Governors have a vital role. They help set the strategic direction of the school and ensure it delivers on its responsibilities. This requires a group of committed people from many walks of life with a mix of skills and experience. They all share an interest in education, a desire to help the school and an enquiring mind.
Almost anyone over 18 years of age can become a governor. There are no particular qualifications or requirements other than a commitment to give time to the role and a capacity for working with other people. The most important thing is that governors have skills to contribute and the willingness to learn and develop their abilities as governors.
This is a part-time, voluntary role which is very rewarding and interesting. Successful applicants will be given a full induction programme and on-going training and support is available.
Our Governing Body
2022-2023
The Headteacher
Mrs Jane Sweeney
Staff Governor
Mrs Sharon Farrell
Parent Governors (elected by parents and carers of pupils at the school)
Mrs Clare Halsall
Mrs Jane Kinsey
Mrs Amanda Wardell
LA Governor (appointed by the governing body on the recommendation of the LEA)
Mr Paul Gerrard
Co-opted Governors (appointed by the governing body)
Mrs Karen Crosby
Ms Natalie Ford
Ms Vicky Haslam
Mrs Jackie Lowe (Chair)
Mr Brian Spencer
Mrs Steph Topping (Vice Chair)
Mrs Diane Wainwright
Associate Members
Mrs Tracey Watson-Jones: Finance & Health and Safety
Associate members are not governors. They have been appointed because they have expertise in a particular area. They do not have voting rights on the full governing body but have been granted voting rights at the committees upon which they have been appointed to serve to the extent allowed by the regulations.
Overall Governing Body Arrangements
Our Governing Body aim to meet 7 times a year using the Circular model. Our structure is reviewed annually and agreed by all Governors.
Structure and Remit
The Governors meet as a full Governing Body at all meetings.
In this academic year, the Governors have decided to remain with the same Governing structure.
Committee Structure
As the Governing Body meet as a whole, We are a Governing Body without committees. All decisions are made at the 7 meetings.
The Chair of Governors chairs all meetings. In her absence, the Vice Chair acts as Chair.
Headteacher Performance Review Panel
Appointed governors:
Paul Gerrard
Jackie Lowe
Steph Topping
Terms of reference:
To carry out the Headteacher’s Annual Performance Review as laid down in current legislation and the School’s Management Policy.
To review the Headteacher’s performance over the previous academic year and to set and agree performance objectives for the forthcoming year.
To report the outcomes of Performance Review to the Committee with responsibility for taking decisions on pay.
The following committees will be formed when necessary: (minimum of 3 governors):
Staff Discipline, Grievance and Dismissal Committee
Membership: To be determined when needed
Quoram: Three governors
Terms of reference:
To consider and investigate any grievance raised by any member of staff and to respond accordingly in accordance with any procedures adopted by the Governing Body
To consider and make decisions that could result in a disciplinary sanction/action against an employee.
To review and implement the school’s redundancy procedures as adopted.
To consider and make decisions relating to the compulsory redundancy of any employees in line with the school’s redundancy policy as necessary, taking into account any statutory and Local Authority guidance.
To consider and make decisions that could result in the termination of employment of an employee on the grounds of under- performance or capability.
To consider and make decisions about matters relating to the dismissal of staff, including dismissal arising from redundancy or dismissal/termination of employment arising from ill health or incapacity, which may be referred to the Committee in accordance with any procedures adopted by the Governing Body.
Complaints Committee
Membership: To be determined when needed
Quoram: Three governors
Terms of reference:
To investigate and respond to any complaint referred to the committee in accordance with procedures adopted by the Governing Body.
Appeals Committee
Membership: To be determined when needed
Quoram: To be three Governors as determined by the Governing Body who have not been involved in decision of the “First” Committee. Membership to consist of any three governors not involved in the original decision.
Terms of reference:
To review any decision made by the Staff Discipline, Grievance and Dismissal Committee or the Complaints Committee.
Nominated Governors
SEND Governor: Amanda Wardell
Safeguarding/Health and Safety: Natalie Ford
Pupil Premium: Jackie Lowe
Appointed Governor: Jackie Lowe
Appointed Governor: Steph Topping
Appointed Governor: Paul Gerrard
Governors Forum Representative: Amanda Wardell
| Type of Governor | Surname | Forename | Start Term | End Term | Business/Pecuniary Interests | Related to School Staff | Other Governance Roles |
| Headteacher | Sweeney | Jane | 23/04/22 | - | Nil Return | Nil return | None |
| Co-Opted | Crosby | Karen | 11/07/22 | 10/07/26 | Nil Return | Nil return | None |
| Co-Opted | Wainwright | Diane | 01/03/21 | 28/02/25 | Nil Return | Nil return | None |
| Co-Opted | Lowe | Jackie | 12/11/18 | 11/11/22 | Nil Return | Nil return | None |
| Co-Opted | Spencer | Brian | 12/11/18 | 11/11/22 | Nil Return | Nil return | None |
| Co-Opted | Topping | Steph | 12/11/18 | 11/11/22 | Nil Return | Parent | None |
| Co-Opted | Haslam | Vicky | 16/03/20 | 15/03/24 | Nil Return | Nil return | None |
| Co-Opted | Ford | Natalie | 01/03/21 | 28/02/25 | Nil Return | Nil return | None |
| Local Authority | Gerrard | Paul | 29/10/21 | 28/10/25 | Nil Return | Nil return | None |
| Parent | Hallsall | Clare | 02/02/22 | 01/02/26 | Nil Return | Nil return | None |
| Parent | Kinsey | Jane | 01/03/21 | 28/02/25 | Nil Return | Nil return | None |
| Parent | Wardell | Amanda | 29/03/22 | 28/03/26 | Nil Return | Nil return | Trustee of Sutton Academy |
| Staff | Farrell | Sharon | 12/06/21 | 11/06/25 | Nil Return | Nil return | None |
Associate Members
| Type of Governor | Surname | Forename | Start Term | End Term | Business/Pecuniary Interests | Related to School Staff | Other Governance Roles |
| Associate Member | Watson-Jones | Tracey | 12/06/21 | 11/06/25 | Nil Return | Nil return | None |
Governors serving over the previous 12 months
| Type of Governor | Surname | Forename | Start Term | End Term | Business/Pecuniary Interests | Related to School Staff | Other Governance Roles |
| Headteacher | Perkins | Stuart | 01/09/19 | 22/04/22 | Nil Return | Nil return | None |
| Parent | Brown | Stephanie | 08/03/18 | 07/03/22 | Nil Return | Nil return | None |
You can view the attendance of each of our governors at meetings over the past academic year by clicking this link.
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Terms of Reference for Willow Tree School Governing Board.pdf | Download |