Governors

Caldew School is fortunate to be supported by a dedicated and well qualified governing body. Governors all work voluntarily to ensure the school delivers the highest possible standards of education for our community.

“Governors provide appropriate challenge to leaders. They carefully question the decisions that are made, to make sure there are in the best interests of the pupils and students. Leaders, including Governors, are very mindful of the workload and well-being of staff."

Ofsted 2022

The Role of the Governing Body

The main aim of the governing body is to maintain and improve the school’s standards of education. Its work can be divided into three key areas:

  • Setting the school’s vision and strategic aims, agreeing plans and policies, and making creative use of resources.
  • Monitoring and evaluating performance, acting as a critical friend to the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to support and challenge them in managing the school.
  • Ensuring that the school is accountable to the children and parents it serves, to its local community, to those who fund and maintain it, as well as to the staff it employs.

The Responsibilities of the Governing Body

The responsibilities of the governing body are defined by legislation.

‘The Governors’ Handbook addresses governors’ responsibilities and can be viewed through the Department for Education website.

The main areas addressed in the guide are as follows:

  • The role of governing bodies
  • Constitution and procedures
  • Education and inspection
  • Pupil wellbeing
  • Teachers and support staff
  • Organisational changes and the use of school premises
  • School finance
  • Information sharing

Structure Of Members and Governors

 

MEMBERS  (5)

  • Tazeem Abbas 
  • Johanne Doherty 
  • Tony Smith (Vice-Chair)
  • Michael Smillie  
  • Jennie Wilkinson (Chair) 


Head Teacher and Accounting Officer  Vicki  Jackson      Company Secretary    Lisa Hollywood

 

GOVERNORS  (15)

 Foundation Governors  (Appointed by Members)

  • Jules Ruddick
  • Karen Warwick (Vice-Chair)
  • Jennie Wilkinson (Chair)  


Parent Governors (Elected by Parents)

  • Hayley Tancred 
  • Vacancy
  • Vacancy
  • Vacancy

 

Staff Governors (Elected by Staff)

  • Vicki Jackson (Headteacher and Accounting Officer) 
  • Brendan McArdle (Teacher Governor)
  • Jenny Waite (Teacher Governor)
  • Kim Wallace (Support Staff Governor)


Community/Co-opted Governors (Appointed by FGB)

  • Louise Birch 
  • Clem Coady
  • Victoria Lawson
  • Grant Smith  


Clerk to the Governors         Mrs Sarah Connolly - Email the Clerk

Governor Attendance 2023-2024Governor Attendance 2023-2024

For other Governor policies and documents please follow this link to our Policies and Document page please click here

There is a strong culture of safeguarding in place, with clear systems to record any concerns. Leaders keep safeguarding relevant to all members of the school community through regular updates, training, alerts and reminders.

Ofsted 2022

An effective programme of personal development has been created for pupils in key stages 3 and 4. This prepares pupils well for their future, giving them opportunities to have important discussions about healthy relationships, social and moral issues.

Ofsted 2022

Pupils including students in the sixth form, are proud to attend Caldew School. They feel well supported, happy and safe in this welcoming community. There are high level of trust and respect between pupils, students and staff.

Ofsted 2022

Leaders provide effective careers guidance to pupils from Year 7 through to Year 13. Clear guidance, including preparation for interviews and ‘Work Ready Days’, helps pupils and students to make considered choices for their next steps.

Ofsted 2022

Staff have high expectations for pupils’ and students’ behaviour and learning. Pupils and students behave well in lessons and around the school site. They are polite to each other and look out for others in the school.

Ofsted 2022