Our Governing Body

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

Governor Committee Structure

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; Safeguarding; Online Safety	None	None
Mr. Anthony Jones - Vice Chair	Parent	19/05/21-18/05/25	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	16/05/21-15/05/25	Personnel and Discipline; Pay Review; Curriculum and Performance Review; Finance and Premises	RSE; More Able and Talented; Curriculum 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	Co-opted	08/11/21-07/11/25	Finance and Premises; Curriculum and Performance (Chair)	RRS, SMSC and BV; Attendance; GDPR incl. DRP; Curriculum and Standards	Parent and Families Intervention Support Lead	None
Mrs. 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; Curriculum and Standards	None	None
Cllr. Samantha Townsend	Parent	01/04/19-31/03/23	Finance and Premises; Curriculum and Performance Review	Curriculum and Standards; Health and Safety	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 No longer in Office.			None	None
Mrs. Bernadette Cooper	Parent	08/11/19-07/11/23	Curriculum and Performance Review; First Pay Review	Early Years	None	None
Mrs. Claire Bonas	Staff	01/11/21-31/10/25			Office Manager	None

How To Become A School Governor

If you require further information on the roles and responsibilities of School Governors, or if 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 – April 2021

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

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 Team to ensure that the school meets its educational aims and, consequently has the best possible outcomes for all of 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 School. I am a father of three, and my two boys attend Timothy Hackworth Primary School. Through this role, I hope to help the school continue to provide excellence in education and also to further develop relationships between the parents and the school. I have completed 26 years of 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 that a SEND child may encounter.

Cllr. 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 1970s, having many happy memories and a good start to my education. I am a frequent visitor to the school, sharing my pride in 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. My aspiration is for all children to achieve the very best that they can. I will promote a belief of reaching for the stars as well as helping to make Shildon a great place to learn, live, play and work.

Nicola Stainsby – Staff Governor

I have been a dedicated member of the team at Timothy Hackworth Primary School 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, SMSC and British Values. 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 onto the Governing Body in December 2018. I am the Practice Manager of a local family dental practice, Shildon Smile Clinic. Due to my position at work, I feel that I bring experience to the safeguarding of children, people management, conflict management, multi-agency working and prioritising the needs of vulnerable children. I also hold a PGCE qualification which I feel will give me further insight into the general day-to-day running of a classroom. The school and Durham County 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 that every child who attends is safe, happy, and able to develop their full potential.

Malcolm Gray – Community Governor

As a Governor of the school, I have the opportunity to support the school, pupils and parents which is a challenge that 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 include rent collection, council tax, housing and housing support, anti-social behaviour and community investment. I am currently the Chair of the East Durham Rural Area Action Partnership 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 that they need for a bright and successful future.

Cllr. Samantha Townsend – Parent Governor

I am a mam to 3 children 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 Primary School and I’m really excited about the opportunity to help it build on its strengths by being part of the team as a Parent Governor. I am very interested in protecting SEND provision and helping the school continue to be a progressive and inclusive establishment.

