Instrument of Government:

1.The name of the school is The District Church of England Primary School.

2. The school is a Voluntary Controlled School.

3. The name of the Governing Body is The Governing Body of The District Church of England Primary School.

4. The Governing Body shall consist of:

(a) 3 Parent Governors

(b) 1 LA Governor

(d) The Head Teacher

(e) 3 Co-opted Governors

(f) 2 Foundation Governors

5. Total number of Governors : 11 (The Head Teacher to give written notice that s/he chooses not to be a Governor).

6. Foundation Governors to be appointed by the Parochial Church Council of the Parish in which the school is situated.

7. The holder(s) of the following office shall be a Foundation Governor ex-officio:

(a) The Principal Officiating Minister for the Parish of St. John, Earlestown.

8. The Archdeacon of the Archdeaconry within which the school is situated shall appoint a Foundation Governor to act in the place of the ex-officio Foundation Governor whose Governorship derives from the office named in (a) above, in the event that the ex-officio Foundation Governor is unable or unwilling to act as a Foundation Governor, or has removed from office under Regulations 23(2) of the Regulations.

9. The Archdeacon of the Archdeaconry within which the school is situated can request the removal of any ex-officio Foundation Governor at 8(a) above and to appoint a substitute Governor.

10 The term of office for all governors is 4 years.

11. This Instrument of Government comes into effect on 1st September, 2015.

12. This Instrument was made by order of the St. Helens Council Local Education Authority on 25th August, 2015 to comply with Part 5 (Regulations 26-31) of the School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2012.

Annual Governors Report

School Calendar

What Do Governors Do?

Governors oversee the development of the school but don’t manage it day-to-day. Governors are responsible for providing strategic management, being a ‘critical friend’ and making executive decisions. The governing body makes sure the school provides a good quality education, and sets the school aims and policies together with the Head teacher. There are different categories of governor on a governing body, some elected and some appointed. This mix ensures a diversity of views and experience, but doesn’t mean that governors of a particular category “represent” that group. For example, parent governors don’t act as representatives of the parents of the school and don’t report back to them – rather, they bring a broad parental perspective to discussion and debate. Governors are responsible for promoting high standards of educational achievement and enabling the head teacher and the staff to deliver these, as well as planning the school’s long-term future, overseeing its aims, values and ethos, and monitoring its performance. This involves:

setting the school’s vision and aims
establishing & maintaining the school’s ethos
setting the school’s plans and policies
monitoring and evaluating school performance
agreeing budgets, policies and objectives and making sure these are met

Meetings of the full governing body are held at least once a term, normally in an evening, with governors normally giving up around 6-8 hours per month. Governors can also sit on some of the committees that look at things like finance, curriculum, staffing and premises. Occasionally, being a governor can be hard work. There may sometimes be a lot of papers to read, meetings to attend and, sometimes, difficult decisions to be made.

Governor Membership

Current Membership

Type	Full Name	Appointed by	Start term	End term	Office held

Associate Member+	Mrs Karen Cliffe	Governors	01/10/2019	30/09/2020
Associate Member*	Mr Patrick Ferguson	Governors	01/10/2019	30/09/2020
Co-opted	Mrs S Jevans	Governors	29/06/2020	28/06/2024
Co-opted	Mrs Claire Ryder	Governors	07/03/2019	06/03/2023
Co-opted	Mr Frank Maguire	Governors	1/09/2019	31/08/2023	Chair of Governors
Foundation	Rev’d Gareth Banton	Diocese	01/09/2019	31/08/2023
Foundation	Mrs Lisa Cunliffe	Diocese	06/03/2018	05/03/2022
Local Authority	Ms Mandy Pierce	LA	01/09/2018	31/08/2022
Parent	Mr Mike Bevan	Parents	22/05/2018	21/05/2022
Parent	Mrs Tina Thomas	Parents	22/10/2020	22/10/2024	Vice Chair
Parent	Ms Naomi Knight	Parents	22/10/2020	22/10/2024
Staff	Mrs Susan Swift	Staff	18/10/2017	17/10/2021
Head Teacher	Mrs Lavern Shelford	Governors	//01/09/2017/	ongoing	Head Teacher
Outgoing Governors
Mrs S Warburton	Parent Governor	Parent	22/05/2018	17/09/2020

