our governors - Wingate Children's Centre

The Governing Body is a keen, enthusiastic and very supportive group of people who take their statutory responsibilities for the school very seriously. Through their regular visits they are very familiar with the life of the school and it’s philosophy. They share the whole school vision for development and work hard to ensure continuous improvement.

who’s who

Each Governor has written a brief profile about themselves.

Paddy Beels OBE (Chair of Governors) As a mum of 4 grown up children, plus 2 more younger ones, grandma of 8 grand children and now retired Headteacher of Wingate Nursery School, I have lived my life with a passion for raising children – happy, confident, independent, creative and curious children. Dedicated to Childhoods spent wallowing in Nature, I have shared my thinking over many years with Early Years Educators throughout the world. But my work and my heart has belonged here in Wingate, and being a Governor here offers the opportunity to extend my involvement and commitment with this community into new directions.

Wendy Boyes (Vice chair of Governors) I am married to Paul and have 2 grown up sons, a grandson and granddaughter. I was an Early Years teacher for 14 years and currently work as a Special Educational Needs Advisor for Durham County Council. I am passionate about early years and SEN and believe that all children should have the opportunity to shine in their own individual way. Wingate Nursery School offers children a nurturing and stimulating environment with a child centred approach and this is the reason I became a governor here.

Sarah McPhie (awaiting profile)

Vicky Evans I’m a local, working as an apprentice at the nursery. I’m married to Dan and we have three children. My background is in special effects and make-up for TV, film and the theatre. My children attended the Nursery so I quickly wanted to get involved with fundraising, helping with events and eventually becoming a parent governor. I currently enjoy serving the Nursery as a staff governor. I want the children in this area to have the best opportunities to succeed. I care about what happens to our community and I’m committed to helping maintain the high standards that were so beneficial to my own children.

Richard Egan I became a parent governor as I believe I have 20 years of knowledge and skills within education and with running my own consultancy business. I have a beautiful daughter who attends the nursery and I wanted to help support this fantastic nursery in any way I can. We have 4 amazing children, 2 of whom are on the ASD spectrum and with my experience of this I am able to provide support and guidance to other parents who face issues associated with Autism. I am committed to ensuring the nursery maintains it’s very high standards in supporting our young ones in preparation for life and primary education.

Carol Gorman I believe that children and young people are our greatest asset and that we have a responsibility to equip them with the knowledge and skills to reach their full potential and to have aspirations for the future. The environment which we create and the creativity that we adopt will both be significant factors in our ability to succeed. Wingate Community Nursery School does this in bucket loads. With a focus on outdoor learning, whatever the weather, it provides a brilliant foundation for the children of Wingate and the surrounding area. Their approach is one that I wholly endorse and with my extensive experience of working with children and families, I am proud to be a Governor to play a very small part in this.

Tracey Barker I am married to Anthony and have two grown up children. Previously I worked at a SEN School, gathering a substantial amount of experience, however working with younger children was where I wanted to grow and progress. I am currently employed as an early years educator at Wingate Community Childcare having been there since April 2017. I have a growing passion for all children’s learning, development, safety, wellbeing. I also liaise with nursery on a regular basis to access joint activities. I enjoy encouraging, building positive relationships and creating smoother transitions for the future. I believe it is extremely important for all children to be given the best opportunities to succeed and fulfill their potential in a safe and secure environment. Becoming a school governor is a opportunity to give my support in chosen areas.

Nichola Hesslewood (awaiting profile)

Belinda Williams (awaiting profile)

Nicola Balfour I am a visual artist with level 3 forest school training and qualification, as well as being a creative early years consultant. For the past 25 years I have devised and delivered high quality outdoor education in schools, communities and nurseries throughout the north east – including Wingate Nursery School. I feel so lucky to be involved with Wingate, as our connections to nature and creativity are so closely linked. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to become a Governor of the school – if only to give something back.

