Full Governing Board and Committees

Alongside the senior leadership team at North Ealing Primary School, governors are responsible for deciding on the strategic direction of the school. This includes contributing to decisions on:

  • vision and values
  • staffing
  • curriculum
  • finance
  • premises
  • behaviour and standards
  • equality and inclusion
  • health, safety and safeguarding
  • extended school
  • special educational needs
  • parental and community engagement

The Governing Board is drawn from the staff of the school, the local authority, parents and the local community.

Parent Governors play a vital role on the Governing Board and their contribution is greatly valued. If you are interested in becoming a parent Governor, please contact the Chair of Governors via the School Office.

Contacting the Governors: Governors welcome the views of parents and are always happy to discuss any concerns or ideas you may have to improve the school. Parent Governors are often available in the playground before or after school, or you can leave a message for them in the office.

Meet the Governors

North Ealing Primary School has 15 Governors. There are ten co-opted Governors, two elected Parent Governors, one staff Governor, one Headteacher, one Local Authority Citizen Governor and the Clerk.

CO-OPTED GOVERNORS

Andrew Dharman – Chair of Governors
Joanne Gravestock
– Vice Chair of Governors
Daniel Lawrie
Jackie Blazewicz
Liza Webber
Laura Cross
Mark Strippel
Sam Farquharson
Sushil Rapatwar

Andrew Dharman - Chair of Governors
Andrew Dharman - North Ealing Primary SchoolName: Andrew Dharman
Chair of Governors
Chair of Resources Committee

Term of Office Ends: 24/02/2027
Classification of Governor: Co-opted Member
Committees: FGB, Resources, Steering, Pay

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
An effective governing body is crucial to the success and direction of a school. I want to be an engaged member of the team that facilitates the school achieving an Ofsted “outstanding” rating. As a parent who has 1 daughter in reception and 3 sons who will be attending the school, I feel the future of the school is my utmost priority. I am an enthusiastic person who loves living in the local community. This is an ideal opportunity for me to give back in a voluntary capacity. As a local GP, my skills are primarily healthcare-related but also in governance matters in general. I hope to bring this perspective to the leadership of the school. I believe Primary school education is vital for building the foundation for children to develop into successful and responsible young adults. Working with parents is key to achieving this. As a Governor I think one has a unique and important opportunity to positively influence this process.

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
Governors bring an overall sense of leadership and direction. The committee has the freedom to think strategically and it’s these ideas that can shape a school for a better future. As a medical professional, governance is a key part of my day. In terms of school governance health, safeguarding and personnel are all areas I am familiar with. Support and recognition of outstanding behaviours should be recognised and encouraged. In my opinion empowerment of staff and a sense of ownership is key. I think as a Governor one has to lead by example and my family and education are paramount for me. My wife and I take turns to drop our children off at school / playgroup. We engage staff and parents alike. I have also spoken at nursery and reception assembly about health and introduced equipment that children may encounter at a Doctors surgery to demystify the experience.

What are your interests in Education?
My main interests in Education are in performance management from a whole school perspective. A lot of my work as a GP is performance managed and involves achieving better outcomes for my patients eg lowering blood pressure. My work is evidence-based and this applies to school practices also. As medical professional equal opportunities from a SEND perspective is important and I again have experience and interest in the areas of child health and safeguarding earlier.

Brief history of your career, life and background:
I am a local General Practitioner and studied at Guys and St Thomas’s Medical School in London and lived in North London for most of my life. I am the Educational Lead of the North and West London Faculty of the Royal College of GPs. I am married and have 4 small children. My oldest is in reception and my second child will be starting nursery at North Ealing in September 2015. I am a keen car enthusiast and attend several cars shows every year. I have restarted training at Gurnell Leisure centre and jog around Pitshanger Park to keep fit. As a keen sportsman, I believe the role of physical fitness and health goes hand in hand with mental fitness and ability.

Joanne Gravestock - Vice Chair of Governors

Joanne Gravestock - North Ealing Primary SchoolName: Joanne Gravestock
Term of Office Ends: 22/01/24
Classification of Governor: Vice Chair of Governors
Committees: FGB / Resources

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
North Ealing Primary School is a Community School and being part of the PTA gave me an insight into the importance of maintaining that sense of community as our school grows. Becoming a Governor seemed a natural progression from my role as Vice-Chair on the PTA.

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
I believe Parent Governors bring an insight into the day to day aspects of educating our children. A supportive Governing body is essential in maintaining a balanced and happy school.

What are your interests in Education?
My interests lie in engaging the whole family in school life and in educating the complete child. Not just academically but in creating life skills and a good moral compass for their next step.

A brief history of your career, life and background:
I am originally from the North East of England and have lived in Ealing for 18 years. I have been married to my husband Mark for 12 years and we have two children, Zoe now in yr 7 at Ellen Wilkinson and Ben in yr 5 at North Ealing. Before the birth of my daughter Zoe I was Production Manager at Hodder Children’s Books and my skills lie in Project Management. I took the decision not to return to work after Zoe was born and once my children started school I became involved in a number of volunteer roles. I am also a keen runner and try to run at least twice a week around our lovely parks.

Daniel Lawrie
Name: Daniel Lawrie
Chair of Curriculum & Standards Committee
Term of Office Ends: 24/02/2027
Classification of Governor: Co-opted Member
Committees: FGB / Steering / Curriculum & Standards

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
One of the main reasons we chose to move to the Pitshanger area two years ago was North Ealing Primary School. My daughter now attends the school and hopefully, my son will follow in due course. Since living here we have discovered the strong sense of community spirit that exists and the central role that North Ealing Primary School plays in engendering that spirit. I wanted to be a Governor to contribute to the development of the School and the wider community.

