a progressive, inclusive establishment.

Bernadette Cooper – Parent Governor

My name is Bernadette Cooper. I am a mam of 3 boys who attend Timothy Hackworth School. They are in Yr5, Yr3 and Yr1. I took the parent governor role on as I believe I can help the school with the views I have. I am also a member of the SEND group that the school set up last year. Two of my boys have learning problems, so a big reason I wanted to become a governor is to help the SEND provision within the school.

Committee Terms of Reference

Timothy Hackworth Primary School No: 2438

Full Governing Body

Terms of Reference

Strategic Leadership and Accountability:

In collaboration with school leaders determine a clear and explicit vision for the future. Ensure this is communicated to the whole organisation.
Set strong and clear values and ensure these are embedded across the organisation and adhered to.
Determine the strategic direction for the school.
Monitor and evaluate pupil progress and attainment by receiving reports and information from the Headteacher and other school leaders; compare against national and local benchmarks over time.
Receive reports from committees, working parties or individuals and agree actions.
Approve the SEF and monitor throughout the year.
Approve the School Improvement Plan priorities and monitor throughout the year progress towards agreed actions.
Ensure there is a transparent system for performance management of all staff which is clearly linked to the school’s priorities. Have oversight of staff performance throughout the year.
Ensure there are mechanisms in place to listen to and respond to the views of parents/carers, pupils, staff, local communities and employers.
Agree recruitment process to be followed in relation to Senior Leader posts; where delegated ratify appointments.
Final approval of the annual budget plan.
Monitor the school’s budget throughout the year.
Agree virement and expenditure limits for the Headteacher.
Hold at least 3 meetings each academic year. Ensure that committee meetings are held in accordance with the agreed terms of reference.

People and Structures:

Elect and/or remove Chair of Governors and Vice Chair of Governors.
Appoint Committee Chairs or delegate to each committee.
Consider and agree delegation of functions to individuals or committees.
Agree committee terms of reference and membership.
Establish a register of Governors business interests.
Ensure Governors information on the Get Information About Schools (GIAS) register and the school website is up to date and compliant with current requirements.
Confirm the Instrument of Government and subsequent amendments.
Appoint Co-opted, LA and where necessary Parent Governors to the Board.
Review and monitor the Governor Induction Process.
Have regard for Governors professional development.
Where necessary, suspend or remove Governors from the Board.
Appoint/dismiss the Clerk to the Governing Body.

Compliance and Evaluation:

Consider business provided by LA and other sources
Suspend or end suspension of staff members.
Ensure all statutory policies are in place and there is an effective policy review cycle.
Review and agree the Governor Code of Conduct.
Confirm arrangements for completion of a Governor Skills Audit.
Ensure there is regular self-evaluation and review of individual’s contribution to the Board as well as the Board’s overall operation and effectiveness.
As necessary, consider an external review of the Board’s effectiveness.
Ensure school website is up to date and compliant with current DfE requirements.

Committee Structure

The Finance and Premises Committee

In conjunction with the Headteacher to draft the first formal budget plan of the financial year, for approval by the full Governing Body.
To establish and maintain an up to date 3 year financial plan.
To monitor income and expenditure, including virement decisions, significant anomalies from the anticipated position and report termly to the Governing Body.
To ensure the school operates within the financial regulations of the County Council and the requirements of the DfE School Financial Value Standard.
To monitor expenditure of all voluntary funds kept on behalf of the Governing Body.
To annually review charges and remissions policies and expenses policies.
To make decisions in respect of service level agreements.
To make decisions on expenditure following recommendations from other committees.
To prepare financial statements for inclusion in any reports to parents.
To ensure as far as is practical that any Health and Safety (H&S) issues are appropriately funded in accordance with priorities.
To ensure that First/Pay Review Committee and Pay Appeal Committee decisions are appropriately funded.
Ensuring that the school meets health and safety requirements and review the schools H&S policy regularly.
Ensure that adequate provision is made to make the building safe and secure, Health and Safety policy.
Oversee the use of the premises by outside users.
Establish and keep under review an asset management /building development plan.
Establish and keep under review an Accessibility Plan.
Consider all matters received from the LA relating to the financial aspects of the Authority’s scheme for the Financing of School (Fair Funding)
Receive actual share and agree a budget plan for approval by the full Governing Body
Monitor and determine spending patterns and consider spending proposals from other committees
Consider and promote Income generation
Ensure that the annual accounts of all voluntary funds held by the school are audited, submitted and noted. (Friends of the School/Private School Fund etc.)
Inspection/reporting repair and maintenance to Buildings & Grounds
Improvements
Tendering procedures
Purchase & disposal of Furniture and Equipment
Health & Safety issues, inspection report and action (including completion of annual risk assessment)

Meetings: termly, planned to coincide with Oracle.

Disqualifications: when there may be a conflict of interest; a fair hearing is required; or a pecuniary interest.

VIREMENT and EXPENDITURE LIMITS

Virement Limits

Expenditure Limits

Limit set for Headteacher without prior written approval of Chair or Governing Body

5,000

Any items of expenditure up to

8,000

Limit set for Headteacher with approval from Chair of Governors or Chair of Finance Committee

10,000

· Above this limit if item was previously notified to the Governing Body.

