Acting similarly to a ‘board of directors’, the Governing Body holds the fundamental responsibility for the management, strategic planning, and welfare of the whole school. The Headteacher of the school, Christopher Payne, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school. A core function of the Governing Body is to develop and maintain the strategic vision for Chambersbury Primary School. This strategic direction is articulated through key documents, most notably our five-year strategic plan. This plan outlines our aspirations for the school's future, encompassing academic performance, student outcomes, and school culture, and includes specific actions and timelines to achieve our goals. The five-year plan is not a static document but a living one that is reviewed regularly to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in guiding the school's progress.

The role of the Governing Body is to:

• Provide strategic management.

• Act as a “critical friend”, supporting the work of the Headteacher and other staff.

Schools generally have a delegated budget to cover salaries, running costs, maintenance, and equipment; the Governing Body is responsible for managing this budget. They can decide how many and what types of staff to employ, which equipment to upgrade or replace, and what the priorities are for implementing new strategies and initiatives4. Governors must appoint the Headteacher. Governors also have a role in monitoring the school’s progress and in setting annual targets for the school’s performance and for the Headteacher (and ensuring that the Headteacher sets targets for other staff). Governors must review school exclusions in certain circumstances and have the power to reinstate an excluded pupil or reduce the term of the exclusion (although not to increase it). We also monitor and evaluate the work of the school through a program of visits. The whole Governing Body meets regularly. It is not just meetings; we are in constant communication with Mr Payne ensuring we are all working as a team to meet the school’s needs. This communication is important to make sure as governors we are all aware of what is going on in and around school. Likewise, it is important we talk to and hear from you parents, and although you will have filled in questionnaires for us in the past, if you have anything you would like to discuss with the governors or questions you may like to ask, please get in touch with us through the school office.

James Montgomery Acting Chair of Governors

School Governors – Overview

A school governor can be a parent, member of staff, community representative e.g. local business people, Local Education Authority appointed representative. Each governor brings to the role their own interests, personal strengths and diverse experiences.

Parent Governors

Parent Governors ensure that the viewpoint of parents is represented on the Governing Body, however they must not be thought of as direct representatives of the parents. They speak and act as individuals within the clearly defined roles and responsibilities of any school governor. Parents, including carers, of registered pupils at the school are eligible to stand for election as Parents Governors and are elected by other parents at the school. They do not have to stand down if their child leaves the school, though they may do so if they wish. Parent Governors may stand for re-election at the end of their term of office if they still qualify.

Local Authority Governor

Local Authority Governors (previously known as LEA Governors): nominated by the Local Authority.

Staff Governor

The governing body benefits from the representation of the staff of the school. It provides a different professional ‘voice’ from the Headteacher’s.  Staff governors are not staff delegates, however, and do not have to express any views other than their own.

Co-opted Governor

They are appointed as a governor by the governing body and who, in the opinion of the governing body, have the skills required to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school.

Partnership Governor

Chambersbury is a Foundation School but is not part of a larger foundation therefore requires 2 partnership governors.

Associate Members 

Associate members are not Governors but are appointed by the Governing board to bring expertise and experience in specific areas to committees. They may also attend full governing board meetings but do not have the a vote in the governing board decisions. However, they may be given a vote on decisions made by the committees to which they are appointed. The Governing Body determine their term of office on appointment however generally this is one year.

Become a Parent Governor at Chambersbury Primary School - Shape Your Child's Education! 

Do you want to play a vital role in the strategic direction of Chambersbury Primary School and make a real difference to the education and wellbeing of our pupils? 

We currently have two Parent Governor vacancies on our Governing Body and are looking for enthusiastic and committed parents to join our team. 

What is a Parent Governor? 

Parent Governors are elected by the parents of children attending the school. They bring a valuable parental perspective to the Governing Body, ensuring that the best interests of the pupils are at the heart of all discussions and decisions. 

As a Parent Governor, you will contribute to: 

• Setting the strategic direction and overall aims of the school. 

• Monitoring the educational performance of the school and the progress of pupils. 

• Ensuring the school is well-managed and provides a safe and supportive environment. 

• Contributing to the development and review of school policies. 

• Acting as a link between the parent body and the Governing Body. 

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This is a rewarding opportunity to work collaboratively with other governors, the Headteacher, and staff to ensure Chambersbury Primary School continues to thrive and provide an excellent education for all its students. 

The Election Process: 

As outlined by national guidance, the election process for Parent Governors at Chambersbury Primary School will follow these key steps: 

Nomination Period: We will shortly be inviting nominations from all parents of children currently attending Chambersbury Primary School. Information on how to submit a nomination will be sent out to all parents. This will include details about the eligibility criteria for Parent Governors and what the role entails.

Candidate Statements: Nominees will be invited to submit a brief statement outlining why they wish to become a Parent Governor and what skills and experience they would bring to the role. These statements will be shared with the parent body.

Voting Period: Once all nominations are received, a ballot will be held, allowing all parents to cast their vote for their preferred candidates. Details on how to vote, including the timeframe and method (which may be postal or electronic), will be communicated to all parents.

Count and Announcement: Following the close of the voting period, the ballot papers will be counted, and the names of the elected Parent Governors will be announced to the school community.

Uncontested Elections: In the event that the number of nominations received is equal to the number of vacancies (two in this case), the nominated candidates may be elected without the need for a ballot (unopposed).

Interested in finding out more?

We encourage any parents who are interested in learning more about the role of a Parent Governor and the election process to contact admin@chambersbury.herts.sch.uk or the School Office on 01442 256435 for further information.

Your voice matters. Consider becoming a Parent Governor and help shape the future of Chambersbury Primary School.