Our Governing Body - Consett Infant School

Governors work closely with head teachers, school staff and representatives from the local authority (LA).

The Governing Body of Consett Infant and Beechdale Nursery Federation

For further information about our governors please click the link on each name.

Name	Representing	Term of Office	Committee	Responsibilities	Business Interest	Relationship with staff members	Governor at another school
Mr Paul Dixon	Co-opted	07/12/2024 - 06/12/2028	Curriculum Finance & Premises First/Pay Review Pupil Discipline	Foundation Subjects English	None	None	Consett Junior School
Mr Nigel Allen (Vice Chair)	Co-opted	27/02/2025 - 26/02/2029	Appeals Curriculum Finance & Premises Pupil Discipline	Attendance Maths	None	None	No
Mrs Carly Grundy	Co-opted	27/02/2024- 26/02/2028	Appeals Finance & Premises Headteacher Performance Pupil Discipline	English SEND	Deputy Headteacher The Grove Primary	None	No
Mrs Julia Graham	Head Teacher	01/01/2016 - ongoing			Head Teacher	None	No
Mr Neil Jukes (Chair)	Local Authority	23/01/2023 - 23/01/2027	Appeals Curriculum Finance & Premises Headteacher Performance Pupil Discipline	Health & Safety GDPR Safeguarding, Child Protection, LAC, Prevent, Behaviour		None	No
Mrs Lauren Bowe	Parent	14/05/2021-13/05/2025	Curriculum Finance & Premises First/Pay Review Pupil Discipline	EYFS Curriculum Provision	None	None	No
Miss Donna Tunney	Co-opted	14/05/2021-13/05/2025	Curriculum Pupil Discipline	Confidence, Resilience & Emotional Wellbeing	None	None	No
Mrs Jill Stephenson	Staff	03/04/2023 - 02/04/2027	Pupil Discipline	Foundation Subjects English	Deputy Head Teacher - Consett Infant	None	Consett Junior School
Mr Tom Morris	Co-opted	06/11/2024 - 05/11/2028	Curriculum First/Pay Review Pupil Discipline	Foundation Subjects RSE / School Council	None	None	No
Mrs Laura Burgess	Parent	21/03/2024 - 20/03/2028	Appeals Pupil Discipline	Foundation Subjects	None	None	No
Victoria Merrie	Co-opted	21/05/2025 - 20/05/2029	Curriculum	Foundation Subjects EYFS Curriculum Provision	Deputy Head Teacher - Beechdale Nursery	None	No
Mrs Claire Adams	Parent	16/01/2025 - 15/01/2029	First/Pay Review	Confidence, Resilience & Emotional Wellbeing Safeguarding, Child Protection, LAC, Prevent, Behaviour SEND	None	None	No

Past Governing Body Members

(2024-25) Mrs G Cornes, Mr K Fraser
(2023-24) Mrs S Powell
(2023-24) Rev S Grundy
(2021-22) Mrs J Davison
(2021-22) Mrs K Gray
(2020-21) Mrs F Nichols
(2019-20) Rev V Shedden
(2017-18) Mrs M Rose, Mrs T Dodd, Miss A Reader, Miss Kelli Turner

Information from the Governors

The purpose of the Governing Body is to conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. Its three core strategic functions are:

Ensuring clarity of vision. ethos and strategic direction;
Holding the Head Teacher 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.

Statutory Guidance for Governing Bodies

Consett Infant 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 please view or download the full 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
N – Did not attend
X – Not a member of the committee