governor committee structure

Name	Representing	Term of Office Starts	Term of Office Ends	Committee	Responsibilities	Register of Interests	Relationship to Staff
Nicola Balfour	Co-opted	12/11/19	11/11/23	Headteacher's Perf. Man (Chair) Teaching + Learning	Nature Pedagogy	Is employed as an Artist Educator with us. (20 days a year)
Belinda Williams	Co-opted	19/11/19	18/11/23	Personnel	Dementia Friendly Community	None declared	None declared
Becky Wood Head Teacher	N/A	N/A	N/A	Finance + Premises Personnel Teaching + Learning	All	None declared	None declared
Carol Gorman	Associate	19/10/17	18/10/21	Finance + Premises Appeals	Fundraising	None declared	None declared
Nichola Hesslewood	Co-opted	25/06/19	24/06/23	Teaching + Learning (Chair)	EYPP	None declared	None declared
Paddy Beels Chair of Governors	Co-opted	14/11/18	09/09/22	Finance + Premises Personnel Pay Review (Chair) Teaching + Learning HT Perf. Man.	Nature Pedagogy Planet Earth	Early Childhood Consultant supporting Visitor Days in School	None declared
Richard Egan	Parent	01/02/19	31/01/23	Finance + Premises Appeals	Data Protection	None declared	None declared
Sarah McPhie	Parent	02/03/17	01/03/17	Pay Review (First) Personnel (Chair)	Well-being	None declared	None declared
Jane Bellis	Local Authority	23/10/20	22/10/20	Finance + Premises First (Pay Review)	EYPP	None declared	None declared
Vicky Evans	Staff	14/11/18	05/02/22	Teaching + Learning Finance + Premises	Safeguarding and Child Protection	None declared	None declared
Wendy Boyes Vice Chair of Governors	Co-opted	12/11/19	11/11/23	Teaching + Learning HT Perf. Man.	SEND and LAC	None declared	None declared
Tracey Barker	Associate	12/11/19	11/11/23	Appeals (Chair)	Transitions	None declared	None declared
Steven Arnaud	Parent	13/10/20	12/10/24	Finance + Premises	Nature in the local community	None declared	None declared
Katie Behan	Parent	05/11/20	4/11/20	Teaching + Learning	Photography	None declared	None declared

statutory guidance for governing bodies

Wingate Nursery School adhere to the statutory guidance from the Department of Education. This means that governing bodies must have regard to it when carrying out duties relating to the constitution of governing bodies in maintained schools. For further information about our Governors please view or download the document below.

The Constitution of Governing Bodies of Maintained Schools (2017)

how to become a school governor

If you require further information on the roles and responsibilities of School Governors or you are interested in becoming one, visit the Durham County Council website School Governor section.

governor attendance

Schools are required to display a record of Governor attendance at meetings for each school academic year.

key
✓ – Attended meeting
A/A – Apologies sent and accepted by meeting
DNA – Did not attend
n/a – Not a member of the committee

RES – resigned from post

NG – not a Governor at this time

archived attendance
You can also view previous years attendance on our website.

record of attendance 2018-2019

Name	FIN & PREMISES 17/10/18	FGB 13/11/18	FIN & PREMISES 25/01/19	FGB 26/03/19	FGB 25/06/19
Becky Wood Head Teacher	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Nichola Hesslewood	n/a	observer	n/a	observer	observer
Vicky Evans	n/a	✓	n/a	✓	✓
Mark Turner	A/A	RES	-	-	-
Paddy Beels Chair of Governors	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Phil Barclay Chair of Finance	✓	✓	✓	A/A	RES
Glynis Riseley	A/A	✓	A/A	A/A	✓
Sarah McPhie	n/a	A/A	n/a	✓	✓
Helen Tovey Vice Chair	n/a	✓	n/a	✓	✓
Melissa Frain	n/a	✓	n/a	A/A	✓
Richard Egan	NG	NG	NG	✓	✓
John Errington	A/A	A/A	A/A	✓	A/A
Dr Joanne Buntin	n/a	✓	n/a	✓	A/A
Carol Gorman	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Pauline Walker	n/a	A/A	n/a	✓	✓

committee terms of reference

full governing body

CHAIR: Mrs B K Beels OBE
VICE CHAIR: Mrs W Boyes
Terms of Reference

Strategic Leadership and Accountability:

