Governing Body

On behalf of the Governors, I would like to welcome you to our school website.  We hope you find it easy to use and that it gives you a small insight into the many things that we have to offer to both you and your children.

The Governors meet termly to discuss many things in particular school strategy and policies.  I personally like to come into school in between meetings to be involved in the day-to-day life of the school and see all of the wonderful things the children are doing and learning.

Our aim as the Governing body is to provide a safe and caring environment where children are encouraged and challenged to meet their full potential.  

We are proud of our School and feel privileged to support Alison Wilks and the staff in delivering a varied and stimulating education for our children.  We also work closely with 'Friends of Kings Oak' PTA and love to hear suggestions from the children's run School Council.  Governing applications are welcomed by all members and details of how to apply are published at the bottom of this page.

Thank you

Dr. Christopher Stokes

Chair of Governors 

Members of Our Governing Body

Within the Governing Body, Kings Oak Primary Learning Centre also has a Finance & Personnel Committee and a Standards & Curriculum Committee.  

How to contact our Governing Body

If you would like to contact any member of the Governing Body please send an email or letter marked for the attention of The School Governors:

Kings Oak Primary Learning Centre

Bondfield Close

Wombwell

Barnsley

S73 8TX

Or email: office@kingsoakplc.org.uk

Alternatively, you can contact Governor Services, Core Services Directorate, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, PO Box 634, Barnsley, S70 9GG.  Telephone: 01226 773747 

What School Governors Do

School governing bodies are made up of people from school communities who want to make a positive contribution to children's education.

Every school has a governing body. They work with the headteacher to set the future direction for the school and decide how the school spends its budget.  They are responsible for making sure the school provides good quality education and for raising pupils’ attainment by:

• setting strategic direction
• ensuring accountability
• monitoring and evaluating school performance
• acting as a critical friend

Governors govern rather than manage.  Their role is one of direction and focus; they make decisions collectively on matters such as performance targets, school policies, and the school's development plan. As well as providing support and advice to the headteacher, their role is to challenge the headteacher by gathering views and asking searching questions to make sure that any decisions taken are in the best interest of the school.

Governors report to parents on the school's achievements and respond to inspection recommendations.  They also hear appeals from pupils and staff and consider complaints.

Overall Responsibilities of the Governing Body 

School Governors at Kings Oak Primary Learning Centre are appointed to provide: 

• strong links between the school, parents and the community. 
• a wide experience of the outside world 
• an independent view 
• a visible form of accountability for the headteacher and staff of the school 
• a team focusing on long term development and improvement 
• accountability to the parents and the community for the use of resources and standards of teaching and learning in the school
• support for the headteacher and staff

 In addition, individual governors will usually be involved in some of the following activities often through groups or committees which report back to the main Governing Body.

• School improvement plan
• Headteacher performance management
• School profile 
• Staff appointments 
• The financial management of the school 
• Pupil discipline 
• The curriculum 
• The training of governors 
• Community links 

Governing bodies are the strategic planners of schools.  In order to do this a governing body: 

• has an operational manager (the headteacher) who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school
• agrees on policies and practice which allows the headteacher the necessary tools to carry out his/her responsibilities
• agrees on principles and targets for improvement
• reviews long-term resourcing needs
• supports and challenges the headteacher
• receives and discusses reports on the resulting practice and conduct of the school
• reviews its own working practices, including using self-evaluation form 

How to Become a School Governor in the Barnsley Area

If you're interested in improving children's education, are over 18 years of age and have the time, you could become a school governor.

Governors can be parents, school staff, and representatives from the council. Most schools also have community governors and some schools have foundation governors. You can find out about the different types of governors on the DfE website.

The church, charitable trusts or businesses may also be represented on school governing bodies. 

What you need to become a school governor

You don’t need any special expertise to become a school governor, but you could have what it takes if:

• you’re 18 or over
• you want children to get the best from school
• you’d like to put something back into your local community
• you’re interested in people
• you’re prepared to work as part of a team
• you have time to get to know your school, go to meetings and read papers
• you’re comfortable asking questions
• you’re open to new ideas and ready to learn

For more information go to https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/children-families-and-education/schools-and-learning/school-governors/