The Governing Body of the school works with the Headteacher and management team to ensure the school is providing a good quality education for the children. While the Headteacher is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school the Governing Body works with them to set the overall aims of the school and school policies. At Great Waltham individual Governors oversee specific elements of the schools work, for example there is a Governor that has responsibility for overseeing maths teaching at the school, others oversee other subjects or provide support in specialist areas such as recruitment or Health and Safety. Governors are often described as the "critical friends" of the school but this only really covers a small part of what they do. Governors at Great Waltham play a very active part in school life, they can often be seen in school watching lessons or helping at school events.

Governors have some key responsibilities:

• To ensure clarity of vision and strategic direction
• To hold the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
• To oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure its money is well spent
• Determining how the school's budget is spent
• The appointing and dismissing of staff
• Hearing appeals and grievances
• Forming policy on the school's curriculum and collective worship
• Setting standards for pupils' behaviour and discipline
• Making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe
• Setting and monitoring the school's aims and policies

Being a Governor is a demanding but rewarding voluntary role that is an ideal way to give back to your local community. There are several ways to become a Governor, Essex County Council has lots of information about the role of a Governor and how you can become one on their website - Click here.

Our Strategic Plan

At the end of their time at Great Waltham Primary School, we aspire for all our children to have:

• Developed a strong work ethic both for their own benefit and the benefit of others.
• Developed a strong set of practical, social and emotional life skills.
• Developed, through the teaching of our Christian and British values, self-respect and respect for others.
• Gained the skills to work independently, either on their own or as part of a group, and take responsibility for both for themselves and others.

To achieve this Great Waltham School will:

• Ensure equal opportunities for all.
• Work in a partnership with parents / carers, the local church, community and partner schools.
• Provide a safe and secure environment where children will feel confident, able to learn and experience success.
• Plan and deliver a relevant curriculum which is inclusive, challenging and creative.

Our Governing Body