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
The Governors can provide oversight, additional skills and different perspectives to help support and guide North Ealing Primary School to raise standards. By doing so, the Governors can make a significant contribution to the success of the school and help it achieve its aim of being “outstanding”. On a personal level, as a lawyer, my job is analytical in nature and requires me to challenge and find alternative solutions. I also frequently advise Boards of Directors of public companies on governance matters, accountability and transparency. I think this experience and skill set will prove valuable in my role as a Governor.

What are your interests in Education?
Education is a frequent topic of conversation in our house. My wife is a primary school teacher and my daughter is just starting her education. I am always fascinated by the insights they provide into school life. The attainment and progress of the children should be the central concern of any school. I am particularly interested in how North Ealing Primary School seeks to improve standards so that every child can reach their potential.

Brief history of your career, life and background:
I am a lawyer and have worked in the corporate department of Linklaters (a global law firm) for 11 years. I advise clients on corporate transactions and governance. My role includes strategic planning, delivering seminars and mentoring junior colleagues. I studied law at the University of Bristol and completed my legal practice course in Nottingham. I am married with two young children. I have a real passion for sport and enjoy running, football and tennis.

Jackie Blazewicz
Name: Jackie Blazewicz
Term of Office Ends: 08/01/2027
Classification of Governor: Co-opted
Committees: FGB / Curriculum & 
Standards

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
The school is very important to me, as my employer, the educator of my children and grandchild and part of the community in which I live. I wanted to make more of a contribution to support the school’s continued success.

What do you think you can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
I have over ten years of experience in Early Years education and childcare and practical knowledge of the challenges of educating and supporting the wellbeing of very young children in a school setting. Early Years formerly had a lower profile within education and I believe it is important now for the Early Years department to be represented and have a voice within the governing body.

What are your interests in Education?
Since gaining qualified teacher status in 1992 I have had a varied and successful teaching career across a range of primary schools. In my previous role as an advisory teacher, I developed a keen awareness of how to improve teaching and learning which I have successfully applied at North Ealing. In my current position, I have had access to a wide range of professional development enhancing my leadership skills, knowledge and understanding of the key elements of raising standards within a primary school. My particular interests include the EYFS, child development and Inclusion. I am keen to develop an evidence-based approach to improving practice and for peers to offer a comprehensive system of support within North Ealing and eventually beyond to other schools and teachers in training.

Liza Webber

Liza Webber - North Ealing Primary SchoolName: Liza Webber
Term of Office Ends: 16/12/25
Classification of Governor: Associate Member
Committees: FGB / Curriculum & Standards

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
I joined the school as a teacher and literacy coordinator and it seemed an ideal way to get to know the workings of the school.

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
It is clear that governors bring their knowledge, skills and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds both professionally and as a parent or member of the local community.

What are your interests in Education?
Obviously, my skills and interests lie in all aspects of education for children but also in the development of staff.

Brief history of your career, life and background:
I have worked as a teacher for 10 years and in the field of Early Years for 20 years prior to that. I have worked in Social Service as well as in the private and voluntary sector in a wide range of roles. I have been a governor of another local primary school so I bring a wealth of knowledge about child care and education. I have 2 adult children that were successfully educated at Oaklands Primary and Elthorne Park High school. They have both graduated and one has followed me into the teaching profession.

Laura Cross

Name: Laura Cross
Term of Office Ends: 16/12/25
Classification of Governor: Co-Opted
Committees: FGB

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?

What are your interests in Education?

A brief history of your career, life and background:

Mark Strippel

Name: Mark Strippel
Term of Office Ends: 30/02/26
Classification of Governor: Co-Opted
Committees: FGB, Resources

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?

What are your interests in Education?

A brief history of your career, life and background:

Sam Farquharson

Name: Sam Farquharson
Term of Office Ends: 09/10/26
Classification of Governor: Co-Opted
Committees:

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?

What do you think Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?

What are your interests in Education?

A brief history of your career, life and background:

Sushil Rapatwar

Name: Sushil Rapatwar
Term of Office Ends: 09/10/26
Classification of Governor: Co-Opted
Committees:

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?

What do you think Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?

What are your interests in Education?

A brief history of your career, life and background:

PARENT GOVERNORS

John Russell
Golnaz Shahabi

John Russell

Name: John Russell
Term of Office Ends: 31/10/2025
Classification of Governor: Parent Governor
Committees: FGB, Curriculum & Standards

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
I see being a parent governor as a brilliant opportunity to be more involved in the school and to make a positive contribution to its success. The school is at the heart of our community, serving a wide range of needs, and I know parents and carers are rightly proud of what it does for our children. I would like to help the school to build on its strengths, address the challenges it faces, and continue to provide a fully rounded education for all of its pupils.

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
In my day job, I help corporate leadership teams to be more effective through better communication. I take time to understand the business, what it wants to achieve, and any obstacles it faces – then advise executives on how to bring their strategy to life for stakeholders. My experience outside of education will bring a fresh perspective to the role of parent governor. I would work hard to get to know the school and its leaders, ask lots of questions to see what is working and what can be improved, and focus on issues that matter to parents and carers about how the school is delivering against its goals and achieving the best possible outcomes for every child.

What are your interests in Education?
I come from a family of teachers: my dad was a primary school headteacher, my mum taught primary and secondary, and my brother is a teacher too. This upbringing has left me in no doubt about the value and importance of education! Personally, I loved learning at school and I strongly believe that every child has the right to a safe environment where they can be curious, explore their interests and develop their talents.

Brief history of your career, life and background
I grew up in Essex and moved to Ealing ten years ago with my wife, Rachel. We now live close to Pitshanger with our two sons, James (Year 2) and Alex (due to start reception next year). After graduating I worked as a journalist before moving into corporate communications for a global bank, where I now specialise in reputation risk management. Outside of work I enjoy sport, travel and food.

