Welcome to our Governors’ section. 

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

Pollington-Balne CE Primary School federated with Cowick CE Primary School on 1st September 2023.

The Governing Board of Cowick and Pollington-Balne C of E Federation

Chair of Governors - Mrs Shelley Messenger / Mrs Anna Laycock-Brown

Vice Chair  - Mrs Kay Ray 

Voting Executive Headteacher - Mrs Katherine Rawes

Our Local Authority Clerk is Hannah Daniel. 

No pecuniary interests have been declared by governors.

There are no related part transactions to declare in relation to Pollington-Balne CE VA Primary School.

Past Governance - Two governors have left in the last 12 months - Mrs L Horrocks resigned from her post on 03/07/2023 and Mrs C McIntyre's term of office expired 31/08/2023.

Pollington-Balne CE VA Primary School federated with Cowick CE VC Primary School with effect from 01/09/2023.

What is the role of a Governor?

Governors are responsible for making sure that the school provides the highest possible standard of education for its pupils, with a very clear focus on raising standards of achievement. All stakeholders are represented on the Governing Body – parents, staff, the Education Authority and the local community. We work together as a team, setting the school’s aims and agreeing its policies which are designed to promote the most effective ways of teaching and learning. We do this together with Mrs Rawes, who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school.

When we meet, which is at least twice a term we discuss the school’s finances, staffing, pupils’ welfare or building developments on the site. We always consider what impact our decisions will have towards improving the pupils’ learning. We plan the future direction of the school; make sure the National Curriculum is taught; decide how best the school can encourage pupils’ spiritual, cultural and moral development; and make sure that we provide for all our pupils, including those with special needs. We work closely not only with Mrs Rawes but all members of the Leadership Team, who act as advisers in our meetings. We are able to ask relevant questions, challenge recommendations where appropriate, and offer support when needed.

To help us make the best possible decisions in our meetings we involve ourselves as much as possible in school life. We do this in a variety of ways, including linking governors with a class, having special responsibilities for health and safety and safeguarding, visiting the school, helping to make staff appointments and attending school events. This not only makes us better informed but it is also very rewarding and enjoyable.

Are you interested in becoming a Governor?

Governors do not need to have any specific skills or qualifications as the Local Education Authority provides the necessary training. We have governors from all walks of life who have different types of skills and expertise.

If you think you might like to become a governor please contact Ms Warren in the school office, who will pass on your details to Mrs Messenger or Mrs Laycock-Brown, Co-Chairs of Governors.

Useful Governor Support Links