Governors Information

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“The school’s governing body monitors the effectiveness of the leadership, management and delivery of the residential provision. All quality assurance information is routinely considered at the governors’ meetings. This ensures that high standards of practice are maintained across the school.”
Ofsted 2022

 

For any inquiries relating to the Governance of Bleasdale School, you may contact our Chair of Governors, Rosemary Dyson (r.dyson@bleasdaleschool.lancs.sch.uk).

 

Bleasdale School Governors Committee:

Please scroll over the below document:

 

 

Bleasdale School Governors Meeting Attendance (Autumn 2024 to Summer 2025):

Please scroll over the below document:

 

None of our Governors has any business interests which conflict with their role in the school and none are related to any member of staff. A copy of the latest Governing Body Meeting Minutes is available upon request from our Headteacher (head@bleasdaleschool.lancs.sch.uk).

 

In the UK, a school governing body is a group responsible for overseeing the management and strategic direction of a school. It ensures the school is run effectively, supports the Headteacher, and holds them accountable for educational outcomes.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Strategic Leadership – Setting the school’s vision, values, and long-term objectives.
  2. Accountability – Monitoring and evaluating the school’s performance, including student progress and staff effectiveness.
  3. Financial Oversight – Ensuring the school’s budget is well-managed and funding is used effectively.
  4. Safeguarding & Well-being – Ensuring the school is a safe environment for students and staff.
  5. Recruitment – Hiring the headteacher and other staff.

 

Who Makes Up a Governing Body?

  • Parent Governors
  • Staff Governors – Includes the Headteacher and other staff members.
  • Co-opted Governors – Appointed based on skills needed for governance.
  • Local Authority Governors (if applicable) – Nominated by the board of Governors or the local authority.
  • Foundation Governors (for faith schools) – Appointed by religious bodies.

 

Types of Schools with Governing Bodies:

  • Maintained Schools – Required to have a governing body following local authority regulations.
  • Academies & Free Schools – Have a Board of Trustees instead, though they operate similarly.

 

Key Responsibilities of a Special School Governing Body (Such as Bleasdale School):

  1. Setting the Vision and Strategy
    • Ensuring the school provides a high-quality, inclusive education tailored to students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
    • Supporting the school’s ethos, ensuring it aligns with its SEND focus.
  2. Ensuring High-Quality Education and Care
    • Monitoring progress and outcomes of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
    • Ensuring teachers and support staff receive adequate SEND training.
  3. Safeguarding and Well-being
    • Overseeing health and safety measures, including accessibility and therapies.
    • Ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies, especially for vulnerable pupils.
  4. Financial Oversight
    • Managing budgets for specialist resources, therapies, and staff.
    • Ensuring appropriate use of SEND funding, such as the High Needs Block from local authorities.
  5. Recruitment and Staff Development
    • Appointing and supporting a headteacher with expertise in special education.
    • Ensuring sufficient teaching assistants, therapists (if required) and SEND specialists are in place.
  6. Community and Parental Engagement
    • Collaborating with families, local authorities and health professionals.
    • Supporting parental involvement in decision-making.
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