Academic Year 2023 24

In accordance with the Government’s requirement for all governing bodies, the 3 core strategic functions of the Governing Body of Dallam Community Primary School 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.
• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

Governance Arrangements

The Governing Body of Dallam Community Primary consists of the following members;

• Head Teacher – Mrs Amanda Downey
• 1 staff governor – Mr Geoff Boulter
• 2 elected parent governors – Mrs Chelsey Norton, together with Mrs Shireen Mohammed who joined us at the end of the academic year
• 1 Local Authority governor – Mr Graeme White
• 6 co-opted governors – Miss Ashlea O’Rourke, Mrs Ann Harrison, Mrs Donna Kendal, Mrs Jennie Pirks, Mrs Mary Cummings and Dr Margaret Emsley 

Total – 11 members

During the 2023/24 academic year the full Governing Board met as a minimum once per term. Committees met, to consider different aspects of the school in detail and any actions or headlines are reported into the Full Governing Board meeting. Here at Dallam Community Primary School, we have a Resources Committee, Standards Committee and a Head Teacher Performance Management Committee. All of which receive regular updates from the school leadership team, as well as updates in relation to attainment, safeguarding, behaviour, attendance and special educational needs.

Our governors undertake a skills audit at the beginning of each year and attend training and refresher training, as appropriate, to ensure the Governing Body continues to have the appropriate mix of skills and expertise to effectively undertake its functions.

The work that we have done this academic year

During the academic year, the governing body monitored the school improvement plan and looked at its impact on pupil achievement and their wellbeing. We also carried out the Head Teachers Performance Management appraisal.

The Resources Committee (Finance/Personnel) met throughout the year to monitor the budget and staffing. Due to continued increased costs, school finances continue to be a challenge. The Resources Committee includes managing the Personnel arrangements at the school and these were monitored regularly to ensure adequate levels were maintained across school, to meet the needs of the children.

Standards committee met throughout the year with a focus on the curriculum. This included discussion with subject leaders and with children. The children talked passionately about their lessons and what they enjoyed most about being school. 

In August 2024 Dallam joined The Challenge Academy Trust. We were pleased to see the conversion moving forward despite the change in government. The conversion followed a year of work as an associate member of the Trust and Governors are clear that this is the vehicle through which we can continue to support our children, staff and community.

On behalf of the Governors of Dallam Primary School I would like to thank Mrs Downey, and all the staff for their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm, during this year. Also, may I express our special thanks to our parents and carers, for their continued support as together we help to make our school the very special and safe place that it is.

How you can contact the governing body

We always welcome suggestions, feedback and ideas from parents and the community – please contact the Chair of Governors, via the school office or the email addresses below. 

If you are interested in becoming a Governor, please contact our Chair of Governors, Ashlea O’Rourke on the contact details below.

Email address:  aorourke@dallamprimary.com

Alternatively, you can contact our business manager, Mrs. Kendal, for more information on 01925 633927 or by email d.kendal@dallamprimary.tcat.uk.com