In collaboration with school leaders determine a clear and explicit vision for the future. Ensure this is communicated to the whole organisation.
Set strong and clear values and ensure these are embedded across the organisation and adhered to.
Determine the strategic direction for the school.
Monitor and evaluate pupil progress and attainment by receiving reports and information from the Headteacher and other school leaders; compare against national and local benchmarks over time.
Receive reports from committees, working parties or individuals and agree actions.
Approve the SEF and monitor throughout the year.
Approve the School Improvement Plan priorities and monitor throughout the year progress towards agreed actions.
Ensure there is a transparent system for performance management of all staff which is clearly linked to the school’s priorities. Have oversight of staff performance throughout the year.
Ensure there are mechanisms in place to listen to and respond to the views of parents/carers, pupils, staff, local communities and employers.
Agree recruitment process to be followed in relation to Senior Leader posts; where delegated ratify appointments.
Final approval of the annual budget plan.
Monitor the school’s budget throughout the year.
Agree virement and expenditure limits for the Headteacher.
Hold at least 3 meetings each academic year. Ensure that committee meetings are held in accordance with the agreed terms of reference.

People and Structures:

Elect and/or remove Chair of Governors and Vice Chair of Governors.
Appoint Committee Chairs or delegate to each committee.
Consider and agree delegation of functions to individuals or committees.
Agree committee terms of reference and membership.
Establish a register of Governors business interests.
Ensure Governors information on the Get Information About Schools (GIAS) register and the school website is up to date and compliant with current requirements.
Confirm the Instrument of Government and subsequent amendments.
Appoint Co-opted, Local Authority and where necessary Parent Governors to the Board.
Review and monitor the Governor Induction Process.
Have regard for Governors professional development.
Where necessary, suspend or remove Governors from the Board.
Appoint/dismiss the Clerk to the Governing Body.

Compliance and Evaluation:

Consider business provided by Local Authority and other sources
Suspend or end suspension of staff members.
Ensure all statutory policies are in place and there is an effective policy review cycle.
Review and agree the Governor Code of Conduct.
Confirm arrangements for completion of a Governor Skills Audit.
Ensure there is regular self-evaluation and review of individual’s contribution to the Board as well as the Board’s overall operation and effectiveness.
As necessary, consider an external review of the Board’s effectiveness.
Ensure school website is up to date and compliant with current DfE requirements.

teaching & learning committee

CHAIR: Nichola Hesslewood
Terms of Reference

Monitoring nutritional standards within the school to include school meals, snack provision and food available during wrap-around provision.
Ensure that the school’s policy on SEN is consistent with the code of practice and Equalities Act and that arrangements are made to ensure the policy is monitored and reviewed regularly. The policy is known to parents and carers.
Consider the provision of sex and drugs education.
Monitor pupils’ attitudes, values and how other personal qualities are developed within the school through the provision of RE and PHSCE and that parents are told of their right to withdraw their child.
Ensure the effective integration of children with SEN.
Ensure the school is fulfilling its responsibilities regarding child protection and the requirements of “Working Together to Safeguard Children”.
Anti-Bullying and Behaviour Policies.
Conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of education achievement (SSFA 1998).
Monitor the achievement of disadvantaged groups and the impact of policies on race, SEN, Looked After Children and Disability on pupils, parents and communities.
Contribute to the development and monitoring of the School Improvement Plan and the SEF.
Ensure that every child receives the full statutory curriculum that the school must provide.
Ensure that a report on each pupil’s educational achievements is forwarded to their parents/ guardians annually at the end of time at Nursery.
Ensure the school has a curriculum policy that meets pupils’ needs.
Ensure the school has policies on Race and Disability Discrimination.
In general terms, monitor teaching and learning and the progress of pupils.
Ensure the quality of education, teaching and learning.
Plan to raise standards of achievement and monitor the school’s performance.
Consider out-of-hours provision (wrap around provision, study support, extended schools).
Ensure the school works well with its community, parents and other schools.
Ensure the school meets the requirements of the SEN and relevant disability legislation.
Ensure the school works effectively with other agencies to support vulnerable children and their families.
Ensure the school has an effective behaviour and anti-bullying policy. Monitor the implementation of this policy and its impact.
Monitor the development of pupils’ attitudes, values and other personal qualities.
Aims and values for the school are agreed and positive ethos for the school is promoted. Policy decisions are consistent with the agreed aims, values and ethos.
The school promotes inclusive policies that allow for the achievement of all pupils.
Ensure that adequate provision is made for transition between nursery and primary education.
Ensure that the school fulfils its statutory responsibilities in terms of Race discrimination.
Ensure each child is able to reach their potential including the gifted and talented (differentiation).
Act as Pupil Discipline Committee for Permanent/Fixed Term exclusions.
Complaints

