Governors

The Governing Body

Who are the Oatlands Infants Governing Body?

Our governing body is made up of 11 volunteers who help guide and support the school. This includes:

• Mr Harrison, our headteacher
• Claire Nelson-Boden, our Chair of Governors
• Miss Shaw, our staff governor, elected by school staff
• Leanne Eaton, our clerk
• Deri Trigg and Christine Jones, Parent Governors elected by fellow parents
• Academy Governors, appointed by the governing body and Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, many are current or former parents, though this isn’t a requirement. We recruit new governors when needed, based on the skills that help us do our job well. Governors serve for four years, and all give their time voluntarily. It’s a rewarding role that offers both challenge and purpose.

What do Governors do?

 As part of Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, we’ve been given certain responsibilities to help the school thrive. We work closely with Mr Harrison and his team, and report to the Trust Board.

Our main duties are to:

• Work with the Headteacher to set the school’s vision and strategic direction
• Hold the headteacher to account for pupil outcomes and staff performance

We act as a “critical friend”, supportive, but ready to ask thoughtful questions. While we’re not in school every day, we visit regularly, take part in learning walks, and monitor progress against our goals. The Chair meets with Mr Harrison weekly, and the full governing body meets around four to five times a year.

We also keep up with governance training and always act in the best interests of all children, with complete confidentiality.

Working with the PTA

The governing body is separate from the PTA and doesn’t fundraise, but we stay in regular contact.

Interested in Joining Us?

Being a governor is a meaningful way to support the school and its community. If you’d like to learn more or have any questions, please contact the school office and one of us will be happy to get in touch.