GOVERNORS

WELCOME

Elmwood School has a governing body made up of eleven members (9 governors and two associate members).  These include representatives from the Local Authority, community (co-opted), parents and staff.  A vacancy exists for a co-opted governor to join the team.

The Chair of Governors is Ms Tracy Brandwood and the Vice-chair is Mrs Sallyann Tuckwell-Allen. The Clerk to the Governors is Mrs Dawn Canham.

The Governing Body has three main key roles which are to provide a strategic view, to act as a critical friend to the headteacher and staff and to ensure accountability.

EXPERTISE

The Governing Body bring a wealth of expertise to the School.  In addition to the Headteacher, Lee Cross, we have the following Governors:-

Ms Tracy Brandwood has a lot of experience as a support worker for young people with special needs.  Ms Brandwood is link governor for behaviour and attitudes, staff support and scrutiny. Ms Brandwood was appointed as Chair of Governors in November 2017.

Mrs Sallyann Tuckwell-Allen joined the Governing Body in January 2018 as an LA Governor and  is an Assistant Head and SENCO at a local primary School.  Mrs Tuckwell-Allen is the link governor for safeguarding/scrutiny and was appointed as Vice Chair of Governors in November 2018.

Mrs Rose Burley has also been a governor for many years at both primary and secondary schools.  She is an elected local Councillor as well as Deputy Mayor of Walsall and sits on many committees.  Mrs Burley is the link Governor for communtiy cohesion.

Mr James Hawkins is one of our Family Welfare Officers and was elected staff governor with effect from 29th March 2020.  Mr Hawkins is the link governor for attendance/scrutiny.

Mrs Suzanne Hill, mom to a former pupil who left in July 2018, was elected as a Parent Governor in March 2017. Mrs Hill is link governor for parental engagement.

Ms Jamie-Leigh Roberts mom to a Year 8 pupil, joined the Governing Body on the 16th October 2019 as a parent governor. Jamie is joink link governor for pupil wellbeing/scrutiny.

Ms Joanna Hall, mom to a Year 9 pupil, joined the Governing Body on the 13th October 2020 as a parent governor. Joanna is joint link governor for pupil wellbeing/scrutiny.

The views of parents and carers are always welcome and their input into school life is encouraged wherever possible.

Mr Dave Watton is a retired engineer and has also been a governor of a local primary school for a number of years.  At the end of the summer term 2014 Mr Watton resigned from his role as an LA Governor at the School but as continued his links as an Associate Member attending Full Governing Body Meetings.  Mr Watton has been given voting rights and is on various committees; he is the health and safety governor link governor.

Ms Georgina Edmunds joined the Governing Body as an associate member in October 2019.  Georgina is an experienced governor and acts as a corporate parent for a number of pupils at Elmwood.  Georgina is the link governor for pupil premium.

Currently there is a vacancy for a co-opted governor.

PREVIOUS GOVERNORS 

Over the last twelve months the following governors have left the governing body.

At the end of July 2020, Rita Martin, co-opted governor and link governor for Careers ended her time as a governor. Mrs Martin was appointed in May 2018 by the Governing body and has been a good friend to the Elmwood community forging good relationships with not only staff but also with parents and pupils during her role as an independent careers adviser.  

May 2020 saw the end of the term of office for Mrs Theresa Cheetham as a parent governor.  Mrs Cheetham was elected by parents in May 2016. Throughout her time as a governor, Mrs Cheetham, was a great advocate for the School and we thank her for her support and wish her well for the future.

In March 2020 Mr Ashley Holmes’ term of office as a Staff Governor ended having been elected by staff in March 2016.  Mr Holmes Mr Holmes was a dedicated and conscientious  governor and whose support was very much appreciated.  

MEETINGS

In addition to a termly meeting held by the whole governing body during the Spring, Summer and Autumn term, governors are also members of individual committees, which meet on a regular basis.  It is sometimes necessary for special meetings to be arranged when a matter of urgency arises.

Termly meetings are scheduled for 4.00 pm on:

Autumn – Thursday 12th November 2020 and Thursday 10th December 2020 (EB)

Spring – Thursday 11th February 2021 (EB) and Thursday 18th March 2021

Summer – Thursday 27th May 2021and Thursday 8th July 2021 (EB)

Committees consider financial, personnel, pupil and building matters.

Finance & Pay Committee meetings are scheduled for 10.00 am on:

Autumn – Monday 19th October 2020 and Monday 7th December 2020

Spring – Monday 8th February 2021 and Monday 29th March 2021

Summer – Monday 17th May 2021 and Monday 5th July 2021

Sites and Buildings Committee meetings are scheduled for  3.00 pm on:

Autumn – Wednesday 9th December 2020

Spring – Tuesday 2nd March 2021

Summer – Tuesday 15th June 2021

Curriculum and Policies Committee meetings are scheduled for 4.00 pm on:

Autumn – Thursday 3rd December 2020

Spring – Thursday 25th March 2021

Summer – Thursday 1st July 2021

Copies of any public minutes can be obtained from the Clerk to the Governors via the School; a charge for copying would be applicable.

GETTING INVOLVED

When time allows Governors support the School where possible by attending events, functions and training.

Previously these have included theme days, hospitality and catering events and assemblies.

Governors are also involved in the recruitment of any new staff to the School.

GOVERNING BODY TERMS OF OFFICE AND BUSINESS INTERESTS

Legend:LA – Local Authority appointed (recommended) by Walsall CouncilPG – Parent Governor, elected by parents at the schoolSTF – Staff governor elected by staff at the schoolCG – Co-opted Governor, appointed by the governing body

GOVERNING BODY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

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