Golnaz Shahabi

Name: Golnaz Shahabi
Term of Office Ends: 31/10/2025
Classification of Governor: Parent Governor
Committees: FGB, Resources

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
Having worked in secondary schools for the last ten years I feel that I have a lot of experience that I could share with my son’s school. My day-to-day life is about the running of a science department in an inner London secondary school. Science is a subject that all students have to study up to GCSE, however, there always seems to be a huge gap between the science taught at primary school and that taught at secondary school. Students who enter secondary school with the key scientific concepts thrive and I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with the North Ealing Primary School community.

I also feel that as a working mother it is easy to feel disconnected from my son’s school and although I can’t be there at drop-offs and pickups, I can contribute to his school life as a governor.

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
Having spent five years carrying out scientific research and ten years teaching science in secondary schools, it is fair to say that I am passionate about science. I have spent years working on the quality of teaching and learning in science and understanding how children need to be taught in order to effectively learn.

Science was highlighted as an area of development in North Ealing’s latest Ofsted report and I feel that with my experience I can help to support the expansion of the science curriculum and push the teaching of science forward.

I am also really interested in the transition from Year 6 to Year 7. Until my son started at North Ealing two years ago, I had no idea about the level of science teaching at primary school. Unfortunately, there is often very little subject-specific communication between primary and secondary schools. As a governor, I would be able to share my expert knowledge of secondary schools with the staff body and help to prepare a smooth transition from Y6 to Y7. I am also passionate about raising awareness about STEM subjects to help better prepare students for KS3.

What are your interests in Education?
I have a great interest in the curriculum and theories around cognitive science and the science of learning. Learning about how students learn has greatly affected the way that not only science but how all content is taught at secondary school. Science is always evolving so as teachers we are always learning new strategies and tools to help our students learn and understand the content better. These strategies have all been implemented in the knowledge-rich curriculum that I have developed in my school.

I only found my love for science whilst doing my PhD in Visual Neuroscience in my mid-20s. Until then science was only something that I was good at, I never had any person or teacher inspire me and I was fortunate enough to have the academic ability to follow a scientific path to university. After my PhD, I trained as a teacher in the hope that I can help students gain a love of science while they are at school and show them that they can have futures in science.

I am also interested in student wealth fare and making sure that all children get a complete school experience. An experience that is not only focused on academic excellence but also provides plenty of enrichment opportunities for students.

Brief history of your career, life and background
Having grown up in Ealing I feel so lucky to be able to raise both my sons here too. My eldest is 6 years old and is in Year 2 at North Ealing and my youngest is 2 years old and will hopefully be joining his brother in a few years.

Having studied Biomedical Sciences at university, I then continued in academia by doing my PhD in Visual Neuroscience. It was at this point that I found my passion for science. After completing my PhD, I trained as a teacher through Teach First where I was placed in an extremely challenging secondary school in North East London. It was during my five years teaching at this school that I realised that teaching is the job for me. Over the last ten years, I have been working hard to help raise attainment in struggling London schools. I am now working in a secondary school in White City as the Head of Science with my husband, who is the Deputy Head of the school, so my children are surrounded by teachers wherever they go!

Sally Flowers
Kathleen Finn

Name: Sally Flowers
Term of Office Ends: Ex-Officio
Classification of Governor: Staff / Headteacher
Committees: FGB / Resources / Curriculum & Standards / Steering / Pay

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
As the Headteacher of NEPS it is my responsibility to work closely with the governing body to ensure that they are informed about the context and effectiveness of the school. I have found it particularly useful to have a shared understanding of the vision of the school with the Governing board, drawing on their expertise in order to support that vision. It is also critical that as the Headteacher I keep up to date with local and national issues and bring governors attention to matters of immediate importance.

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
In my role as the Headteacher, I provide the Governing body with an accurate self-evaluation of the standards and overall effectiveness of the school. It is essential in this role that I support the Governing board to carry out their statutory duties such as safeguarding but also works with the governors in order to contribute to the school’s self-evaluation process, understanding strengths and weaknesses. It is also essential that in the role of Headteacher I engage with the governing board to engage all stakeholders within the North Ealing community.

What are your interests in Education?
Since gaining qualified teacher status in 1992 I have had a varied and successful teaching career across a range of primary schools. In my previous role as an advisory teacher, I developed a keen awareness of how to improve teaching and learning which I have successfully applied at North Ealing Primary School. In my current position, I have had access to a wide range of professional development enhancing my leadership skills, knowledge and understanding of the key elements of raising standards within a primary school. My particular interests include the EYFS, child development and Inclusion. I am keen to develop an evidence-based approach to improving practice and for peers to offer a comprehensive system of support within North Ealing Primary School and eventually beyond to other schools and teachers in training.

Name: Kathleen Finn
Term of Office Ends: 16/12/25
Classification of Governor: 
Committees: FGB, Steering, Pay, Resources, Curriculum & Standards

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?

What do you think Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?

What are your interests in Education?

A brief history of your career, life and background:

Alan O’Neil

Alan O'Neill - North Ealing Primary SchoolName: Alan O’Neill
Term of Office Ends: N/A
Classification of Governor: Clerk to the Governing Body
Committees: FGB / Resources / Curriculum & Standards / Steering  & Pay

Alan is an experienced clerk, supporting a number of Primary schools and High schools in the London Borough of Ealing.

The role of the Clerk to the Governing Board is to:

  • Schedule meetings of the Governing Board;
  • Prepare / collate papers for the meetings and ensure that governors have all of the papers that they need;
  • Attend meetings and produce accurate records of the discussions at meetings;
  • Provide technical support to the Chair of Governors, the Headteacher and all Governors.

 

The Role of the Governing Body

The Role of the Governing Board is to provide support and guidance to the Head Teacher and Staff.

The Governing Board has three main roles:-

1. Strategic

The Governing Board sets the general direction of the school, looking at how it should best develop. This is done by reviewing and agreeing policies, targets and priorities and monitoring and reviewing aims and objectives.

