Governance at Corbridge Middle School
Whether you are a pupil, parent, prospective parent, member of staff, member of our local community, or someone interested in becoming a governor; thank you for your interest in our website. I hope you will take the time to read about how Corbridge Middle School is governed and who is involved.
I feel very privileged to be the current Chair of Governors at Corbridge Middle School. Over the past two years there have been many changes at CMS and I am confident that our school will continue to go from strength to strength during my term as Chair.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Jo Holmes
Chair Governors
I feel very privileged to be the current Chair of Governors at Corbridge Middle School. Over the past two years there have been many changes at CMS and I am confident that our school will continue to go from strength to strength during my term as Chair.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Jo Holmes
Chair Governors
How is our school governed?
All schools are required to have a Governing Body whose role is to have a strong focus on three core strategic functions:
- ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
- overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent
The Governing Body is made up of volunteers who, as a whole group, have the knowledge, skills and time to be able to perform these strategic functions. Here at Corbridge Middle School we have 13 places on our governing body. We meet as a full governing body at least once per term but the majority of our work takes place in committees which also meet at least once per term. As well as being members of committees, our “non- staff” governors also take an interest in the areas of English, maths, special educational needs, looked after children and safeguarding which involves working with various leaders within school.
How are we doing?
All our governors work hard to support, challenge and hold the school to account so that Corbridge Middle School is successful both now and in the future. We have a high attendance record of all governors at both full board and committee meetings.
Following our very positive Ofsted Inspection report in April 2015, the leadership team, both staff and governors, have continued to drive the school forward towards our vision. The Ofsted inspection report can be read by following the link on this website. The Inspection team stated that “The school is led and managed very well. The headteacher, staff and governors work closely together and have a clear view of how well the school is performing and where it could do better… governors are ambitious for the school and have addressed the area for improvement effectively… there is a strong shared commitment to improving the outcomes for all pupils”
During 2015/16 we
During 2016/17 we shall
Following our very positive Ofsted Inspection report in April 2015, the leadership team, both staff and governors, have continued to drive the school forward towards our vision. The Ofsted inspection report can be read by following the link on this website. The Inspection team stated that “The school is led and managed very well. The headteacher, staff and governors work closely together and have a clear view of how well the school is performing and where it could do better… governors are ambitious for the school and have addressed the area for improvement effectively… there is a strong shared commitment to improving the outcomes for all pupils”
During 2015/16 we
- Consulted further with pupils, parents and staff on homework policies and academisation.
- Ensured new systems for assessment, marking & feedback, behaviour for learning were embedded.
- Developed stronger Governance links amongst the Hexham Partnership of schools to support transition and the pupil’s journey from reception through to adulthood.
- Strengthened our links with the local community and employers through Corbridge Youth Initiative, Corbridge Parish Council and Egger.
During 2016/17 we shall
- be focussing upon the educational outcomes of our more able and disadvantaged pupils
- continue to work with other school within our partnership to explore how we can all improve the outcomes for our pupils
- ensure our facilities support our curriculum need
What is our Governance Structure?
| Chair Jo Holmes |
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| Vice Chair Gavin Langlands |
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| Committees: with Chairs |
Teaching & Achievement Jo Holmes |
Finance & Facilities Gavin Langlands |
Human Resources Phil Maloney |
Headteacher Performance Jo Holmes |
| Other roles: | English Katie Skinner |
Maths Jo Holmes |
SEND & LAC Philip Latham |
Safeguarding Katie Skinner |
Pupil Discipline, Complaints and Appeals committees are formed as and when required. None of these committees met last year.
Teaching & Achievement
This committee is responsible for ensuring that appropriate pupil achievement targets are set each year and for monitoring how the school is doing in achieving these targets. They also have specific responsibility for supporting the schools careers guidance programme.
Over the last year this committee has monitored the progress of the school against its School Development Plan for curriculum and assessment, behaviour for learning, SATs and ensuring moderation and triangulation has taken place. The School Improvement Advisor praised the school for the rapid interventions for behaviour for learning and recognised moderation and work scrutiny procedures as best practice.