Record of Attendance 2025-2026

Name	Curriculum Committee 23/10/25	Pay Review Committee 04/11/25	FGBM 04/11/25	Finance Committee 04/11/25	Curriculum Committee 05/02/26	Finance Committee 17/02/26	FGBM 17/02/26	Curriculum Committee 03/06/26	Finance Committee 16/06/26	FGBM 16/06/26
Mr Paul Dixon	✓	A/A	A/A	A/A	X	✓	✓	X	✓	✓
Vice Chair: Mr Nigel Allen	✓	X	A/A	A/A	A/A	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Mrs Carly Grundy	X	X	A/A	X	X	X	A/A	X	X	✓
Mrs Julia Graham	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Chair: Mr Neil Jukes	A/A	✓	✓	X	A/A	A/A	✓	A/A	A/A	✓
Mrs Jillian Stephenson	X	X	✓	✓	X	X	✓	X	X	✓
Mrs Lauren Bowe	A/A	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Miss Donna Tunney	✓	X	✓	X	✓	X	✓	A/A	X	✓
Mr Tom Morris	✓	✓	✓	X	✓	X	✓	✓	X	A/A
Mrs Victoria Merrie	A/A	X	✓	✓	X	X	✓	X	X	✓
Mrs Claire Adams	X	A/A	A/A	X	X	X	A/A	X	X	✓
Mrs Laura Burgess	X	X	✓	X	X	X	✓	X	X	A/A

Archived Attendance
You can also view our archived attendance on our website.

Committee Terms of Reference

Full Governing Body

CHAIR: N Jukes

VICE CHAIR: N Allen

Terms of Reference

Strategic Leadership and Accountability:

Work with school leaders to set a clear vision with a focus on pupil progress, achievement, and well-being. Ensure this is communicated to the whole organisation and reviewed regularly.
Set the values for the organisation and ensure these are embedded throughout the organisation and adhered to.
Determine the strategic direction and vision for the school.
Monitor that school leaders are keeping up with their statutory duties in relation to the maintenance of the Single Central Record (SCR).
Monitor and evaluate pupil progress and attainment by receiving reports and information from the Headteacher, other school leaders and external sources; 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 progress towards agreed actions throughout the year.
Review and agree the school’s Business Continuity Plan annually.
Ensure the well-being of staff and that staff workload is managed.
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 the recruitment process to be followed in relation to Senior Leader posts; where delegated ratify appointments.
Approve the annual budget plan.
Monitor the school’s budget throughout the year.
Agree 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 Governance Structures:

Elect and/or remove Chair of Governos and Vice Chair of Governors.
Annually appoint Committee Chairs or delegate to each committee.
Consider and agree delegation of functions to individuals or committees.
Agree annually the committee terms of reference and membership.
Agree annually the quorums for committee meetings.
Agree annually the voting rights for Associate Members.
Establish and maintain a register of Governors business interests.
Confirm the Instrument of Government and subsequent amendments.
Appoint Co-opted, Local Authority and where necessary Parent Governors to the Governing Board.
Review and monitor the pre-appointment interviews and Governor Induction Process.
Have regard for Governors professional development i.e. development of an annual training plan.
Where necessary, suspend or remove Governors from the Governing Board.
Appoint/dismiss the Clerk to the Governing Board.

Compliance and Evaluation:

Ensure the school is fulfilling its responsibilities regarding safeguarding and child protection and the requirements of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’.
Ensure Safeguarding policies are adhered to; monitor and review all safeguarding policies/procedures within school.
Monitor and review data on behaviour, bullying, child on child abuse, attendance and exclusions.
Ensure all statutory requirements for reporting and publishing information are met.
Ensure that adequate provision is made for pupil transition.
Ensure the school complies with the provisions of the Equalities Act 2010.
Where necessary ensure that all pupils have access to independent careers advice.
Agree annually the School Financial Value Standard (SFVS) Self-Assessment Checklist prior to the 31 March deadline and monitor the implementation of any identified actions.
Consider business provided by the Local Authority and other sources.
Ensure all statutory and non-statutory polices are in place and there is an effective policy review cycle.
Review and agree the Governor Code of Conduct.
Ensure Governors’ information on the Get Information About School (GIAS) register and the school website is up to date and compliant with current DfE requirements.
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.