Strategic thinking is not only linked with the curriculum and it does not just mean responding to weaknesses.

2. Critical Friend

The Governing Board must work closely with the Head Teacher and create a clear understanding of the challenges faced in managing a school.

The Governing Board must feel able to question and challenge. Real critical friendship is only achieved where there is trust and mutual respect.

3. Accountability

A school is a business and its stakeholders are the pupils. The Governing Board must have a professional attitude and use its collective skills to benefit the pupils. It must gather views, ask questions and decide what is best for the school.

The Governing Board is answerable to parents and the wider community.

The Governing Board is collectively responsible for setting the strategic direction of the school and for monitoring the schools performance

Terms of Reference – Pay Committee

General Considerations

1. The committee shall not be open to the public

2. The Pay Committee is an ad hoc group with membership from across all committees including Chairs of all sub-committees and the Headteacher.

3. The membership and terms of reference of the committee shall be reviewed annually and confirmed by the governing Board.

Membership

The membership of the committee shall comprise a minimum of four Governors (including the Head Teacher).

Quorum

A quorum shall be three Governors (including the Headteacher).

Meetings

The Pay Committee will meet at least once a year in the Autumn Term, more frequently if necessary.

Minutes will be taken by the elected clerk of the committee and will be submitted to the Pay Committee members no later than 2 weeks after the date of the meeting.

Objectives

The committee will have full delegated powers to take decisions on the pay of staff within the pay policy determined by the Governing Board.

In relation to pay matters, the committee’s terms of reference will be as follows:

  • To undertake the Headteacher’s Performance Management. This will be undertaken by a panel of 3 members of the Pay Committee.
  • To achieve the aims/objectives of the school’s pay policy in a fair and equal manner.
  • To apply the criteria set by the pay policy in determining the pay of each member of staff at the annual review
  • To observe all contractual and statutory obligations.
  • To make recommendations to the Governing Board about budgetary requirements for pay.
  • To take account of the budget position when taking decisions on pay
  • To minute clearly the reasons for all decisions
  • To keep abreast of any developments that may affect the pay policy and to make arrangements for an annual review of the policy, including regard for any changes in legislation, or change to the conditions or terms of employment of any group/s of staff.
  • To work with the Headteacher to ensure that the Governing Board complies with appraisal regulations 2012 (teachers).

Decisions on pay are to be communicated, in writing, to each individual by the Headteacher on behalf of the committee. In the case of the Headteacher, the Chair of the Governing Board will communicate, in writing, to the Headteacher, any decision affecting pay.

The Governing Board will receive the report of the Pay Committee in the confidential section of the agenda if individual salaries have been discussed.

Terms of Reference - Curriculum & Standards Committee

Curriculum overview
The school curriculum comprises of all teaching and learning and wider curriculum experiences that the school provides for its pupils. For maintained schools (except special schools established in a hospital) this includes the National Curriculum, Religious Education, collective worship, Relationships and Sex education and careers education.

Roles and Responsibilities
The responsibilities for the curriculum are shared between the Head Teacher, the Governing Body, the LA and the Secretary of State for Education. Within this, the Governing Body has an extensive range of responsibilities that they share with the Head Teacher. Although not a statutory requirement, the governing body may wish to appoint governors with specific roles in relation to their collective responsibility for the curriculum.

Mission statement
To ensure that the teaching and learning opportunities provide our children with the very best education through a broad and balanced curriculum and that our staff receive the professional development to support this and their personal careers.

Membership
The committee shall consist of not less than 5 members comprising at least 2 parent governors, 2 community governors and 1 member of teaching staff agreed annually by the Full Governing Body at the Autumn Term meeting.

Members of the Governing Body who are not directly in membership of the committee may be permitted to attend.

Other professionals e.g. Staff Members, LA, etc. may be invited to attend the committee meeting in order to advise or give a presentation but shall not have any voting rights.

Quorum to elect the Chair to the committee shall be half of the committee.

Quorum to conduct normal business on behalf of the full governing body shall be 3 members of the committee.

Meetings will not be open to the Public

The committee should meet at least 3 times a year

Meeting notes shall be taken by the clerk and signed at the next meeting

Ensure appropriate governance of the committee

  • Elect a chair annually (autumn term)
  • Review and ensure balanced membership annually (autumn term)
  • Review and agree the terms of reference annually (autumn term)
  • Implement an action-orientated minute taking / approval process

Terms of reference:

  1. To develop and review curriculum policy to ensure that the National Curriculum and any other statutory requirements are met
  2. To ensure that effective strategies are in place to ensure targets are met and standards continually improved
  3. To provide an appropriate level of challenge to ensure progress and attainment of all pupils with particular focus upon vulnerable groups.
  4. To ensure that a robust strategy is in place to ensure that any gaps resulting from Covid 19 are addressed.
  5. To ensure that North Ealing school offers an inclusive education for all
  6. To determine and monitor implementation of Special Educational Needs and More Able Pupils policies
  7. To develop and monitor implementation of the Relationships and Sex Education policy
  8. To facilitate the work of the Curriculum and SEN Governors and any others appointed to specific areas of work
  9. To develop and monitor progress on the behaviour for learning and anti-bullying policies
  10. To ensure that the school promotes racial and gender equality across the school curriculum and school life as a whole
  11. To ensure that all decisions take due account of the school’s requirement to ensure safeguarding issues
  12. To liaise with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure that the school is meeting the needs of pupils with SEN and/or disabilities
  13. To ensure that professional development plans which meet the needs of the school, and individual staff, are in place and specifically to ensure that NQTs and trainees receive the support they are entitled to
  14. To review and recommend annually curriculum budget & resource requirements for the next school year to the resources committee (spring term). This process should be tightly aligned to the School Development Plan. This process should also clearly flag to governors (i) the needs of individual curriculum areas against the school priorities ( SDP) and (ii) what prioritisation, if necessary, should take place
  15. To monitor relevant aspects of the School Development Plan and reports from the LA and external sources
  16. To ensure that Educational visits comply with statutory requirements and are of benefit to the children
  17. To monitor pupil attendance and punctuality
  18. To ensure that home school agreements are in place
  19. To ensure an effective partnership exists with parents and the wider school community
  20. To ensure parents are informed of the curriculum delivered at the school and that relevant information is available to parents via the school website (School Prospectus and School Profile).
  21. To ensure the effective use and monitor the impact of the pupil premium grant and the different pupil groups in receipt of it
  22. To ensure the effective use and monitor the impact of the sports premium
  23. Work with the Head Teacher to review the provision of religious education and daily collective worship vs. both national and LA guidelines
  24. Considering complaints in relation to the curriculum in line with the LA’s policies on curriculum complaints
Terms of Reference - Resources Committee