This year the committee will focus upon the outcomes of our more able and disadvantaged pupils across the curriculum. Link governors for English and Maths support the work of this committee.
Human Resources
This committee is responsible for reviewing all HR policies and ensuring they are followed, including those related to pay, appraisal, the review of staffing structures and appointment of senior members of staff.
Over the last year, the committee has ensured that the appraisal policy has been consistently applied. The induction training and mentoring of new staff remains a priority for this year. This committee will also be monitoring the impact of new innovative teaching practice on outcomes for pupils.
Finance & Facilities
This committee is responsible for ensuring the school is achieving good value for money overall and specifically regarding pupil premium and PE sports premium spending. They are also responsible for ensuring that our Health & Safety policies are followed and that we have a properly funded repairs, maintenance and capital spend programme in place.
The school manages its finances well and holds a small surplus. Many infrastructure projects have been completed this year, including new windows, toilets, improved drains and ongoing decoration projects.
This year the committee is further developing its plan to improve facilities in order to support the learning experience of all pupils.
Headteacher Performance Review
This committee is responsible for setting annual objectives for the headteacher and reviewing performance against these objectives.
Safeguarding and SEND responsibilities
Named governors hold a watching brief over these important areas. They are responsible for ensuring the school is meeting all its safeguarding, child protection and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities responsibilities. They also ensure that we have and adhere to our policies for behaviour and discipline.
New legislation governing child protection, safeguarding and the new SEND code of practice has meant that our safeguarding and SEND governors have been busy ensuring that the school has all the appropriate policies and procedures in place to support our pupils. Ofsted judged the behaviour and safety of our pupils to be outstanding
Teaching & Achievement
This committee is responsible for ensuring that appropriate pupil achievement targets are set each year and for monitoring how the school is doing in achieving these targets. They also have specific responsibility for supporting the schools careers guidance programme.
Over the last year this committee has monitored the progress of the school against its School Development Plan for curriculum and assessment, behaviour for learning, SATs and ensuring moderation and triangulation has taken place. The School Improvement Advisor praised the school for the rapid interventions for behaviour for learning and recognised moderation and work scrutiny procedures as best practice.
This year the committee will focus upon the outcomes of our more able and disadvantaged pupils across the curriculum. Link governors for English and Maths support the work of this committee.
Human Resources
This committee is responsible for reviewing all HR policies and ensuring they are followed, including those related to pay, appraisal, the review of staffing structures and appointment of senior members of staff.
Over the last year, the committee has ensured that the appraisal policy has been consistently applied. The induction training and mentoring of new staff remains a priority for this year. This committee will also be monitoring the impact of new innovative teaching practice on outcomes for pupils.
Finance & Facilities
This committee is responsible for ensuring the school is achieving good value for money overall and specifically regarding pupil premium and PE sports premium spending. They are also responsible for ensuring that our Health & Safety policies are followed and that we have a properly funded repairs, maintenance and capital spend programme in place.
The school manages its finances well and holds a small surplus. Many infrastructure projects have been completed this year, including new windows, toilets, improved drains and ongoing decoration projects.
This year the committee is further developing its plan to improve facilities in order to support the learning experience of all pupils.
Headteacher Performance Review
This committee is responsible for setting annual objectives for the headteacher and reviewing performance against these objectives.
Safeguarding and SEND responsibilities
Named governors hold a watching brief over these important areas. They are responsible for ensuring the school is meeting all its safeguarding, child protection and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities responsibilities. They also ensure that we have and adhere to our policies for behaviour and discipline.
New legislation governing child protection, safeguarding and the new SEND code of practice has meant that our safeguarding and SEND governors have been busy ensuring that the school has all the appropriate policies and procedures in place to support our pupils. Ofsted judged the behaviour and safety of our pupils to be outstanding
Who are our governors?
Jo Holmes - Co-opted Governor and Chair of Governors, Chair of Headteacher Performance Committee, and link governor for Maths. Also National Leader Governance and qualified in Safer Recruitment
I have been a governor at CMS for 8 years and previously had been a governor at Whittonstall First School. With three children, two of whom are now at Queen Elizabeth High School, much of my experience comes from being a parent. As a graduate Chemical Engineer and having managed manufacturing operations for Procter & Gamble Ltd, I have extensive experience in target setting, performance monitoring, human resources and project management. In my role as Chair, I ensure that the full Governing Body operates effectively.
