Our Governing Body

Following the creation of The Federation of North & South Cowton Community Primary School and Melsonby Methodist Primary School in March 2019, one Governing Body was formed.

The Remit of the Governing Body

The main purpose of The Federation Governing Body is to:

• Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction of our schools and federation.
• Hold executive leaders to account for educational performance of the schools within the federation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.
• Oversee the financial performance of the federation and make sure its money is well spent.

The Structure of our Governing Body

The governing body has considerable discretion as to how to discharge its responsibilities but is required to constitute itself in line with the regulations and to appoint a chair and vice chair. The governing body may delegate certain parts of its responsibilities to certain governors or committees of governors.

Our governing body meets approximately 6 times each year as a full governing body. Our current chair is Mrs Gail Smith. 

The governing body is made up of the following:

• Executive Head Teacher.
• Parent governors – elected by and from parents of registered pupils at the Federation School's.
• Staff governor – elected by and from the staff at the Federation School's.
• Local Education Authority (LA)– appointed by the LA.
• Foundation  governors  (at  voluntary  aided,  voluntary  controlled  and some  foundation schools) –to preserve and develop the religious character of the school (if applicable) and to see that the trust deed is complied with.
• Co-opted Governor  –  appointed  by  members  of  the  Governing Body  who  are  not themselves co-opted. They are intended to be representative of the local community and may add particular kinds of expertise.

Minutes from Governing Body meetings are available upon request.  Please contact either School Office for access.