Stepgates Community School 2022 - 23

 

It’s been another successful year at Stepgates. Stepgates had an Ofsted inspection towards the end of the academic year, the results and positive feedback received is testament to both the SLT and Staff for their tireless work over the last few years. On behalf of all the governors, thank you for these amazing results.

Governors are responsible for

• Ensuring the school has a clear vision, ethos, and direction.
• Holding the Headteacher and SLT to account for the performance of the school and the outcomes for pupils
• Overseeing the financial performance of the school.

The governing board were at full capacity at the start of the academic year. Sadly, we had a resignation with Mr Morgan-Batney resigning due to work commitments and Mr Gillard completed his last term of office. Mr Gillard has been part of the board for over 12 years, he will however continue to volunteer within the school. The governors and I would like to thank Mr Morgan-Batney and Mr Gillard for their service to the school and wish you all the best for the future. The governors also welcomed two new governors to the board this year. Mr Thompson joins as a co-opted governor and Mrs Crown as a parent governor. Both have been appointed on 4-year terms.,

Governors held 8 Full Governing Body meetings last year discussing school business, resources, and the curriculum. We have continued with our last full governors meeting taking place during the whole school development day in the summer term. This gives governors the opportunity to hear feedback from the Senior Leadership Team, subject leaders and staff on topics such as wellbeing, curriculum and school life, which in turn ensures the school development plan is reviewed and prepared ready for the next year. Given the feedback, the governors have elected to move back to a committee structure for the new academic year. Governors believe that this will enrich the knowledge we already have and further support the staff and SLT with new levels of understanding.

All the governors have been engaging with subject leads, class teachers and support staff throughout the year discussing teaching, learning and wellbeing. Governors have also been active within the community promoting the school at the Black Cherry Fair and continuing to raise funds for permanent cover over the school swimming pool.

Throughout the year, governors have all attended various training sessions utilising The Key, SAfE and The National College for our CPD. We have also utilised the Star Partnership; we are very fortunate to have this strong network of schools which helps us to collaborate as an extended team, giving additional training and networking opportunities and extra support within school.

On behalf of the Stepgates governors, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Ford and all the staff at Stepgates for their hard work and outstanding commitment over the school year.

Lastly, I would like to thank all the parents and carers for all your continued support, and I look forward to seeing you all after the summer.

 

Michael Pope

Chair of Governors