MEETINGS: Termly or when required.
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Prior knowledge in cases of pupil discipline or complaints.

finance & premises committee

CHAIR: Mrs J Bellis
Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).

Finance:

In conjunction with the Headteacher to draft and propose the first formal budget plan of the financial year for approval by the full Governing Body.
Establish and maintain an up-to-date three year financial plan, taking into account priorities in the School Improvement Plan, roll projection and signals from central government and the LA regarding future years’ budget.
Ensure that priorities detailed within the School Improvement Plan are appropriately costed and are reflected in the annual budget.
Monitor the budget position statement to identify and address any anomalies from the anticipated position and report termly to the full Governing Body.
Review and monitor outstanding debts and action taken.
Review the year end outturn report.
Monitor and approve virements and expenditure over the Headteacher’s delegated limit.
Appraise and approve spending decisions where competitive quotations or tenders are required.
Ensure the school operates within the financial regulations of the Local Authority and the requirements of the DfE Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS).
Approve annually the Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS) submission prior to the 31 March deadline and monitor the implementation of any identified actions.
Monitor expenditure of all voluntary funds held on behalf of the Governing Body by review of an audited annual statement of income and expenditure.
Annually review the outcomes of the asset register stock check and approve the disposal of obsolete items.
Ensure appropriate use of the Early Years Premium
Review and monitor the school’s website to ensure that it is accessible and fully compliant with current DfE requirements.
Review and monitor all financial policies including lettings, charging and remissions and expenses policies.
Consider and promote income generation.
Annually review income generated from contracts and lettings; oversee the use of premises by outside users.
Where necessary, monitor and review Wrap Around Care provision including review of annual income and expenditure statements where applicable.
Ensure all appropriate insurances are in place.
Annually review and approve the school’s Financial Procedures Manual.
Monitor service level agreements annually and make decisions in respect of service level agreements ensuring value for money.
Make decisions on expenditure following recommendations from other committees.
Ensure pay decisions can be appropriately funded.
Ensure as far as is practical that health and safety issues are appropriately funded in accordance with agreed priorities.
Annually review financial benchmarking data.
Monitor the implementation of actions arising from the Internal Audit report or of a financial nature from other inspection regime reports.

Premises:

Establish, review and monitor the Health and Safety Policy ensuring that the school meets health and safety requirements.
Ensure actions are taken in respect of relevant health and safety legislation.
Ensure that premises and the learning environment are maintained and are fit for purpose.
Provide support and guidance for the Headteacher and Governing Body on all matters relating to the maintenance and development of the premises and grounds, including health and safety.
Ensure that an annual inspection of the premises and grounds is undertaken and a report received identifying any issues. Inform the Governing Body of the report and set out a proposed order of priorities for maintenance and development for the approval of the Governing Body.
Ensure professional surveys and emergency works are arranged as necessary.
Oversee the use of premises by outside users.
Establish and keep under review an Accessibility Plan and an Asset Management/Building Development Plan.
Monitor data on accidents and incidents.