Jane Kennedy Headteacher.
I have been a member of the governing body since I joined the school as Headteacher in September 2014. I enjoy working with the governors who, with their wide range of skills and experience, continue to challenge and drive the school forwards as we strive to provide the best education we possibly can for our students. We are clear about our vision for the school, our ethos and our values and we believe that enriching every child’s education will help to ensure their future success.
Peter Jewitt Co-opted Governor, Finance & Facilities Committee.
I live in Corbridge and have recently been appointed a governor having retired as a solicitor specialising in property law and civil litigation. Some years ago I was Chair of Governors of a school in Newcastle upon Tyne. Through my involvement with the business community and my voluntary work in the Tyne Valley I would hope to bring to the Governing Board an understanding of the needs of business and the community.
Ann Harvey Co-opted Governor, Finance & Facilities Committee.
I have been a governor for just over a year but have regularly been co-opted onto Finance and Facilities committees in the past in my role as Office Manager for the school. I am a long standing resident of Corbridge and am able to use my community links to build community cohesion.
Gavin Langlands Co-opted Governor, Chair Finance & Facilities.
I have been a governor for just over four years; I have two children, one of whom is now at QEHS and my youngest is in her second year at Corbridge Middle School. As a systems consultant I am able to support the governing board and school in assessing its strengths and setting future direction.
Philip Latham Co-opted Governor, designated SEND governor.
A former chair of Governors, I have been teaching in secondary schools since the 1960’s and have had experience of the impact of rapid change in education on pupils and teachers. I first became a governor when our two daughters attended CMS in the 1980’s. Currently I work as a volunteer ESOL teacher for a North East refugee charity. As a practitioner I have found the 3 tier school system meets the widest range of pupil development needs.
Katie Skinner Parent Governor, Teaching and Achievement Committee and Designated Safeguarding Governor.
I have been a governor since December 2015 so am relatively new to this role. I have two daughters at CMS. Being a teacher myself at a large Primary School in Newcastle, I hope to be able to share knowledge of best practices in teaching and learning. Much of my work involves supporting Pupil Premium initiatives and raising attainment for these pupils. My main governor role is focussed around Safeguarding, where I have received training, not only through my work in school but also through my role as Welfare Officer for One Life Racing Triathlon Club in Hexham.
Mark Warland Co-opted Governor, Human Resources committee, Teaching and Achievement Committee.
I have been a governor at CMS for the past two years. As a resident of Corbridge and Head of Science at Ponteland High School I am able to bring both knowledge of the local community and the next stage in students’ education to the governing body. As Head of Department of a large faculty I have experience of school appraisal systems, performance related pay, recruitment and staffing structures which support me in my role as a member of the Human Resources committee. I have two young children who will be attending Corbridge Middle School in the future.
Philip Maloney Associate Member, Human Resources committee.
I joined the Governing Committee as an Associate Member in January 2016. Day to day I have managed an Education Recruitment business, dealing with schools across the north east. My work allows me to discuss best practice within a school and I hope to bring new ideas to Corbridge Middle. I passionately believe in the three tier system and as a parent of a child in Hexham Middle School, I can see the benefits of this. I also assist with the coaching for Hexham Football Club under 12’s.
Lorna Boyd Associate Governor, Finance & Facilities committee.
I applied and became a local authority governor four years ago, as I feel that it is important for the whole community to be involved with raising children whether or not we have our own families. I have worked largely in the financial sector but am also involved in the voluntary sector looking to provide support for young carers so that they can make the most of opportunities available alongside their responsibilities.
My stepsons both attended Hexham schools and I also have two nephews still at school who keep me up to date with what they enjoy, or not, at their school.
I have been a governor at CMS for 8 years and previously had been a governor at Whittonstall First School. With three children, two of whom are now at Queen Elizabeth High School, much of my experience comes from being a parent. As a graduate Chemical Engineer and having managed manufacturing operations for Procter & Gamble Ltd, I have extensive experience in target setting, performance monitoring, human resources and project management. In my role as Chair, I ensure that the full Governing Body operates effectively.
