Governor news and updates
Governor Update Summer 2023
Kate Watkins – Chair of Governors
This term the governing board have been working on ensuring stability and leadership support for the school. This has involved working with the local authority and we are pleased that we have been able to secure ongoing support from Robin Hood MAT, who are providing us with an Interim Headteacher; Miss Waeland; for the next academic year. For full details please see the letter sent out in July 2023.
Governor Update Spring 2023
Anna Bateman – Vice Chair and Chair of Curriculum and Standards
It has been another busy term here are The Meadows. We have held several governors meetings, including a full governing body meeting, where we discussed data, safeguarding and leadership through to a curriculum and standards meeting where we have been recently discussing assessment for learning in all subjects. I have been privileged to be part of a whole school English book assessment - called a 'book look'. This is where the English and curriculum lead review samples of children’s English books across the school to review the impact of the new scheme the school are using for writing in English. It was showing an emerging picture of improvements in children’s learning and general levels of teaching consistency to the scheme, which was pleasing to see. Towards the end of term, I was a member of the interview panel for the newly appointed EYFS lead, and we are pleased to have Mrs Debbie Jeacock taking on the role of leading and developing our EYFS provision. We also have a new governor on our board – James Muscat-Sharpe, who brings experience in finance and strategic planning, we are really pleased to have him joining our team. We hope you have a happy Easter break.
Governor Update Autumn 2022
Kate Watkins – Chair of Governors
We have been really pleased to fully launch our new school ethos and values this term; Aspiration, Empathy, Respect, Resilience and Integrity. We have heard how the pupils have been learning about these across the curriculum, and particularly in assemblies. We have also appointed a new parent governor this term and are pleased to welcome Andy O’Connor to the board. It was also lovely to be able to hold in person Christmas events this year, several of the governors were able to enjoy the Christmas performances and we would like to thank the Friends of the Meadows for all their hard work with the Christmas Fayre. We would like to thank you all for your support this term, and wish a very Merry Christmas to all the staff, parents and pupils of The Meadows.
Andy O’Connor – Parent Governor
It was great to join the board this term as parent governor; it has been a really engaging experience to find out more about how the school is run, managed and also its priorities for the next few years.
It has been reassuring as a parent to see that the school is always looking to improve and keeps the welfare and education of our children at the heart of everything. I am excited to take on the role of Stakeholder Engagement link, and working to think more about how the school links with parents.
Governor Update - Summer 2022
The governors would like to thank all the staff, parents and pupils for their hard work this year. Please click here to read our annual Governor Update July 2022 (which was also received as a letter).
Governor Update - Spring 2 2022
Kerry Jones - Chair of Resources
This term we have been thinking about the finances of the school and working to ensure the school's money is well spent. We have looked at Pupil Premium and Sports Premium spending, as well as considering the whole school budget for the next financial year. We have also appointed a new School Business Manager, and we are really pleased to welcome Mrs Singh to The Meadows family, as she started in her new role this week. We hope you all have a lovely Easter break.
Governor Update - Spring 1 2022
Kate Watkins - Chair of Governors
This half term has been a busy one for the governing board! We held a meeting to examine the finances of the school, discussing the information to ensure that school money is spent well. The Curriculum and Standards Committee has also had chance to find out more about English and Maths at the Meadows; receiving reports on how well pupils are achieving and progressing and what the English and Maths leads would like to develop next, and a visit to school to see English lessons in progress. It was a privilege to visit classrooms and see the classes involved in a variety of reading and writing activities, as well talk to pupils about what they are learning. We have been very fortunate to appoint three new governors this half term - Chris Smith was elected as staff governor, and Anna Bateman and Gift Hamisi have also been appointed. Please do look out for more information about them on the school website, and hopefully you will be able to see them, along with the rest of the board, in the near future as more in person events are held.
Governor Update - Autumn 2 2021
This half term I have been getting to grips with my new role and have attended my first full governing body meeting. I used this as a chance to learn more about how the governing body works and to raise the questions that have been bought to me by the parents. I have also met with the chair of governors where we discussed my new role and responsibilities. Part of this is to oversee the use of money received for Sports Premium within the school so I have spent some time researching this particular area. I look forward to continuing to represent the parent community as well as supporting The Meadows Primary School.
The governors, along with the senior leadership team, would like to thank the Friends of Meadows for their hard work on the Christmas Fayre. We are aware the event couldn't go ahead as initially planned; however, your persistence and flexibility meant some aspects of it could still be enjoyed by the pupils.
We would like to take this chance to wish all the pupils, parents and staff at the Meadows a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.Governors Update Autumn 1 2021
This half term the Meadows Governing Body has held the first meeting of the new academic year where we discussed the priorities for the coming year. As Chair of Governors and Safeguarding Governor I have also visited school several times, meeting with the Senior Leadership Team to discuss current successes, concerns and provide support. I have been on a walk around school to observe some Geography lessons. It was a pleasure to visit and see the children in Year 4 learning about counties and Year 5 studying the USA. I have also met with Mrs Ali to check the school is compliant in Safeguarding and heard about the training staff have received in this area.