The Cathedral School of St Peter and St John RC Primary The Governing Board 

                           Governing Board Terms of Reference

Background Information

The Maintained Schools Governance Guide published by Department for Education (DfE) 2024 states the three core functions of a governing board include

• that the vision[PH1] , ethos, and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined,
• that the headteacher performs their responsibilities for the educational performance of the school, 
• the sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources

Membership

• Seven Foundation Governors appointed by the bishop which includes the   Parish Priest as an Ex Officio member

• Headteacher
• Two Parent Governors elected by parents
• One elected Staff Governor
• One Governor appointed by the LA

A Chair and Vice Chair will be elected annually and a clerk will be identified for each meeting

Quorum

     5 members

Meetings

The Governing Body will meet at least six times a year. Minutes of the meetings and supporting documentation will be shared via Governor Hub.

In exercising its functions the governing body shall

- act with integrity, objectivity and honesty and in the best interests of the school; and

- be open about the decisions they make and the actions they take and shall be prepared to explain their decisions and actions to interested parties.

Policies and compliance

The Governing Body will review and approve

• Safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures
• Special educational needs policy and information
• Teachers’ Pay Policy
• School Complaints Procedure
• Staff Discipline, Conduct and Grievance procedures
   

Monitoring

A Governing Body of a Voluntary Aided Catholic school has a responsibility for policy relating to religious education. This is to ensure that the curriculum of the school actively promotes the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils. Foundation governors, in particular, have special responsibility for the religious education curriculum and have a duty to ensure that it is taught in accordance with the Diocesan policy. 
 

The Governing Body is also responsible for

• Monitoring pupil premium and Sports Premium spending
• Ensuring Health and Safety relations are followed
• Checking that the statutory required information is published on the school’s website

Ad hoc Committees

The Governing Body has adopted Salford City Council Terms of Reference for Ad Hoc Committees

Who Are The Governors?

The current serving governing body is as follows:

Declaration  by Governors of Personal, Pecuniary and Business Interests

Each year all members of the Governing Body are required to complete a declaration form - any declarations must be published.

For the academic year 2025/26 - there have been no declarations made by any of the school governors of the following with regard their position as a governor of The Cathedral School of St Peter and St John RC Primary:

• A personal interest.

• A pecuniary/business interest (direct or indirect).

• An interest that would contravene the principles of natural justice (i.e. their involvement would compromise the Governing Body’s ability to hold a fair hearing).