Governance

St Mary’s Church of England Primary School Colton, is part of The Staffordshire Schools Multi Academy Trust.

The Trust has a Governing body, called Directors.  The Chair of the Board of Directors is Mrs Heather Bowman (h.bowman@tssmat.staffs.sch.uk)

Directors come from the local community of the school's within the Trust, as elected parent Directors, staff Directors, community Directors and Local Authority representatives.

To find out more about our individual Directors, as well as the other layers of governance at The Staffordshire Schools Multi Academy Trust, please click here. TSSMAT Directors

What do Directors do?

The Directors are responsible for working strategically with the school to ensure that it delivers high quality education and other opportunities for children in both schools. They work with the Headteacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management, to set the school's aims and policies and to monitor all aspects of school life.

'The directors provide...support and challenge in equal measure. They have a wealth of skills and expertise to call upon. They have a clear understanding of their statutory functions and responsibilities. The well-being of pupils and staff is at the centre of their work. They are committed and enthusiastic about their work. Through regular meetings, the directors track the impact of developments across the school and the progress the pupils are making. Directors check out what they have been told by visiting the school to see for themselves. They share your vision and ambition for the school.' Ofsted inspection May 2018

Directors have three main roles:

To provide strategic direction for the MAT and the schools within it

To act as a critical friend to the CEO

To ensure accountability

They also carry out a number of other important duties, which include:

Upholding and promoting the school's distinctive Christian feel, ethos and values

Determining how the budget is spent

The appointing and dismissing of staff

Hearing appeals and grievances

Forming policy on the curriculum and collective worship

Setting standards for pupils' behaviour and discipline

Making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe

Setting and monitoring the MAT's aims and policies

 

Our leaders all adhere to and follow the Framework for Ethical leadership in Education to ensure we provide the best we can for our school and community.

Governance

The role of the school director is demanding but very rewarding and is a good way to give back to your local community.

The Chair of Directors can be contacted through the office@tssmat.staffs.sch.uk

 

 

The school also has a Local Advisory Group, which provides another layer of oversight to the Trust and School. 

The LAG has a mandated membership constituted of parent members, community members, and Church of England Diocese members.  The school advertises vacancies on the LAG to parents when applicable.  To discuss the LAG further, please speak to the Headteacher.

 

The function of the Local Advisory Group is :

5. Engaging in local dialogue with local professionals;

5. Identifying local needs and characteristics that create uniqueness;

5. Scrutinising the work of the schools – standards, behaviour, safety, care and guidance, provision;

5. Understanding the vision and values of the Trust and their implementation;

5. Understanding the policy and process of the Trust and how it its implementation impacts in their schools;

5. Raising concerns with the Board and seeking advice;

5. Responding to challenges from the Board;

5. Being part of the electoral process for the Director of LAGs role;

5. Sharing its understanding with the parental body and all stakeholders;

5. Help support the Christian distinctiveness of our Church Schools.