FINANCE, PREMISES AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

CHAIR:

Terms of Reference

Elect Chair on rotation (if delegated by full Governing Board)

Finance:

Review and agree the first formal budget plan of the financial year for approval by the full Governing Board.
Establish and maintain an up-to-date three-year budget 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 capital and revenue budget position statements to identify and address any anomalies from the anticipated position and report termly to the full Governing Boar
Review and monitor outstanding debts and action taken.
Review the Quarterly Written Report and Financial Report.
Monitor and authorise expenditure including those over the Headteacher’s delegated limit.
Consider and approve spending decisions where competitive quotations or tenders are required in accordance with the current Contract Procedures Rules.
Ensure the school operates within the financial regulations of the Local Authority and the requirements of the DfE Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS).
Monitor the implementation of any actions identified in the Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS).
Monitor expenditure of all voluntary funds held on behalf of the Governing Board and receive an audited annual statement of income and expenditure.
Annually review the outcomes of the Asset Register stock check and approve the disposal of obsolete item
Oversee use and monitor impact all additional grant funding e.g. Pupil Premium.
Consider and promote income generation.
Annually review income generated from lettings, fees and charges, funding raising activities and the sale of assets.
Monitor Extended Care provision including review of annual income and expenditure statements where applicable.
Ensure the school has appropriate insurance cover in place.
Annually review and adopt the school’s Financial Procedures Manual and all other finance related policies.
Annually review and make decisions in respect of service level agreements and other contracts and lettings.
Make decisions on expenditure following recommendations from other committee
Ensure as far as is practical that health and safety issues are appropriately funded in accordance with agreed prioritie
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 report
Ensure any instances of fraud or financial irregularity are reported immediately to the Head of Education and Skills and Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager.

Premises:

Annually approve 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.
Receive an annual Health and Safety Audit Report and monitor any arising actions.
Ensure that premises and the learning environment are maintained and are fit for purpose.
Provide support and guidance for the Headteacher and Governing Board on all matters relating to the maintenance and development of the premises and grounds, including health and safet
Ensure that an annual inspection of the premises and grounds is undertaken and that priorities for maintenance and development are identified.
Ensure professional surveys and emergency works are arranged as necessar
Oversee the use of premises by outside users.
Annually review the school’s Accessibility Plan and Asset Management/Building Development Plan.
Receive and consider the recommendations from annual inspections, e.g. Energy Report, Tree Survey.
Ensure appropriate Risk Assessments are carried out and reviewed on a regular basis.
Ensure inspections of the school site, buildings and equipment take place annually and at appropriate intervals and that reports are shared.
Monitor data on accidents and incidents.

Personnel:

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Board)
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.
Keep under review work/life balance, working conditions and well-being including monitoring attendance management.
Ensure that regular monitoring of the Single Central Record is undertaken and that it is up to date and compliant with current statutory expectation
Ensure that the school’s policy on safeguarding and child protection is compliant with the most recent KCSIE guidance and DSCP expectation

MEETINGS	At least termly
QUORUM
DISQUALIFICATION	· where there may be a conflict of or a pecuniary interest.

Delegation to the Headteacher

The School Standards and Framework Act 1998

The Governing Board can delegate to the Headteacher responsibility for deploying resources, subject to the provisions in the Scheme for the Financing of Schools in County Durham.

Expenditure

Any item of expenditure up to £5,000

Above this limit if item was previously notified to the Governing Board

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.

NOTE:

Any goods/services purchased and works to be carried out are subject to the latest Durham County Council Contract Procedures Rules as published on the School Portal.

Personnel

School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009

The Governing Board can delegate the power to appoint outside the leadership group to:

The Headteache
Oneor more Governors with the right of the Headteacher to advis
Oneor more Governors and the Headteache

Appointments

Governing Board delegates to the Headteacher and one Governor responsibility for the appointment of:

Permanent teaching staff posts

Delegation to the Headteacher responsibility for the appointment of:

Permanentsupport staff posts
Temporarystaff

Dismissals

Governing Board delegates to the Headteacher responsibility in line with the delegation in school HR policies.

CURRICULUM AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE

CHAIR:

Terms of Reference

Elect Chair on rotation (if delegated by full Governing Board)

Strategic direction and statutory areas:

Contribute to the development and monitoring of the SEF and School Improvement Plan Priorities
Review and adopt policies in accordance with the programme of review as delegated by the full Governing Board.
Ensure that the school’s policy on SEND is consistent with the Code of Practice, Equalities Act and most recent KCSIE updates.
Receive termly reports from the Headteacher/SENDCo and termly monitoring reports from the SEND Governor.