Jane Kennedy Headteacher.
I have been a member of the governing body since I joined the school as Headteacher in September 2014. I enjoy working with the governors who, with their wide range of skills and experience, continue to challenge and drive the school forwards as we strive to provide the best education we possibly can for our students. We are clear about our vision for the school, our ethos and our values and we believe that enriching every child’s education will help to ensure their future success.
Peter Jewitt Co-opted Governor, Finance & Facilities Committee.
I live in Corbridge and have recently been appointed a governor having retired as a solicitor specialising in property law and civil litigation. Some years ago I was Chair of Governors of a school in Newcastle upon Tyne. Through my involvement with the business community and my voluntary work in the Tyne Valley I would hope to bring to the Governing Board an understanding of the needs of business and the community.
Ann Harvey Co-opted Governor, Finance & Facilities Committee.
I have been a governor for just over a year but have regularly been co-opted onto Finance and Facilities committees in the past in my role as Office Manager for the school. I am a long standing resident of Corbridge and am able to use my community links to build community cohesion.
Gavin Langlands Co-opted Governor, Chair Finance & Facilities.
I have been a governor for just over four years; I have two children, one of whom is now at QEHS and my youngest is in her second year at Corbridge Middle School. As a systems consultant I am able to support the governing board and school in assessing its strengths and setting future direction.
Philip Latham Co-opted Governor, designated SEND governor.
A former chair of Governors, I have been teaching in secondary schools since the 1960’s and have had experience of the impact of rapid change in education on pupils and teachers. I first became a governor when our two daughters attended CMS in the 1980’s. Currently I work as a volunteer ESOL teacher for a North East refugee charity. As a practitioner I have found the 3 tier school system meets the widest range of pupil development needs.
Katie Skinner Parent Governor, Teaching and Achievement Committee and Designated Safeguarding Governor.
I have been a governor since December 2015 so am relatively new to this role. I have two daughters at CMS. Being a teacher myself at a large Primary School in Newcastle, I hope to be able to share knowledge of best practices in teaching and learning. Much of my work involves supporting Pupil Premium initiatives and raising attainment for these pupils. My main governor role is focussed around Safeguarding, where I have received training, not only through my work in school but also through my role as Welfare Officer for One Life Racing Triathlon Club in Hexham.
Mark Warland Co-opted Governor, Human Resources committee, Teaching and Achievement Committee.
I have been a governor at CMS for the past two years. As a resident of Corbridge and Head of Science at Ponteland High School I am able to bring both knowledge of the local community and the next stage in students’ education to the governing body. As Head of Department of a large faculty I have experience of school appraisal systems, performance related pay, recruitment and staffing structures which support me in my role as a member of the Human Resources committee. I have two young children who will be attending Corbridge Middle School in the future.
Philip Maloney Associate Member, Human Resources committee.
I joined the Governing Committee as an Associate Member in January 2016. Day to day I have managed an Education Recruitment business, dealing with schools across the north east. My work allows me to discuss best practice within a school and I hope to bring new ideas to Corbridge Middle. I passionately believe in the three tier system and as a parent of a child in Hexham Middle School, I can see the benefits of this. I also assist with the coaching for Hexham Football Club under 12’s.
Lorna Boyd Associate Governor, Finance & Facilities committee.
I applied and became a local authority governor four years ago, as I feel that it is important for the whole community to be involved with raising children whether or not we have our own families. I have worked largely in the financial sector but am also involved in the voluntary sector looking to provide support for young carers so that they can make the most of opportunities available alongside their responsibilities.
My stepsons both attended Hexham schools and I also have two nephews still at school who keep me up to date with what they enjoy, or not, at their school.
How can you become involved?
We advertise any full governor vacancy whenever they arise. We also occasionally need people who are prepared to work with us on specific projects; for these roles we are able to recruit “associate members” onto our Governing Body. If you feel you have skills that we could use on our governing body we would love to hear from you. Please contact either Mrs Kennedy (Headteacher) or myself (Mrs Holmes) via the school office.
