Role of Governing Body

School governors are people, from all walks of life, who want to make a positive contribution to children’s education. They are one of the largest volunteer groups in the country and have an important part to play in raising school standards. The role of the governing body is key to the effectiveness of a school.

Its key functions are to:

• set the aims and objectives for the school
• set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
• set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
• monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
• be a source of challenge and support to the headteacher (a critical friend)

Effective governors do not need educational expertise but do need to be committed to their school. They also need to be able to work as an enthusiastic member of the governing body team. The Headteacher works closely with the governing body as its principal professional advisor. Governing body policy decisions are then implemented by the headteacher in the day-to-day running of the school.

Governors meet a number of times each term and also take part in regular training events to ensure their skills are up-to-date. Examples of training and courses recently undertaken by our school governors include:

• Governing Body Role in School Improvement – effective challenge and support
• Child Protection Training
• Health & Safety Training
• Finance – school finance training

Lancashire Association of School Governing Bodies Annual Conference. ​

There are different categories of governor, and the method of appointment or election depends on the category. These are:

• parent
• staff
• foundation
• local authority
• co-opted

St Catherine's Catholic Primary School Governing Body

Headteacher - Mr S Lawman

Foundation Governors

Mrs E McNamara - Term of office end 30.04.2025

Mrs M Brown - Term of office ends 28.02.2026

Mrs T Smith - Term of office end 28.02.2026

Mrs M Tattum - Term of office end 15.05.2028

Mr M Barretto - Term of office end 14.11.28

Mr T Sullivan - Term of office end 01.03.28

LEA and Parent Governors

LEA Governor - Mr N Hollinghurst - Term of office ends 31.03.2027

Parent Governor - Mrs C Kiernan - Term of office ends 20.12.2027

Parent Governor - Miss Laura Finley - Term of office end 14.02.2029

Staff Governor

Staff Governor - Ms S Hewitt - Term of office end 31.12.28

Structure of the Governing Body 2025-2026

The Committees of Governors that we use at the school are as follows:

Finance and Staffing Committee

Cllr Mrs M Brown (Chair)
Mr M Barretto
Mr S Ell
Miss L Finley
Mr N Hollinghurst
Mrs E McNamara
Mrs C Kiernan
Mrs T Smith
Mrs M Tattum

Premises / Health & Safety Committee

Mr T Sullivan (Chair)
Mr M Barretto
Mrs E McNamara
Mrs M Tattum

Curriculum Committee

Mrs M Tattum (Chair)
Mr M Barretto
Mr S Ell
Miss L Finley
Mr N Hollinghurst
Mrs C Kiernan
Mrs E McNamara
Mrs T Smith

Appraisals Committee

Mr S Lawman (headteacher)

Mrs T Smith

Mrs Eileen McNamara

Mrs M Tattum

Admission Committee

Mr S Lawman (headteacher)

Mrs Eileen McNamara

Grievance & Complaints Committee

Mrs M Brown

Mrs T Smith

Pay Committee

Mrs M Brown

Mrs E McNamara

Pupil Voice Committee

Mrs E McNamara

Mrs Tattumn

Mrs T Smith

SEND

Mrs C Kiernan