Membership
The membership of the committee will comprise at least 4 Governors including the Head Teacher or their designated deputy.

All Governors are able to attend meetings of the Resources Committee, but only Committee Members shall be entitled to vote.

Other professionals e.g. staff members; LA etc may be invited to attend the committee meeting in order to advise or give a presentation but will not have voting rights.

Quorum
The quorum to conduct the business of the committee will be three Governors including the Head Teacher or their designated deputy.

Meetings
The committee should meet at least once per term. There will normally be an additional meeting in the spring term to prepare the budget for the next financial year.

Meetings of the Resources Committee will not be open to the Public.

Confidentiality
All members of this committee must be aware of and are bound to a confidentiality clause regarding individual salaries, items of a personal nature and also items of a sensitive nature.
Details of such matters must not be discussed with, or disclosed to any other persons.

Responsibilities

  1. Annually to elect a chair and Vice Chair at the first meeting of the Autumn Term
  2. To prepare a budget for the full Governing Body’s approval prior to submission to the LA (Spring Term)
  3. To support GB Committees by monitoring and reporting on the budget progress termly, or more frequently if necessary, to the Governing Body.
  4. To assist the Headteacher in dealing with the LA on financial matters.
  5. To monitor and review the finance structure.
  6. To consider and advise on insurance matters to the Governing Body.
  7. To address any Governors issues raised in the school financial management audit.
  8. To review the internal financial controls – self audit
  9. Review annually best value statement.
  10. To prepare the annual SFVS Return
  11. To prepare and review a rolling 3/5 year budget projection
  12. To undertake an annual benchmarking review of priority areas of expenditure
  13. An extraordinary meeting of the Resources Committee will be called by the School Business Manager or Chair of Governors in the light of any significant budget variances.
  14. To review and agree the annual CFR report and the Statement of Internal Control in the summer term.
  15. To monitor and approve the School Journeys Account and the Private Account annually
  16. To be responsible for staffing strategy and structure and be involved in the process for appointment of senior management team posts.
  17. To annually review in the Spring term the arrangements for school journeys, day visits and residential visits.
  18. To be responsible for succession planning for the GB and recruitment of Co-opted governors for Full Governing Body adoption.
  19. To receive assurance from Headteacher each term that the mandatory single central record is up to date for all staff and volunteers.
  20. To organize whole governing body training as required but at least every two years on safeguarding.
  21. To support the head on staffing issues.
  22. To conduct a safeguarding visit termly including a review of the SCR for accuracy.
  23. To advise the governing body on priorities for the maintenance and development of the school’s buildings and site which are clearly linked to educational outcomes. This includes establishing and reviewing a Site Development Master plan
  24. To review the costs and arrangements for maintenance, repairs and redecoration within the budget allocation.
  25. To oversee the preparation and implementation of contracts.
  26. To ensure that the school complies with health and safety regulations.
  27. To ensure any necessary liaison with the Local Authority on school capital matters.
  28. To be responsible for the policies set out in the School Policy Monitoring Schedule for Resources Committee

Reporting to Governing Body
The chair will take questions from all governors at FGB meetings from the minutes issued, taking confidentiality and sensitivity into account.

Headteacher Accountability
To conduct an annual self audit of financial controls to ensure that financial management systems comply with LA guidance and report to Resources Committee.

To ensure that all the policies are available to all members of staff and where appropriate, on the school website.

To recruit staff using safer recruitment processes to fill vacancies in the agreed staffing structure. All senior leadership posts will have a recruitment panel including a Governor not employed by the school.

Terms of Reference – Steering Group

General Considerations

  1. The meetings shall not be open to the public
  2. The Steering Group is an ad hoc group with membership from across all committees including Chairs and Vice Chairs of all sub committees and the Headteacher.
  3. The membership and terms of reference of the Steering Group shall be reviewed annually and confirmed by the governing body.
  4. The Steering Group shall participate in the formulation of the School Development Plan.

Membership

The membership of the Steering Group shall comprise a minimum of four Governors, including the Head Teacher and Chair of Governors.

For the Academic Year 2020-21 the membership will comprise:

  • The Chair of Governors
  • The Vice Chair of Governors
  • The Headteacher, or their designated deputy
  • The Chair of the Resources Committee
  • The Chair of the Curriculum & Standards Committee

Quorum

A quorum shall be three Governors, of which the Headteacher or their designated deputy must be one.

Meetings

The Steering Group shall meet in the autumn and in the spring term where appropriate. Additional meetings will be arranged as required.

Minutes will be taken by the elected clerk of the committee and will be submitted to the Steering Group members no later than 2 weeks after the date of the meeting.

