Governors

Safeguarding is an important aspect of our consideration as Governors. We want the children to be safe at school, we expect them to be well behaved, show respect for others and have the courage to develop themselves as talented individuals.

The full governing board meets termly, where key curriculum and standards information is cascaded to ensure a clear understanding and therefore enabling Governors to hold school leaders to account. Additionally, Health & Safety, safeguarding & Premises has a sub-committee, whereas finance decisions are made by the Trustee Board. Governors also have a curriculum topic that they oversee enabling them to link with the relevant teacher who is the subject leader.

As we are now a Multi Academy Trust, we have two Governor representatives on The Trust Board: Mrs Bettany and myself as Chair of Governors.

For me, Leasowes is not just a Primary School, it is a special Primary School where we want it to be very much part of the community. This is shown by how well school events are supported and how effective our PTFA is. It was a very proud day when Leasowes was judged Outstanding by OFSTED. With a combination of parental support, effective Governors and, of course, the quality of our teachers, we want to keep the standard of Leasowes as high as we can.

I actually attended Leasowes myself from the age of five, and had three younger brothers follow me through school.  Apart from the years away in Nottingham studying for my Surveying Degree I have always been local to Weeping Cross and Leasowes was the natural school for my own children. In 1988, The Local Management of Schools was introduced and I was appointed a Parent Governor. The following year I became vice chairman and in 1990 became chairman. I was twice re-elected  as Parent Governor and when my  children had moved on to Walton I assumed the role of a Local Authority Governor as I was very happy to continue my association with the school.

Professionally, I am Technical Director for a National Surveying firm, where part of my role is to oversee the training and development of staff. This helps me to work with the Headteacher in focusing on Performance Management of staff.  Bearing this in mind, I instinctively knew the first time I spoke with Mrs Bettany that she had the making of a very talented Headteacher and would be perfect for our school. The future is very bright for Leasowes.

Jeff Smith BSc(Hons) FRICS

Chairman of Governors