Bernadette Cooper – Parent Governor

My name is Bernadette Cooper. I am a mam of 3 boys, 2 of which attend Timothy Hackworth Primary School. I took the Parent Governor role on as I believe that I can help the school with the views that I have. I am also a member of the SEND Parents and Carers Advisory Group. Two of my boys have learning problems, so a big reason that 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 that this is communicated to the whole organisation.
Set strong and clear values and ensure that 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 that 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 that there are mechanisms in place to listen to and respond to the views of parents/carers, pupils, staff, local communities and employers.
Agree the 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 Governing Body.
Review and monitor the Governor Induction process.
Have regard for Governors’ professional development.
Where necessary, suspend or remove Governors from the Governing Body.
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 that 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 that there is regular self-evaluation and review of each individual’s contribution to the Governing Body as well as the Governing Body’s overall operation and effectiveness.
As necessary, consider an external review of the Governing Body’s effectiveness.
Ensure the 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 that 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.
To ensure that the school meets health and safety requirements and review the school’s Health and Safety policy regularly.
To ensure that adequate provision is made to make the building safe and secure.
To oversee the use of the premises by outside users.
To establish and keep under review an Asset Management/Building Development Plan.
To establish and keep under review an Accessibility Plan.
To consider all matters received from the LA relating to the financial aspects of the Authority’s scheme for the Financing of School’s (Fair Funding).
To receive an actual budget share and agree a budget plan for approval by the full Governing Body.
To monitor and determine spending patterns and consider spending proposals from other committees.
To consider and promote income generation.
To ensure that the annual accounts of all voluntary funds held by the school are audited, submitted and noted (Private School Fund).
To inspect and report the repair and maintenance to Buildings and Grounds improvements.
To oversee tendering procedures.
To oversee the purchase and disposal of furniture and equipment.
To monitor health and safety issues, inspection reports and actions (including completion of the annual Risk Assessment).

Meetings: termly, planned to coincide with Oracle.

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

VIREMENT and EXPENDITURE LIMITS

Virement Limits

Expenditure Limits

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

5,000

Any items of expenditure up to:

8,000

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

10,000

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

· Prior Finance Committee or Chair of Governor’s 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 or 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).
To oversee 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.
To ensure that the school has an effective Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy. To monitor the implementation of this policy and its impact.
To monitor the development of pupils’ attitudes, values and other personal qualities.
To agree the aims and values for the school and promote a positive ethos.
To ensure that the school has an effective School Council.
To monitor nutritional standards within the school to include school meals, snack provision and food available during wrap-around provision.
To ensure that the school is fulfilling its responsibilities regarding child protection and the requirements of “Keeping Children Safe in Education”.
To review temporary contracts on an annual basis.
To consider staff Leave of Absence (only if necessary after delegation to Headteacher).
To act as a Pupil Discipline Committee for permanent and fixed term exclusions.
To monitor any complaints that might arise.

Meetings: Termly.

Disqualifications: Pecuniary interest.

Delegation to the Headteacher

School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009

Appointments:

Delegation as follows:

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

Dismissals:

The Governing Body delegates to the Headteacher responsibility for:

up to and including a written warning.

All dismissals to remain with the Committee structure.

Lifting Suspensions:

Delegation to the Chair of Governors for all staff excluding the Headteacher.

First/Pay Review Committee for the Head Teacher.

Curriculum & Performance Committee

Terms of Reference:

To set targets for achievement at KS1 and KS2. To monitor the school’s performance against these targets.
To monitor and review information about school performance.
To contribute to the development and monitoring of the School Improvement Plan and the SEF.
To ensure that the school’s policy on SEND is consistent with the Code of Practice and Equalities Act, and that arrangements are made to ensure that the policy is monitored and reviewed regularly. To ensure that this policy is known to parents and carers.
To monitor the achievement of disadvantaged groups and the impact of policies on race, SEN, LAC and Disability.
To ensure that the school meets the requirements of the SEN and relevant disability legislation.
To ensure that the school works effectively with other agencies to support vulnerable children and their families.
To develop a whole school Drugs Policy.
To decide whether or not to provide sex education. To 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 from sex education. To ensure that parents are consulted.
To monitor pupils’ attitudes and values, and how other personal qualities are developed within the school through the provision of RE and PSHE.
To ensure the effective integration of children with SEND.
To ensure that adequate provision is made for transition between primary and secondary education.
To ensure that every child receives the full statutory curriculum.
To ensure that a report on each pupil’s educational achievements is provided for their parents/carers annually.
To set attendance targets and monitor the school’s performance against these targets.
To monitor teaching and learning and the progress of pupils.
To monitor the provision of extra-curricular activities, including overnight stays, to encourage recreation and social development.
To 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 EDP, 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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