Local Governing Body

Overview

The governance of a multi-academy trust differs from those of maintained schools. The White Horse Federation (TWHF) believes that placing statutory responsibilities firmly at its centre, in the remit of the board of Trustees, allows the local board of governance (LGB) to focus on providing support, overcoming challenges in the delivery of educational excellence, and achieving outstanding outcomes for all pupils.

There are direct channels of communication between the principal and the LGB chair and central services. The clerk to the board of Trustees will hold contact details for all members of LGBs within TWHF. However, routine communication for day-to-day school business should come from the chair of that LGB, managed by the school or through an LGB clerk, if such a position is deemed necessary.

The principal and the chair of the LGB are responsible for ensuring the quality and timely distribution of all material needed to keep LGB members well-informed about the school and TWHF.The principal and the chair are also responsible for ensuring the views of the LBG are well communicated to the board of Trustees. This can be done via the elected chair’s representative on the board of Trustees. Senior executives from TWHF will be nominated by the CEO to sit on an LGB. Trustees reserve the right to attend any LGB meeting.

The White Horse Federation has a very clear and shared understanding of what constitutes good and effective governance. Schools within TWHF will be judged to have outstanding governance when members of the LGB:

• Talk about teaching and learning.
• Know a great deal about the school and its community.
• Are ambitious for the school and its community.
• Ask questions which make colleagues reflect, and that these discussions lead to delivering the very best outcomes for every child and adult within the school community.
• Maintain strong and effective relationships within TWHF.

In order for the shared model of governance to be effective for TWHF and the schools, it is essential that there is effective communication between the board of Trustees, the LGBs, chairs groups, principals, the central team, and the executive leadership team.

Kate Westbrook - Chair of Governors

Thank you for taking the time to read the Local Governing Body section of our website.

My name is Kate Westbrook and I am privileged to be the chair of the local governing body at Grange Juniors. I'm thrilled to be working with Mrs Gordon and the rest of the staff as we continue our school improvement journey. My two daughters came through Grange Juniors and have now left the school. When I'm not being a mum or a governor, I'm a partner in a local law firm. In addition to my responsibilities as chair, I am the Governor Champion for Safeguarding.

Our role as governors is to understand, challenge, support and encourage the school to be outstanding and to achieve its aim of delivering a high quality education to all children who attend Grange Junior School. We work within the scheme of delegation of the White Horse Federation as our responsibilities are delegated to us by them. We are here to support and encourage the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and all staff. We regularly review the schools' objectives, evaluate progress and provide challenge where necessary. We act as a 'critical friend' to strive to attain the highest standards and progress for all our children at Grange Junior School.

The governors meet six times a year in meetings of no more than 2 hours, where we question and challenge reports regarding the learning outcomes and progression of the entire school population. We test and support the school in achieving its ultimate aims and goals documented in the School Development Plan. We are committed to ensuring your children receive the best possible education available during the years ahead.

I am very lucky to lead a team of dedicated governors who work hard to share their expertise to guide the school forward. We are always looking to improve and develop - please do get in touch if you would like to become a school governor yourself.

If you would like to contact me for any reason, this can be arranged via the school office or you can email me at [email protected].

Joanne Ockwell - Parent Governor

I'm Jo Ockwell. I have two daughters, one who is grown up and another in Year 7 at Kingsdown. Both have attended both Grange schools. I am excited to work with the school as a governor as it continues to improve. Aside from being a mum, I work at the University of Oxford supporting students with disabilities and welfare concerns.

Simon Goodyear - Co-opted Governor

I'm Simon Goodyear and I'm proud to be one of the governors at Grange Juniors and to support the school in achieving its vision. I have two primary-aged children as well as two dogs and three cats. In between all of the feeding, walking and chauffeuring I also work leading the software engineering department of a car finance firm.

Chris Taylor - Parent Governor

My name is Chris Taylor, I have worked in a customer service environment for the last 2000 as a manager in varying roles for Next, GAP & now Amazon.
I have 2 boys that attend Grange Juniors. I play rugby as do they. I am also a Youth Rugby Coach and a current Club Chairman for Supermarine RFC; both in voluntary roles. I think in this role I could bring a similar bias for action and keenness for development as I do in both my current roles.

Register of Interests 2022-23 & Attendance 2021-22

Previous Governors resigned within the last 12 months

Sarah Sharpley - Resigned 24th March 2023 (attendance 1/2)

Bonnie Wise - Resigned 24th March 2023 (Attendance 2/2)

Claire Arthur - Resigned 8th January 2023 (attendance 5/6)

Kirsty Dickenson - Resigned 18th July 2022 (attendance 6/6)

Natalie Humpries - Resigned 12th July 2022 (attendance 3/4)

Governor Vacancy

We have one vacancy for a Co-opted Local Governor.

The White Horse Federation Local Governing Board

Each school has its own local governing body (LGB). The chair of each LGB will also sit on a collective group of similar chairs, from which one representative will be elected and then co-opted onto the executive board. This process will be repeated every two years, thus affording new chairs the opportunity to be similarly elected.

TWHF executive board has clearly identified the areas of responsibility that they delegate to the LGBs. Although not in any way legally responsible, and not itself accountable for the statutory functions, the LGB has an important role to play in assisting the school to operate effectively in line with the wishes of TWHF executive board as communicated to the LGB.

To learn more, visit The White Horse Federation website.