MEETINGS: at least termly
QUORUM:
DISQUALIFICATIONS: where there may be a conflict of or a pecuniary interest

virement & expenditure limits

Virement Limits		Expenditure Limits
Limit set for Headteacher without prior written approval of Chair of Governing Body Where the cumulative effect of multiple virements on the same budget heading exceeds this limit, details are to be reported to the next Finance and Premises Committee meeting for information and retrospective approval	£5000	Any items of expenditure up to	£5000
Limit set for Headteacher with approval from Chair of Governors A log of these approvals will be maintained and details reported to the next Finance and Premises Committee meeting	£5000 to £10000	Above this limit if item was previously notified to the Governing Body.
Prior Finance and Premises Committee or Chair of Governors approval (whichever is the soonest) to be sought outside of these limits and reported to the Finance and Premises Committee at the earliest opportunity.

NB Any goods/services purchased and works to be carried out are subject to Durham County Council Contract Procedures Rules (January 2014) for quotations i.e. quotations or tenders to be invited from capable contractors based on the likely value of the procurement over its lifetime:

Between £500 and £5000 at least one quotation
Between £5001 and £50,000 at least three quotations
Over £50,000 full tender exercise

pay review (first) committee

CHAIR: Mrs B K Beels OBE
Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).
Annually agree the Teachers’ Pay Policy.
Act in accordance with the Teachers’ Pay Policy when carrying out the annual review of teachers’ salaries.
Report to the Finance and Premises Committee on pay review related expenditure.
Consider any requests made in accordance with personnel policies e.g. flexible working, leave of absence etc. (unless delegated to the Headteacher).
Make any decisions under the personnel procedures adopted by the Governing Body e.g. disciplinary, grievance, ill-health, capability etc. (Unless delegated to the Headteacher).
Deal with matters relating to staffing reductions.

MEETINGS: at least annually
QUORUM:
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Headteacher; Chair of Governors (if have prior knowledge); where there may be a conflict of interest; any Governor whose spouse/partner is involved; staff (annual pay review and matters relating to staffing reductions)

appeals committee

CHAIR: Tracey Barker
Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).
Consider any appeal against a decision made under the personnel procedures adopted by the Governing Body.
Consider any appeal against a decision made by the First/Pay Review Committee during the annual review of teachers’ salaries.
Consider any appeal against selection for redundancy through a staffing reduction process.
Consider complaints against the school in accordance with the agreed school Complaints Procedure.

MEETINGS: as and when required.
QUORUM: Must have at least the same number of Governors as were present at the original hearing.
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Headteacher; Chair of Governors (if have prior knowledge); any Governor involved in the original hearing; where there may be a conflict of interest; any Governor whose spouse/partner is involved; staff (appeals in relation to salary or staffing reduction decisions)

headteacher’s performance review committee

LEAD GOVERNOR: Nicola Balfour
Terms of Reference

Set, with the support of the External Advisor (EA) or Education Development Partner (EDP) Headteacher’s annual performance objectives.
Monitor throughout the year the performance of the Headteacher against agreed performance objectives.
Review, with the support of the External Advisor (EA) or Education Development Partner (EDP) achievement of performance objectives.
Make recommendations to the First/Pay Review Committee in respect of the Headteacher’s annual pay progression.

MEETINGS: Autumn Term plus monitoring meetings
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Headteacher and staff

personnel committee

CHAIR: Sarah McPhie
Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).
Carry out an annual review of the staffing structure in consultation with the Headteacher and Finance and Premises Committee.
Ensure the school is sufficiently staffed to fulfil the effective operation of the school and the School Improvement Plan (SIP).
Oversee the recruitment and selection procedures for all staff.
Make recommendations to the Finance and Premises Committee on personnel-related expenditure.
Develop and review policies identified within the school’s policy review programme and in accordance with its delegated powers (e.g. Appraisal, Whistleblowing, Recruitment and Selection).
Keep under review work/life balance, working conditions and well-being including monitoring attendance management.
Review the Single Central Record to ensure compliance with current statutory guidance.
Approve the Staff Code of Conduct and ensure all staff are aware.

MEETINGS: at least annually
QUORUM:
DISQUALIFICATIONS: where there may be a conflict of or pecuniary interest; any Governor whose spouse/partner is involved

delegation to the headteacher

School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009

Appointments:

Governing Body delegates to the Headteacher and one or more Governors responsibility for the appointment of:

Permanent teaching staff posts
Permanent support staff posts
Temporary staff

Dismissals:

No Delegation

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