Objectives

  • Be actively involved in contributing to the School Development Plan.
  • To make recommendations to the Full Governing Body on Financial Expenditure to support achievement of the School Development Plan.
  • To provide a sounding board for the Headteacher.
  • To take a strategic look at the shape of the Governing Body on an annual basis.
  • To ensure that the School and the Governing Body are working together.
  • To take a strategic look at the focus of the sub committees and challenge as required.
  • To undertake a Full Governing Body self evaluation on an annual basis.
  • To monitor the review of all policies.
  • To ensure that the sub committees are prioritising and managing the risks in their areas of responsibility.
The Role of School Governor

What is a School Governor

School Governors are drawn from all walks of life and as you will see in this section of the website there are various types of Governors.

The first question to ask yourself is, “Are you interested in the education, welfare and opportunities provided for children and young people?”

If the answer to the first question is, “Yes”, then have you got enthusiasm and time to spare? If so, you could consider volunteering as a school governor.

Governors give their service voluntarily and no formal qualifications are necessary although there are eligibility criteria.

Governors are ordinary people, aged over 18, with a special commitment to the education and wellbeing of children.

Terms of office will be a minimum of one to a maximum of four years.

There are typically four types of Governors:

  • Staff Governors
  • Parent Governors
  • Co-opted Governors
  • Local Authority Governors

For information on each role, see below:

Staff Governors

Staff governors would normally fall into two categories, firstly Teaching Staff, and secondly Support Staff.

Staff Governors are elected by teaching and support staff who are paid to work at the school.

This category will also include a reserved place for the Headteacher.

Parent Governors

Parent governors as the title implies are drawn from Parents or Guardians of Children at the School.

Parent Governors normally serve for a period of 4 years and are elected by the Parents or Carers / Guardians of Children at the School.

From time to time the school will send home a letter notifying parents that there is a vacancy for a Parent Governor, and seeking nominations.

If there are more nominations than there are vacancies, then there will be a ballot at which point all of the parents get to vote for the candidate of their choice.

As a Parent Governor, elected by parents, the role of the Parent Governor is to bring a parental perspective to the Governing Board’s decision making rather than represent the parental constituency.

Co-opted Governors

Co-opted Governors are drawn from the local community and are appointed by the governing body.

 You will not find this category of governor on voluntary aided (religious) school governing bodies.

If you would like to find out more about being a Co-opted Governor, either at this School or another, you can either contact our Chair of Governors Shirley Kenworthy Wright or contact the School Governance Unit on 020 8825 5444. The School Governance Unit will be able to tell you of Schools who are looking for Co-opted Governors.

It will be helpful when making contact to provide some brief background information, including:

  • Your reasons for wishing to become a school governor.
  • Whether you have any particular skills and / or knowledge which you could bring to a governing body for example
    • Financial
    • Building Works
    • Health and Safety
    • Management
    • Legal
    • Human Resources.

The Governing Board will need to establish that you are either a local resident or have an involvement in the community served by the school. If not, it is always helpful to explain your interest in that particular part of the borough.

Local Authority Governors

Within the London Borough of Ealing, Local Authority governors are appointed by the political parties represented on the Council.

The overall number allocated to each political party is proportionate to their level of representation on the Council.

If you would like to find out more about being a Local Authority Governor please contact the following councilors to express your interest:

Conservative:
Councillor Mrs Eileen Harris
Tel: (020) 8578 9839
Email: eileen.harris@ealing.gov.uk

Labour:
Councillor Brian Reeves
Tel: (020) 8845 0878
Email: brian.reeves@ealing.gov.uk

Liberal Democrat:
Councillor Jon Ball
Tel: (020) 8810 1078
Email: jon.ball@ealing.gov.uk

Want To Find Out More?

If you have any questions that are not answered in this area of the website, or if you would like to register your interest in becoming a School Governor, then you can contact:

Mrs S Flowers, Headteacher
Care of the School

Debbie Keenan, Chair of Governors
Care of the School

Mr Alan O’Neill, Clerk to the Governing Board
alan.oneill@talk21.com

School Governance Unit
020 8825 5444

Chair of Governors Report 2022-2023

Dear Parents & Carers

As we approach the end of the school year, on behalf of the North Ealing Primary School Governing Body, I would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the whole school community, especially the senior leaders, teachers, parents, carers and children.

NEPS has had a very successful year and it has been a pleasure to know that children have been making such fantastic progress after the challenges of the pandemic. The senior leadership, the teachers and the support staff alongside the caretaking and administration teams are integral to North Ealing and have demonstrated exceptional levels of dedication and commitment.

Our role as Governing Body is to be a “critical friend” to the school and the senior leadership team (SLT) who consist of Head Teacher Sally Flowers, Deputy Head Marcia Bruley, Deputy Head Sarah Barnes and School Business Manager Claire Milne. One of the best ways we have the opportunity to do this is during our biannual “Governors Visit Days”. This gives us all first-hand experience of the school day in action. Thank you to the SLT, the teachers, the support staff and the children for facilitating such interesting and rewarding sessions. The feedback from the Governors was that many were astounded by the level of enthusiasm and energy displayed by the staff. The children were very well behaved, attentive and eager to ask and answer questions. It was a wonderful reflection of the core values of the school. We are very fortunate to have an excellent Head Teacher. Sally Flowers is experienced, hardworking and goes above and beyond for our children. Our local area Governor supervisor commended her on her performance and the Governing Body would like to say we are indebted to the Head for encouraging new priorities and instilling them throughout every member of the school.

There are several notable achievements this year but to highlight a few standout features: The 2022/2023 Oracy project is a real credit to the school and will enable our children through a formal structure to develop better Oracy skills that will empower them from a young age. Another notable achievement is that our range of National Results have greatly improved after the impact of covid. The school achieved a platinum mark at the school games. We are also lucky to have Place2Be which is a safe space for pupils to voice their concerns which could be related to friendships or more complex worries. Place2talk has been a crucial part of the school and offers more formal support. This in addition to parents’ counselling has been a key part of well-being.

