Role of the Governing Body

The Governing Body is responsible for overseeing the managing of the school and its finances, whilst delegating to the Headteacher the responsibility for the day to day running of the school.  The Governing Body acts as a critical friend by asking questions of the Headteacher, regarding standards and levels of achievement etc, and also assists in the strategic planning of the school with input into the School Improvement plan each year.

As of Friday 1st November the school is managed by an Interim Executive Board.

Update from the Interim Executive Board (IEB)

Following the Ofsted inspection which took place in May 2019, the school will receive a directive academy order and will join Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) in the New Year. The conversion to academy status will take a number of months, therefore in the meantime, an Interim Executive Board has been appointed to replace the Governing Body with immediate effect.

What is an IEB?

The IEB will fulfil all functions of a governing body and will closely oversee the school in a way that ensures improvement and promotes high standards of educational achievement.

The main functions of the IEB will be:

To secure governance of the school, developing a sound basis for school improvement and pupil progress;

To prepare for normal governance under a new governing body to be resumed on conversion to academy status.

The duties of the IEB can be summarised under three key roles.

1) Be strategic leaders of the school;

2) Act as critical friend to the school's senior leadership team;

3) Hold the headteacher and SLT to account and be accountable to any interested party for the school's performance.

Derby City Council will maintain its role in challenging the school and IEB to ensure high standards of achievement and will monitor the quality of provision provided by the school. Derby City Council and Derby Diocese will provide support to the IEB and SLT to ensure there is effective governance of the school. More information on IEBs can be found in the Department for Education's guidance document here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ data/file/831895/Schools_causing_concern.pdf (page 24 - 26).

Membership of St Peter's CE Junior School IEB

Chair: Karen Phillips

Karen is an experienced School Governor and is currently the Vice-Chair of Governors at Littleover Community School and co-Chair of Governors at Shelton Junior School. Karen works in a local Primary School and has a strong educational background to challenge and support St Peter's to make rapid improvements.

Mark Mallender

Mark is the CEO of DDAT and has a background as a Headteacher in a number of Church of England Primary Schools. Mark has also worked in school improvement teams within Local Authorities as well as having previous experience as a Lead Inspector for Ofsted.

Iain Peel

Iain is currently the Local Programme Manager for the Derby Opportunity Area which was established to drive and enable social mobility in Derby. Iain brings a wealth of Local Authority strategic leadership experience.

Helen Wetherall

Helen has over 35 years' experience in all phases of education and different public and private sector organisations as leader, manager and as part of DfE-commissioned intervention teams. She has undertaken leadership and chief officer roles in a variety of settings.

Sarah Ferguson

Sarah is the Chief Operations Officer for DDAT and oversees the support provided to all schools within the Trust. Sarah has oversight of all operational matters and advises schools on HR matters, finance, governance, site and buildings and general compliance.

Meetings

The IEB have agreed to meet on a fortnightly basis with the first formal meeting scheduled to take place during week commencing 25th November 2019. The IEB met on Monday 11th November to plan their approach, complete formalities, set meeting dates and agendas, and address any immediate issues. As part of this meeting, IEB members reviewed the post Ofsted action plan and feedback is being provided to the school. The IEB agreed to commission an external review of progress made in the area of safeguarding and this will take place during w/c 18th November 2019.

IEB members have also agreed their link roles as follows:

- Child Protection and Safeguarding: Karen Phillips and Helen Wetherall

- Looked after Children: Karen Phillips

- Standards: Mark Mallender

- Finance: Iain Peel

- HR: Sarah Ferguson

As part of the link role, IEB members will be expected to focus challenge and support in their respective areas, reporting back to the full IEB.

During the first formal meeting scheduled for w/c 25th November, the IEB will review a revised Post-Ofsted action plan in detail, review progress in safeguarding, and analyse the school budget.

During the second meeting, the IEB have agreed to review the pupil premium strategy, sports premium strategy and analyse standards (including attainment and progress data) in detail.

Updates for Parents and the Community

The IEB have committed to keeping parents, carers and the school community updated on the work of the IEB. As such, regular updates will be added to the school website summarising progress made.

How to contact the IEB

A professional Clerk to the IEB has been appointed and will commence in post at the first formal meeting at the end of November. If you wish to contact the IEB, please contact the School Office in the first instance who will pass your details to the Clerk (Pamela Miles).