Governors

Message from the Chair of Governors

The Governors of Hampreston School warmly welcome you to this very special school. Here you should be able to find out about the Governing Body, what we do, and how we operate.

There are nine Governors of the school. As you will know, this is a Church school. The Headteacher, Mrs J-A Palfrey and the Associate Rector of the Benefice, Rev. O Fricker are Governors as they are the office holders of their respective positions in school and church.

Miss R Richards is the elected Staff Governor.

Mr T. Hallam and Mr D Humphreys (Vice Chair) are the elected Parent Governors.

The remaining Governors, known as Foundation Governors, are appointed by Salisbury Diocese on the recommendation of the Parish Councils of Hampreston and Ferndown. They are:

Mrs R. Cuthbert (Chair), Mr W Pyke, Mr L Frost, Miss R Richards.

The Governors have three major roles (in a MAT school), which are legal requirements laid down by the Government. First, the Governors set the strategic vision, mission and aims for the school: in brief, we want to provide all our pupils with an excellent education within the experience of loving, working and worshipping in a community which is inspired by the Christian Gospel. Secondly, we hold the Headteacher and her team to account for the standard of education achieved by the children. Finally, we work hard to ensure that the school works within its budget to ensure that the money is spent properly and wisely for the benefit of the children. All Governors are trained in these roles by a combination of the Diocese Board of Education, the Local Authority, the National Governance Association, and various other specialist organisations.

We fulfil these roles by holding about six meetings of the full Governing Body each year, together with separate committee meetings to monitor certain aspects, to make sure that the children joining the school are admitted according to the published admissions policy. We check, amend and agree the different policies of the school. Much of this work is known technically as “holding the Headteacher to account”.

It is a privilege to serve these children in this way. No Governor is paid to carry out these responsibilities, but we take up these tasks with enthusiasm and joy, and a wish to serve the community of the school. Currently, it is my privilege to serve as Chair of Governors.

Mrs Ruth Cuthbert