Curriculum and Teaching:

Ensure that the school curriculum is of high-quality and ambitious for all pupils (the intent), particularly `those who are disadvantaged, those with SEND, those who are known (or previously known) to children’s social care, and those who may face other barriers to their learning and/or well-being.
Ensure that the curriculum is designed to give pupils, including those detailed above with the knowledge they need to take advantage of opportunities, responsibilities and experiences in later life.
Monitor the effective delivery of the curriculum (the implementation) across all subjects, year groups and key stages.
Receive assurance that all pupils build strong foundations for accessing the curriculum and for later success, including academic achievement, good health and well-being.
Ensure the school’s curriculum covers the statutory requirements set out in the basic curriculum (which includes the national curriculum, and relationships, sex and health education, and religious education).
Ensure that the curriculum contributes to pupils’ personal development and SMSC.

Achievement

Ensure that the school provides a high-quality education for all pupils (the impact), especially disadvantaged pupils, those with SEND, those who are known (or previously known) to children’s social care, and those who may face other barriers to their learning and/or well-being, that gives them the necessary knowledge, skills and qualifications to succeed in life, and equips them for the next stage of their education, training or employment.
Receive assurance that pupils make progress from their starting points in all subjects across the curriculum.
Receive assurance that all pupils are reading fluently at an age-appropriate level.
Review internal assessment data to understand what this indicates about pupil achievement and what decisions leaders have made as a result.
Consider published data (e.g. the IDSR) and understand what this indicates about achievement over time.
Receive assurance that pupils are, on the whole, achieving well and this is evidenced in their attainment and progress in national tests and examinations, which are broadly in line with national averages, including for disadvantaged pupils.
Monitor and review impact of additional grant funding e.g., Pupils Premium.

MEETINGS	At least termly
QUORUM
DISQUALIFICATION	· None.

COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE

CHAIR:

Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Board) Consider complaint in accordance with the school’s Complaints Procedure.

The Complaints Committee will consist of at least three Governors with no prior involvement or knowledge of the complaint.

MEETINGS

As and when required

QUORUM

DISQUALIFICATION

· Headteacher.

· Chair of Governors (if have prior knowledge).

· Any Governor (if have prior knowledge).

· where there may be a conflict of interest.

· staff.

FIRST / PAY REVIEW COMMITTEE

CHAIR:

Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Board)
Agree the Teachers’ Pay Policy.
In accordance with the Teachers’ Pay Policy, ensure that a robust performance management process is in place, consider recommendations in relation to any UPR applications received or other payments or allowances and note the automatic pay progression of Teachers.
In accordance with the Teachers’ Pay Policy receive an update from the Performance Management Governors regarding the pay progression of the Headteacher.
Consider any requests made in accordance with HR policies (unless delegation is to the Headteacher).
Make any decisions under HR procedures adopted by the Governing Board e.g. disciplinary, attendance, capability etc. (unless delegation is to the Headteacher)
Lifting of Headteacher’s suspension (lifting of all other staff suspensions delegated to the Chair of Governors).
Deal with matters relating to staffing reductions, restructures and changes to the permanent school staffing structure.

MEETINGS

At least annually

QUORUM

DISQUALIFICATION

· 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 or matters related to a staffing reduction process).

APPEALS COMMITTEE

CHAIR:

Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Board)
Consider any appeal against a decision made under the HR policies adopted by the Governing Board.
Consider any appeal against a decision made by the First/Pay Review Committee during the annual review of teachers’ salarie
Consider any appeal against selection for redundancy through a staffing reduction process

MEETINGS

As and when required

QUORUM

DISQUALIFICATION

· 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:

Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Board)
Set, with the support of the Local Authority Advisor the Headteacher’s annual performance objective
Monitor throughout the year the performance of the Headteacher against agreed performance objectives.
Review, with the support of the Local Authority Advisor achievement of performance objective
Make recommendations to the First/Pay Review Committee in respect of the Headteacher’s annual incremental pa

MEETINGS

Autumn Term plus mid-year review meetings

QUORUM

DISQUALIFICATION

· Headteacher.

· Staff.

Downloads

Committee Terms of Reference

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