What is Governance?
Every school in Britain has a governing body to provide support for the headteacher and staff but also to be a ‘critical friend’ for its activities. It is charged with guiding the strategic work of the school and does not get involved with the day-to-day operation of the school.The governing body is the school’s accountable body. It is responsible for the conduct of the school and for promoting high standards. The governing body aims to ensure that children are attending a successful school which, provides them with a good education and supports their well-being. The responsibilities of governing bodies have grown and schools are now accountable for children’s health and well-being in the community and for a wide range of extended services provision out of school hours.
The St. Mary’s CE School was set up under a Church of England Foundation which appoints three of the governors including the Rector of St. Edmund’s Church in Whalley Range. We are a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and the Governing Body of St. Mary's upholds the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Associate members (regulation 12)
Associate members are appointed by the governing body to serve on one or more governing body committees. They may also attend full governing body meetings. They are not governors and therefore do not have a vote in governing body decisions, but may be given a vote on decisions made by committees to which they are appointed.
Governance at St. Mary's is Outstanding
"Knowledgeable and committed governors are passionate about affording pupils as many opportunities to learn and grow as they can. Governors understand and fulfil their statutory duties exceptionally well." Ofsted
Recognising the diversity within their school, Governors and leaders have embraced this and their approach to learning about international harmony encourages critical examination of local and global issues.
IQM Centre of Excellence
Governing Body
St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School Governing Body
"The Governing Body is very involved in the life of the school, they provide appropriate support and challenge and share its high aspirations for all pupils. They have strategic vigilance to ensure accessibility to learning, for all pupils."
Inclusion Quality Mark Centre of Excellence Award
St Mary's Moss Side CEP Governor Recruitment experience - Dr Lisa Bennet
"Governors have secured excellent leadership for RE and collective worship. Pupils enjoy and are excited by RE. The balanced curriculum ensures that pupils acquire key skills and make excellent progress. They have a good understanding of Christian belief, recognising it to be a multicultural worldwide faith. RE provides a safe space in which pupils share ideas about faith, showing great respect for the beliefs of others."
SIAMS
Recognising the diversity within their school, Governors and leaders have embraced this and their approach to learning about international harmony encourages critical examination of local and global issues.
IQM Report 2023
"Discussion with Governors and staff saw them share that inclusion is how they as a school. ‘Invest in people, understand them and allow them to do everything the best they can’ sees any opportunity being seized to celebrate the diverse community of pupils, parents, and staff and both leaders and Governors show a clear analysis of need which has led to detailed action planning and positive outcomes, for example staff speak of the school ‘s work in raising parental engagement and provision for pupils with recognised needs and how there is a collegiate approach and passion for inclusion throughout the school community."
IQM Centre of Excellence
