St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School

Our Governing Body

What is it?

All schools in England have a Governing Body which is responsible for overseeing many of the strategic decisions of the school. A key role is to act as a ‘critical friend’: to support, to challenge, to ask questions, ultimately to represent the school community.

The Governing Body works in close partnership with the headteacher, staff, Diocese and the local authority. Whilst the headteacher is, of course, responsible for the day to day running of the school, the governors are involved with such things as staffing, curriculum, school buildings and finance. It ensures the school functions well and maintains the proper range of academic and social objectives.

The standard term of office for a governor is four years. The chair and vice-chair are elected annually at the first meeting of the academic year.

The Chair of Governors is Mrs A Wood. She can be contacted via the school office Tel: 01282 813045. The Vice Chair of Governors is Mr J Whalley. 

The work of the governing body is done by committees. At St. Joseph’s, we have the following committees:

• Standards and Effectiveness

• Resources

• Admissions

Membership

Standards and Effectiveness: Mrs V Hickey (Chair), Mr O' Connor (Vice Chair), Miss Naylor, Mrs A Wood, Father K Firth, Mrs Hill and Mrs N Wood

Resources:  Mr Whalley (Chair), Mr O'Connor (Vice Chair), Mrs N Wood, Mrs A Wood, Mrs Hill and Mr Brennan

Admissions:  Mrs V Hickey (Vice Chair), Mr J Whalley, Miss Naylor, Mrs Hill, Mr O' Connor and Mrs N Wood

INSTRUMENT OF GOVERNMENT: VOLUNTARY AIDED SCHOOL

1. The name of the school is St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Barnoldswick

2. The school was founded by and is part of the Catholic Church. The school is to be conducted as a Catholic School in accordance with the canon law and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, and in accordance with the Trust Deed of the Diocese of Leeds and in particular:

1. religious education is to be in accordance with the teachings, doctrines, discipline and general and particular norms of the Catholic Church;

2. religious worship is to be in accordance with the rites, practices, discipline and liturgical norms of the Catholic Church; and at all times the school is to serve as a witness to the Catholic faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. The school is a voluntary aided school in the trusteeship of the Diocese of Leeds and is an exempt charity for the advancement of the Catholic religion in the Diocese of Leeds in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Catholic Church.

4. The name of the governing body is "The Governing Body of St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Barnoldswick"

5. The governing body shall consist of:

1. 2 parent governors

2. 1 local authority governor

3. 1 staff governor

4. 1 headteacher

5. 7 foundation governors

6. The total number of governors is 12

   There are currently three vacancies: two Foundation Governors and one Local authority governor.

7. Foundation governors are appointed and may be removed by the Bishop of Leeds (or any other person exercising Ordinary jurisdiction in his name including where the See is vacant or impended, the persons on whom the governance of the See has devolved).

8. The term of office of foundation governors is 4 years.

9. This instrument of government came into effect on 27 January 2015

10. This instrument was made by order of Lancashire local authority on 26 January 2015

11. A copy of this instrument must be supplied to the trustees in accordance with the school’s trust deed and to the Director of Schools of the Diocese of Leeds and every member of the governing body.

Please see below about our Governing Body members

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St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

Governor Action Plan 2022-25