Inspiring Faith, Love and Learning

What do Governors do?

The governing body is made up as follows:

8 foundation governors (to include three parents) appointed by St Thomas' Parochial Church Council:
Mr Peter Speed (Chair)
Mrs Katy Tait
Rev Michael Ridley
Mrs Sheila Barton
Mrs Elaine Smith
Mr Gary Smith
Mrs Melanie Girdharry
Mrs Melanie Wilson
1 LEA governor appointed by the Local Authority
awaiting new appointment
2 parent governors elected by parents
Mr Andy Holland
Mrs Naomi Blyth
2 staff governors (including the headteacher)
Mr Ian Moss
Mrs Jackie Parker
1 co-opted governor appointed by the Governing Body
Mr John Harding

St. Thomas’ School Governors are volunteers who represent the Church (nominated by the PCC), parents and the school staff. They attend meetings and work to further the school’s development. They attend full governing body meetings each term, along with being a member of one or more committees which also meet termly. Together with the Headteacher, they set the future direction for the school and decide how the school’s budget should be spent. Our Governing Body makes decisions collectively on matters such as finance, performance targets, school policies and the school’s improvement. They respond to Ofsted recommendations and provide the Headteacher with support and advice. Governors attend training in various aspects of school governance. All training is recorded on a skills matrix, and a register of attendance at meetings is documented below.

All the Governors, both current and those who have served during the past twelve months, have formally declared that they have no pecuniary, relationship, business or financial interests that are relevant to their position as Governors of our school. This information is collated at the start of each Committee or full Governing Body meeting and declared annually and held on a register. Any Associate Governors do not have voting rights but we are very grateful for the support and advice they provide

Link Governors with specific roles
In addition to attending termly meetings, our Governors have responsibilities for specific areas. They come into school regularly to discuss and review progress with relevant staff, reporting their findings back to the Governing Body.

Peter Speed - Computing, PE/Sports Premium
Katy Tait - Modern Foreign Languages
Sheila Barton - More Able & Talented Pupils, Equality, Diversity & British Values
Melanie Girdharry - Science, SEND, Pupil Premium
Michael Ridley - RE, Collective Worship & Christian Distinctiveness
Elaine Smith - Safeguarding & Child Protection
Melanie Wilson - English
Naomi Blyth - PSHE
Gary Smith - Curriculum

Governors of the school serve a four-year term of office.

The Chair of the Board of Governors, Mr Peter Speed, can be contacted via the school office.

Warrington Local Authority carries out the duties of Clerk to the Governors.

Governors Attendance record 2018-19