· Prior Finance Committee or Chair of Governors approval (whichever is the soonest) to be sought outside of this

Prior Finance Committee or Governing Body approval (whichever is the soonest) to be sought outside of this

NB Any goods/services purchased and works to be carried out are subject to Durham County Council Contract Procedure Rules (January 2014) for quotations

First / Pay Review Committee

To act in accordance with the Teachers’ Pay Policy adopted by the Governing Body.
To report to the Finance Committee on Pay Review-related expenditure.
To make any decisions under the personnel procedures adopted by the Governing Body, e.g. disciplinary, grievance, ill health, capability etc where the Headteacher is the subject of the action.
To make any decisions relating to a member of staff (other than the Headteacher) under the Personnel procedures adopted by the Governing Body (unless delegated to the Headteacher).
Staffing Reductions.

Meetings: as and when necessary.

Disqualifications: The Headteacher; the Chair of Governors (if he/she has prior knowledge or involvement); Spouse/partner. Staff members cannot take part in any decisions.

Appeals Committee

To consider any appeal against a decision to dismiss a member of staff made by the First/Pay Review Committee (or Headteacher if delegated).
To consider any appeal against a decision under the personnel procedures adopted by the Governing Body (e.g. disciplinary, pay review, capability for teachers etc).
To consider any appeal against selection for redundancy.

Meetings: as and when required. Must have no fewer members than the Hearing.

Disqualifications: Headteacher; any governor who was involved in the hearing; Spouse/partner. Staff members cannot take part in any salary decisions.

Personnel & Discipline Committee

Terms of Reference:

To carry out an annual review of the staffing structure in consultation with the Headteacher and the Finance Committee.
To oversee the appointment procedure for all staff
To establish and review a performance management policy for all staff.
To keep under review work/life balance, working conditions and well being, including the monitoring of absence.
To make recommendations to the Finance Committee on Personnel-related expenditure.
Ensure the school has an effective behaviour and anti-bullying policy. Monitor the implementation of this policy and its impact.
Monitor the development of pupils’ attitudes, values and other personal qualities.
Aims and values for the school are agreed and positive ethos for the school is promoted.
Ensure that the school has an effective school council.
Monitoring nutritional standards within the school to include school meals, snack provision and food available during wrap-around provision.
Ensure the school is fulfilling its responsibilities regarding child protection and the requirements of “Keeping Children Safe in Education”.
Anti-Bullying and Behaviour Policies.
Review temporary contracts on an annual basis
Consider staff Leave of Absence (only if necessary after delegation to Headteacher)
Act as Pupil Discipline Committee for Permanent and Fixed Term exclusions.
Complaints

Meetings: Termly

Pecuniary interest.

Delegation to the Headteacher

School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009.

Appointments:

Delegation as follows:

Permanent Teaching Staff appointments – Headteacher plus 1 Governor from Personnel Committee
Support Staff appointments – Headteacher, Chair of Personnel Committee and Staff Governor
Temporary Teaching & Support Staff appointments – Headteacher
Supply cover – Headteacher

Dismissals:

Governing Body delegates to Headteacher responsibility for:

Up to and including written warning.

All dismissals to remain with the Committee structure

Curriculum & Performance Committee

Terms of Reference:

Set targets for achievement at KS1 and KS2. Monitor the school’s performance against these targets.
To monitor and review information about school performance
Contribute to the development and monitoring of the School Improvement Plan and the SEF
Ensure that the school’s policy on SEN is consistent with the code of practice and Equalities Act and that arrangements are made to ensure the policy is monitored and reviewed regularly. The policy is known to parents and carers.
Monitor the achievement of disadvantaged groups and the impact of policies on race, SEN, LAC and Disability.
Ensure the school meets the requirements of the SEN and relevant disability legislation.
Ensure the school works effectively with other agencies to support vulnerable children and their families.
Consider developing a whole school drugs policy.
Decide whether or not to provide sex and relationships education and consult parents. Agree the content and organisation of the school’s programme of sex and relationship education and notify parents of their right to withdraw their child.
Monitor pupils’ attitudes, values and how other personal qualities are developed within the school through the provision of RE and PHSCE and that parents are told of their right to withdraw their child.
Ensure the effective integration of children with SEN.
Ensure that adequate provision is made for transition between primary and secondary education.
Ensure that every child receives the full statutory curriculum that the school must provide.
Ensure that a report on each pupil’s educational achievements is forwarded to their parents/ carers annually.
Set attendance targets and monitor the school’s performance against these targets.
In general terms, monitor teaching and learning and the progress of pupils.
Monitor the provision of extra-curricular activities including overnight stays provided to encourage recreation and social development.
Consider out-of-hours provision (wrap around provision, study support, extended schools).
To review the policy and provision for collective worship and RE and to make recommendations where necessary

Meetings: at least termly.

Disqualifications: conflict of interest, pecuniary interest

Headteacher’s Performance Review

To arrange to meet with the Education Development Partner (EDP) to discuss the Headteacher’s performance targets.
To decide with support from the EA or SIP whether the targets have been met and to set new targets annually.
To monitor throughout the year the performance of the Headteacher against the targets.
To make recommendations to the appropriate committee in respect of awards for the successful meeting of set targets.

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