Dear Parents and Carers, 

As Chair of Governors, I am writing to provide further information about the role of the governing body within our school. 

Governors serve as strategic leaders and play a crucial role in ensuring that every pupil receives the highest standard of education. The role carries significant responsibility and is fundamental to the continued success and development of the school. 

The governing body is focused on three core strategic functions: 

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction 

• Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, as well as the performance management of staff 

• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively 

In fulfilling these responsibilities, governors attend regular meetings, review documentation in detail, ask challenging and supportive questions, and visit the school. Governors also undertake ongoing training and may hold specific areas of responsibility, such as safeguarding, health and safety, or curriculum development. 

No individual governor is expected to have expertise in all areas; rather, the strength of the governing body lies in the collective skills, knowledge, and experience of its members. 

Please be assured that the governing body is fully committed to providing both challenge and support to the school’s leadership, ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interests of the pupils. 

If you are interested in becoming an integral part of your child’s journey, please consider becoming a school governor.  We would particularly welcome interest from individuals with skills or experience in areas such as SEND, pupil premium, or curriculum development.   

Thank you for your continued support. 

Yours sincerely, 

Jo Rooke 
Chair of Governors 

On behalf of the governing body. 

Governors 

A Very Warm Welcome to the Governors’ Section 

We are delighted to welcome you to the Governors’ section of our website. Our governing body is made up of dedicated individuals who give their time, skills and experience to support the school and help ensure every child receives the very best education in a safe, happy and inspiring environment. 

Governors work closely with school leaders, staff, parents and the wider community to provide strategic direction, challenge and support. Together, we share a commitment to helping every pupil thrive and achieve their full potential. 

Constitution

We believe the strength of our governing body lies in the talents, commitment and teamwork of its members. Each governor brings valuable knowledge and experience, and all work together for the benefit of the school and its children. 

Any newly appointed governor will have, in the opinion of those making the appointment, the skills and qualities needed to contribute effectively to the governance and continued success of the school. 

The governing body consists of 12 members. 

• Local Authority Governor: Fiona Spain 

• Headteacher: Catherine Paradine 

• Parent Governor: Matthew Dixon, Vacancy x 1  

• Staff Governor: Toni Dootson 

• Co-opted Governor: Jo Rooke (Chair), Hayley Masters, vacancy x 5 

• Clerk to Governors: Debbie Guy 

 

Our Core Functions

As the strategic leaders of the school, governors play a vital role in ensuring all children receive the highest quality education. This reflects the legal duty of governing bodies to conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. 

The governing body’s three core strategic functions are: 

1. Setting the Strategic Direction 

We help shape the future of the school by: 

• Setting the school’s vision, values and aims  

• Agreeing priorities and targets within the School Improvement Plan  

• Ensuring all statutory responsibilities are met  

2. Ensuring Accountability 

We hold school leaders to account by: 

• Appointing the Headteacher  

• Monitoring progress and pupil outcomes  

• Reviewing the performance of the Headteacher  

• Engaging with parents, pupils, staff and the wider community  

• Supporting the school’s self-evaluation and continuous improvement  

3. Overseeing Financial Performance 

We ensure resources are used wisely by: 

• Approving and monitoring the school budget  

• Reviewing spending and financial planning  

• Ensuring value for money  

• Monitoring risks and maintaining strong financial governance  

 

Collaboration

Our governors are committed to working collaboratively with other local schools and partners, helping to raise standards and improve opportunities for all children and young people in Gosport. 

 

Meetings 

The Full Governing Body meets regularly throughout the year. 

The Pay, Personnel & Performance Committee meets termly. 

Further details can be found in each committee’s Terms of Reference. 

 

Parent and Community Feedback 

We highly value the views of our families and community. Your feedback helps us celebrate success and identify ways to improve. 

We welcome your thoughts in a number of ways: 

• Annual parent questionnaires  

• Suggestion box in the reception area  

• Conversations during pupil progress meetings  

• Speaking with governors during school events  

We also encourage parents to share their views through Ofsted Parent View. 

Parent View Link: https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/ 

Complaints Procedure 

We aim to resolve concerns quickly, fairly and positively. 

If you have a concern regarding the school, your child’s welfare or education, please first speak with your child’s class teacher so the matter can be addressed promptly. If further support is needed, please contact the Headteacher. 

If the matter remains unresolved, concerns may be submitted in writing by post or email to the Clerk to the Governors, for the attention of the Chair of Governors. 

Email: g.clerk@elson-jun.hants.sch.uk 
For further details, please see the Complaints Procedure in the Policies/Documents section of the website. 

Safeguarding and Child Protection 

The safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. 

We ensure safe recruitment procedures are followed when appointing staff and volunteers. We also work to create a caring environment where children feel safe, valued and confident to share any worries or concerns. 

Governors carry out an annual review of the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and procedures to ensure full compliance and best practice. 

Governor Vacancies 

From time to time, vacancies may arise on the governing body. Opportunities will be shared through the school newsletter and local advertising. 

If you are interested in becoming a governor, you are very welcome to contact the school office or request a meeting with the Chair of Governors to find out more. 

No formal qualifications are required. However, experience or interest in areas such as: 

• Education  

• Finance  

• Human Resources  

• Communication  

• Health & Safety  

• Site Management  

can be especially valuable. 

Training and mentoring are provided for all new governors, and ongoing development through Governor Services is expected. 

Parent governor vacancies with more than one applicant will be decided by election. 

The usual term of office for a governor is four years, with the opportunity for reappointment where appropriate.