Ruishton Primary School

The School Governors and PTA

Welcome to the Governing Body's web page.

This page will be developed over the coming weeks to incorporate more information about the Governing Body for Ruishton CofE VC School. This page will be a valuable resource for parents, staff and governors alike and a point of communication and information.

What is the role of the Governing Body?
Now that Local Education Authorities no longer exist in the form that they used to, the role of the Governing Body has developed to provide strategic direction and support to the school's Headteacher and Senior Management Team. Their day to day role is to be a 'critical friend' to the school and to provide corporate accountability.

The Governing Body at Ruishton School regularly visit all of the classes to experience the teaching, ethos and friendly environment that the school offers its pupils. In the course of its monitoring duties the Governing Body offer support, guidance and objective commentary to the Headteacher and Senior Management Team in areas such as curriculum, budgetary finance, facilities and future needs and aspirations.

How do I become a School Governor?
Being a School Governor is not about status, control or evaluation. Largely, it is about support, assistance, guidance, objectivity and future strategy. As such, being a School Governor is a special position; one that seeks commitment, energy, enthusiasm and an ability to support, in an amicable, yet sometimes challenging way. There are a number of routes to becoming a School Governor: as a Parent Governor; as a Community Governor; as a Local Authority Governor; and as a Foundation Governor. Further information is available from a number of sources (such as www.governornet.gov.uk or locally at www.somerset.six.gov.uk/governors ). However, it is always worth asking the school what Governing Body vacancies exist or speak to the Chair of the Governing Body for details.

It is hoped this web page will develop over time, offering advice, information, guidance and insights into the work of the Governing Body. Please bear with us whilst it is in its developmental stage.

Thank you

Hugh Griffith
Chair of the Governing Body, Ruishton CofE VC School.

The School Governors

Governors usually serve a four year term on the Governing Body. The role of Governors is now far reaching with wide ranging responsibilities. In order to carry out these responsibilities effectively, we have formed Sub-Committees:

Finance and Personnel

Sites and Buildings

Curriculum

Pay Policy

These meet separately, before presenting their recommendations to the full Governing Body.

The present Governing Body consists of:

Rev I Aldersley	Ex Officio	.
Mr H. Griffith	Diocesan Board of Education	Chairman
Mrs A Fletcher	Elected Parent	vice-Chair
Mrs N.Owsianka	Elected Parent	.
Mrs S.Lock	Elected Parent	.
Mrs S Lewis	Elected Parent	.
Mr J Madeley	L.E.A. Representative	.
Mr R Bulgin	L.E.A. Representative	.
Mrs R. Coles	Community	.
Mrs R. Coles	Community	.
Mr C Kamin	Teacher	.
Mr N. Dalton	Headteacher	.
Mrs C Collins	Clerk	.

RUISHTON SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Ruishton School Association (RSA) is the school's "Parent Teacher Association". The association is a charitable organisation whose prime activity is one of fund raising, in order to provide facilities for the school which support and complement those provided from statutory funds. Facilities are provided by RSA to a value of typically £3,000 to £4,000 per year and include items such as:

Text books and reading schemes

Computer equipment and software

Sports equipment

Assistance with funding for school trips and education visits.

Funds are raised through a wide range of activities including fayres, raffles, games and competitions, sponsored events and other promotions. The association aims to promote events which are socially enjoyable as well as being effective fund raising activities.

Membership of the association is open not just to parents and teachers, but also grandparents and other relatives, or indeed anyone who wishes to support and take an interest in the school.

The association is managed by a committee composed of parents and teachers. New members are always welcome. Committee meetings are held regularly, usually two or three times per term. Ruishton School Association is a registered charity and is a member of the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations. An up to date list of the committee structure can be requested from the office.