The attendance has started to return to pre covid levels at 96.5% and there is strong evidence to support that children who have higher attendance achieve better SATS results and progress across school life generally.

The safeguarding reporting system is being further updated by Ms Sarah Barnes Deputy Head and this makes the school a safer and more responsive place. Safeguarding is the schools priority whether it be safety of the children crossing roads to the close monitoring in the school.

The curriculum is as always under the watchful eye of Mrs Marcia Bruley and I had the pleasure of inspecting all the processes prior to this year’s SATS. In the flatter structure we are all given the opportunity to look at attainment data across the years and we are ever encouraged by the attainment and progress reports.

Our new school business manager Claire Milne has taken to NEPS like a duck to water. She is currently in the process of updating various registers and policies to the latest systems. She has been incredibly diligent and committed and we are very grateful for her hard work this year.
I would like to say thank you to our School Clerk Alan O’Neill for many years of dedicated service to NEPS and wish him the very best in his future as his role comes to an end this year.

I am fortunate to have an experienced Vice-Chair in Joanne Gravestock who is also a Governor Clerk herself and very knowledgeable with school governance. Through the year I have had the opportunity to discuss various issues with her and for that I am thankful for her support. We have had new Governors joining; Sushil Rapatwar, Sophie Muralidhar and Sam Farquharson. I would like to thank our existing board for their relentless commitment. Our responsibilities as Governors is purely a voluntary role and everyone gives up evenings and days in the term to apply their professional knowledge to the safe governance of the school. I would like to say thank you to our School Clerk Alan O’Neill for many years of dedicated service to NEPS and wish him the very best in his future as his role comes to an end this year.

This is the first year our Governing Body has moved to a flat structure where all Governors are now involved with Resources (Budget and Safeguarding) and Curriculum. This has enabled us to integrate our meetings better and make them both more informative and more efficient. In addition, we have been fortunate to have an external educator, Simon Prebble provide training to the Governing Body to help facilitate higher quality Governance. We have had hand overs in certain areas to other Governors and also consideration for safe and effective succession planning.

Please feel free to read about the School Governors – who they are and why they care here.

Please also familiarise yourselves with the website as school policy documents are there alongside key news and updates.

On behalf of the Governing Body I would like to wish every member of the school community a wonderful summer holiday and look forward to seeing you in the Autumn Term.

Andrew Dharman
Chair of NEPS GB

Chair of Governor Letter to Parents - July 2022

Dear Parents & Carers

As we approach the end of the school year, on behalf of NEPS GB, I would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the whole school community, especially teachers, parents, carers and children.

NEPS has had a very successful year and it has been a pleasure to know that children have been making such fantastic progress after the challenges of the pandemic. The school had a successful Ofsted inspection in January which was especially complimentary about children’s learning, behaviour and achievements. The senior leadership, the teachers and the support staff alongside the caretaking and administration teams are integral to North
Ealing and have demonstrated exceptional levels of dedication and commitment which were also fully recognised in the inspection report.

After two years of virtual visits, we were delighted to be able to have a ‘Governor Visit Day’ on site and this provided an excellent opportunity for governors to see the school day in action – thank you to the SLT, the teachers and the children for facilitating such interesting and rewarding sessions.

I am stepping down as chair this year after eight years on NEPS GB (with four as chair) and am delighted that Andrew Dharman has agreed to take over the role. He will be well known to many of you and will be a brilliant and committed chair.

We have sadly said goodbye to Lynne Dallow, Lutz Johnen and Helen Rai but have been able to welcome John Russell, Golnaz Shahabi, Mark Strippel and Laura Cross who bring a fresh perspective and a wide range of skills and experience to the GB. We have now allocated each Governor a “link” responsibility area which is really helpful to ensure that there is a deeper understanding of key areas across the GB.

All the very best for the future.
Debbie Keenan
Chair of NEPS GB

Resources Subcommittee Annual Report
The Resources Committee has met termly to discuss the school budget, premises and policies relating. In light of COVID19, we transitioned smoothly to zoom meetings which have made meetings more accessible for those with young families (who would usually have to arrange child care).

As we are able to now meet face to face the meetings maybe a mix of face-to-face and online. I would like to personally thank the entire Resources subcommittee for their dedication and support throughout the year. Mrs Gordon (Business manager) sadly left NEPS this year after many years of excellent service. Ms Sally Flowers (Headteacher) stepped in and took on the role in addition to all her other responsibilities.

We are lucky to have local authority school bursarial support too. We would like to congratulate and wish Mr Belsito also who goes from our school as deputy head to another local school as Headteacher. We wish both Mr Belsito and Ms Gordon the very best. There has been a rigorous process to employ a new business manager and deputy head.

To ensure the safe financial progress of NEPS the budget monitoring reports have been looked at in detail with ongoing locally focussed benchmarking as well as forecast work. There has been increased spending due to the pandemic with teachers isolating or off sick. There have also been increased costs associated with cleaning and hygiene. The government has financially supported this. Overall the school is in a good position and moving forwards the budget and forecasting work is always under close review.

The safeguarding work has been thorough and led well by Mr Belsito during a time of increased risk. There have been recent updates to the reporting system encouraging more reporting and more computer-based. Health and safety reviews have taken place working closely with the school site team and leadership. The website has been updated and there has been positive feedback from teachers and parents.

Staff changes are reviewed regularly and Mrs Flowers and the leadership team have worked well to ensure the team at NEPS provides high-quality education for all pupils. Health and Safety along with safeguarding are continuously reviewed. Place2Be and Place2talk continue to be great school assets and work well with SEN to provide support in that area. Parents were also utilising the Place4parents service. Fit for sport continues to be an excellent resource for pupils. I look forward to the ever-changing challenges; that a diverse and well-engaged school like NEPS has in store for the Resources Committee.

