Our Governing Body

The governing body at Manston Primary School plays a vital role in shaping the future of our school and ensuring the best possible outcomes for all our pupils. Our governors work in partnership with the headteacher and staff to provide strategic leadership and accountability, always keeping the children at the heart of every decision we make.

Our Role and Responsibilities

Our governors work with key professionals, including the headteacher, designated safeguarding leads, and special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs), to improve outcomes for children. We are committed to:

• Setting the strategic direction and vision for the school
• Ensuring the school provides a high-quality education for all pupils aged 5-11
• Holding senior leaders 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
• Ensuring the school fulfils its statutory duties, including safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Who We Are

Our governing body is made up of dedicated volunteers from various backgrounds, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to support our school community. We include:

• Parent governors who bring valuable parental perspectives
• Staff governors who provide insight into day-to-day school life
• Co-opted governors with specialist skills and knowledge
• Local Authority governors

All our governors undergo enhanced DBS checks to ensure the safety of our pupils.

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to working closely with parents, staff, and the wider community to ensure that every child at Manston Primary School receives an excellent education in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. 

Get in Touch

If you would like to contact the governing body, please get in touch with the school office, and your query will be forwarded to the appropriate governor or the Chair of Governors.

• Governors' Handbook Departmental advice outlining school governors' roles and duties, along with contact details for GovernorLine.

Governor Meeting Attendance Log

• Governors Meeting Attendance Record Sept 2025-26
• Governors Meeting Attendance Record Sept 2024-25 Final
• Governors Meeting Attendance Record Sept 2022-23 - final.docx
• Governors Meeting Attendance Record Sept 2020-2021 - Final.docx
• Governors Meeting Attendance Record Sept 2019-2020.pdf

Teaching and Learning and Pupil Progress Committee Statement of Effectiveness 

1. Purpose

The purpose of the Teaching, Learning and Pupil Support committee is to oversee, monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching, the effectiveness of the pupil support and the learning that takes place across Manston Primary, ensuring all pupils achieve their full potential. We discuss key issues relating to the school’s curriculum delivery to guarantee it is broad and balanced and that it meets national requirements. We review and monitor the School Self Evaluation Form to evaluate the progress towards meeting targets on the Development Plan and the overall vision for the school.

2. Meetings and Visits

This year the committee has met three times and the meetings have been well attended by its members, who each bring their own perspective and expertise, which facilitates in-depth discussions and informed decision making. There have also been Governor visits to discuss phonics, maths, English and the Pupil and Sports Premium monies.

3. Key Areas Discussed

1. Curriculum Review:

• Overview of the current curriculum coverage including the impact on pupil outcomes through Governor visits to look at books and data.
• New initiative and changes including the teaching of spelling and the new Relationship and Sex Education scheme

2. Quality of Teaching:

• Book scrutinies were carried out for maths and English with the subject leads and the next steps for CPD discussed.
• The committee was informed about support being put in place for new staff.

3. Pupil Progress and Attainment

• A review of assessment data was discussed at each meeting with SLT informing the committee of strategies being put in place to support children.
• Identification of underperforming groups was discussed and what interventions had been put in place.

4. Pupil Support and Inclusion

• The attendance figures and initiatives were discussed at every meeting
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities provision updates were provided, including the numbers in each SEND category and the support being accessed. The committee was given chance to consider these.
• Pastoral support and well-being issues were discussed.

4. Impact 

• Governors actively engage in constructive discussion and pose challenges that stimulate strategic deliberations during the meetings.
•  Attendance remains high and a constant focus for the Safeguarding and Welfare Officer
• Pupil outcomes are good and the quality of work has been of a high standard across school.
• SEND support has been effective in supporting pupils

5. Next Steps

• The committee will monitor the delivery and impact of the new RSE scheme and spelling scheme.
• The committee will continue to challenge and evaluate to pupil progress data provided to ensure all groups meet their full potential.
• The committee will support new initiatives to continue to raise attendance
• The committee will discuss any issues which might impact on the outcomes for pupils.

Staffing and Resources Committee Statement of Effectiveness

 

1. Purpose 

The purpose of the Staffing and Resources Committee is to oversee, monitor and evaluate the quality of the school’s financial management, budget setting, health and safety policies and staffing policies around recruitment, performance and wellbeing. 

2. Meetings and Visits 

This year the committee has met three times and the meetings have been well attended by its members. There is a broad skill set across the membership facilitating probing and constructively critical questions and discussions. There have also been individual governor visits to audit financial records, attend budget meetings and discuss health and safety compliance. 

 

3. Key Areas Discussed 

1. Schools Financial Value Standards (SFVS)  

• Required by all maintained schools and demonstrates that the school meets the standards necessary to achieve a good level of financial health. 

2. Health and Safety 

• Policies and procedures ensuring the safety of staff and pupils are discussed at every meeting 

• The outcome of Governor visits and Health and Safety inspections have been fed back to and discussed by the committee 

3. Main School Budget 

• All Governors receive a budget report showing itemised income and expenditure for the main school budget. 

• Spending in relation to the budget is reviewed and discussed during each meeting.  

• Strategies to tackle any deficits have been discussed with the Head Teacher. 

• Variances in spending have been monitored and discussed. 

4. Extended School Budget 

• All Governors receive a budget report showing itemised income and expenditure for the breakfast and after school clubs. 

• Spending in relation to the budget is reviewed and discussed during each meeting.  

• The running costs of the provision against the fees charged are closely monitored by the committee and adjustments, such as fee increases, have been approved by the committee when necessary. 

5. Staff Recruitment and Performance Management 

• Policies are discussed and application of these policies is monitored by the committee. 

• There is a Governor presence on the majority of interview panels. This includes Governors trained in “Safer Recruitment” practice. 

 

Diversity and Inclusivity of the Manston Primary School Governing Body 

The governing body at Manston Primary is diverse but highlights opportunities for broader representation. The data is correct as of June 2024 and is updated annually.  

• Birthplace: 77% were born in the UK, with 23% bringing international perspectives. 
• Ethnic Background: Predominantly White (94%) with 6% Asian; no representation from Black, Hispanic, or other groups. 
• Gender: Balanced with 53% Female and 47% Male. 
• Sexuality: 94% Heterosexual, 6% Bisexual. 
• Disabilities: No members identify as having a disability. 
• Religion: 40% Christian, 7% Buddhist, and 53% Atheist; no representation from other faiths. 

While gender balance is strong, there is scope to improve representation across ethnicity, disability, and religious diversity. 

Privacy Notice: Governors

 

---

Governors