Last and certainly not least, after 8 years of service to the Governing body I would like to wish Debbie Keenan Our current chair the very best as she steps down at the end of this academic year. Wishing Debbie and her family the very best on her next chapter.

Thank you
Andrew Dharman
Chair of Resources
Vice-Chair Governors

Curriculum Committee Annual Report

Like the Resources Committee, the Curriculum Committee has met termly over the last academic year via Zoom. The meetings have worked well conducted remotely and we have continued to have rich discussions about a range of issues.

To support the committee, Mrs Bruley and Mr Belsito do a brilliant job of pulling together an enormous amount of data into a really accessible and useable format and then walking the committee members through it so that we can understand the trends and issues the school is seeing.

This is vital to the committee being able to fulfil its role to ensure that effective strategies are in place to ensure targets are met and standards are continually improved and ensure progress and attainment of all pupils with a particular focus on vulnerable groups.

Over the past year, we have also had a great deal of discussion about the impact of Covid 19 that the school is seeing and the strategy that is in place to ensure that gaps resulting from Covid 19 are addressed. The school has used catch up funding in a wide range of innovative ways to support those pupils who have been particularly impacted.

From September, Golnaz Shahabi will be taking over as Chair of Curriculum and I would like to wish her all the best with her new role.

Isobel Swarc Chair of Curriculum

Chair of Governor Letter to Parents - July 2021

Dear Parents & Carers

As we approach the end of an exceptionally challenging and turbulent school year, on behalf of NEPS GB, I must pay tribute to the hard work, dedication and resilience of the whole school community. The senior leadership, the teachers and the support staff alongside the caretaking and administration teams have shown remarkable levels of fortitude and determination to provide continuity of education for the children and a safe and secure school life. We would also like to extend a warm thank you to the children and families of NEPS for their positive approach, their flexibility of response, and their support for the school.

Highlights of the school year include:

  • A successful approach to combining classroom learning with online learning provision where required with positive feedback from children and parents
  • A comprehensive catch up programme for children across all areas of the curriculum with a particular focus on maths, writing and phonics.
  • Continued celebration and support for the achievements of pupils academically, socially, morally, culturally and in music and sport despite Covid-19 restrictions

The Governing Body attended a virtual learning day in May with sessions across phase leadership, science, english, well-being and SEND provision. We look forward to attending the school in person next year but this was an excellent way to see how the school are operating at present while being mindful of covid restrictions.

In terms of Governing Body news, we are pleased to announce that we will be running elections for two-parent governors early in the autumn term.

Thank you
Debbie Keenan
Chair of NEPS GB

Resources Subcommittee Annual Report - 2020/2021

The Resources Committee has met termly to discuss the school budget, premises and policies relating. In light of COVID19, we have transitioned smoothly to zoom meetings which have made meetings more accessible for those with young families (who would usually have to arrange child care). I would like to personally thank the entire Resources subcommittee for their dedication and support through this difficult year. In particular, Vice-Chair Mr Lutz Johnen has moved out of the area but remains a vital member of the school governing body. Mrs Flowers (Headteacher) and Mrs Gordon (Business manager) have worked tirelessly and both cannot be thanked enough for their above and beyond service to the school. Ms Bruley and Mr Belsito have been incredible assets to the school also.

To ensure the safe financial progress of NEPS the budget monitoring reports have been looked at in detail with ongoing locally focussed benchmarking as well as forecast work. There has been increased spending due to the pandemic with teachers isolating or off sick. There have also been increased costs associated with cleaning and hygiene. The government has financially supported this. Overall the school is in a good position and moving forwards the budget and forecasting work is always under close review.

The safeguarding work has been thorough and led well by Mr Belsito during a time of increased risk. There have been recent updates to the reporting system encouraging more reporting and more computer-based. Lynne Dallow continues the health and safety reviews and as per usual has been working closely with the school site team and leadership. The school hot and cold water systems will be replaced during the Summer and will be funded by the local authority.

Staff changes are reviewed regularly and Mrs Flowers and the leadership team have worked well to ensure the team at NEPS provide high-quality education for all pupils. Health and Safety along with safeguarding are continuously reviewed. Place2Be and Place2talk continue to be great school assets and work well with SEN to provide support in that area. Parents were also utilising the Place4parents service. Unfortunately, the 2020 / 2021 residential trips had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. Fit for sport continues to be an excellent resource for pupils. I look forward to ever-changing challenges; a diverse and well-engaged school like NEPS has in store for the Resources Committee.

Thank you
Andrew Dharman
Chair of Resources
Vice-Chair Governors

Chair of Governor Letter to Parents - July 2019/2020

Dear Parents and Carers

We wanted to write to communicate our thanks and appreciation for the strength, support and patience you have shown to the school during the pandemic emergency. We know the children have responded remarkably to the challenges they have faced and demonstrated impressive levels of resilience and flexibility in adjusting to home learning, attending school in a socially distanced way, or a combination of the two.

The loss of personal contact with friends, the camaraderie of school life and the lack of face-to-face teaching will have been keenly felt by all and the school is very much looking forward to welcoming all children back in September. We are working with the senior leadership team to help ensure a safe return to school.

We were pleased that the school were able to provide tailored online provision to the children by year group via google classroom and maintained weekly virtual assemblies which focused on well-being in addition to teaching the children of keyworkers and targeted year groups in school. We would like to extend a huge thank you to the senior leadership, teachers, support staff, caretaking and administration teams who have been working hard to ensure learning has continued for children at home while providing a safe site for the children who could attend school.

In terms of governor body news, we sadly said goodbye to Nimo Richmond and would like to thank her for her extremely valuable contribution over the past four years. We were fortunate to welcome a new governor, Helen Rai, a local headteacher who has joined the Curriculum and Standards Committee.

We wish you all a safe and relaxing summer.

Debbie Keenan
Chair of NEPS GB

Governing Body Minutes & Reports