Associate Member + no voting rights

Associate Member* has voting rights

Governor Declaration

Name	Relevant Business and Pecuniary interests	Governance Role in other Educational Institutions	Any material interest arising from relationships between governors and school staff
Mandy Pierce	LA Employee (HR)	None declared	None declared
Sharon Jevans	None declared	None declared	None declared
Mike Bevan	None declared	None declared	None declared
Karen Cliffe	None declared	None declared	None declared
Lisa Cunliffe	Head of local school	None declared	None declared
Patrick Ferguson	Principal at feeder high school	None declared	None declared
Rev Gareth Banton	None delcared	None declared	None declared
Frank Maguire	None declared	Governor/Trustee for other NW schools and academies	None declared

Sue Swift	None declared	None declared	None declared
Tina Thomas	Works for Learn to Play Live	None declared	None declared
Lavern Shelford	None declared	None declared	None declared

Outgoing Governors

Name	Relevant Business and Pecuniary interests	Governance Role in other Educational Institutions	Any material interest arising from relationships between governors and school staff
Mrs S Warburton	None Declared.	None Declared	None Declared

Nominated Governors

Governor Forum Representative	Shared
Compliance	Mike Bevan/Mandy Pierce
Safeguarding and vulnerable groups inc. pupil premium	Frank Maguire/Lisa Cunliffe
Teaching, assessment and learning standards	Tina Thomas/Sue Swift

Resources & Extended Services Committee

Remit

Quorum : 3 governors – Chair is elected at first committee meeting and terms of reference reviewed

Finance Management and budget setting/monitoring
Pay Decisions – appraisal process
HR – including recruitment, redundancy, staffing structure, staffing policies
Premises, health & safety, lettings
Quality and reliability of 2, 3, 4 year old provision, breakfast/after school
Safeguarding and equality
Lettings Policy
Charging Policy

Membership

L Shelford, K Cliffe (no voting rights), P Ferguson (voting rights), F Maguire, M Pierce, T Thomas (Chair), S Warburton

Governor	Resources & Extended Services Autumn 2020	Resources & Extended Services Spring 2021	Resources & Extended Services Summer 2021
L Shelford	Yes
F Maguire	Yes
K Cliffe	Yes
P Ferguson	No
M Pierce	Yes
T Thomas	Yes

K Hughes Co-opted	Yes

Learning and Progress Committee

Remit

Quorum : 3 governors – Chair is elected at first committee meeting and terms of reference reviewed

School improvement standards and statutory obligations under the National Curriculum.
School’s performance from SATs results, QCA results, teacher assessments and other performance data.
School website compliancy
Safeguarding and SEND
PSHE

Membership

L Shelford, L Cunliffe, M Bevan, F Maguire (Chair), S Swift, T Thomas, C Ryder

Governor	Learning & Progress Autumn 2020	Learning & Progress Spring 2021	Learning & Progress Summer 2021
L Shelford
L Cunliffe
M Bevan
F Maguire
C Ryder
S Swift
T Thomas

Other Committees

Pupil Discipline Committee

Frank Maguire

Tina Thomas

Mike Bevan

Head Teacher’s Performance Management

Frank Maguire

Patrick Ferguson

Tina Thomas

Complaints Committee

Frank Maguire

Lisa Cunliffe

Tina Thomas

Dismissal/Appeals Committee

3 non-staff governors to be selected for each committee when required

Governing Body Attendance (current year)

The District C E Primary – Governor Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2020/21

The District CofE Primary School

Attendance

Y = Attended, N = Apologies Accepted, NA = Apologies not Accepted, NS = No Apologies sent,

? = Attendance Not Marked, Blank = Not Required

		Full governing board	Full governing board	Full governing board	Full governing board
Governor	Governor Type	21 Sep 2020	Dec 2020	Mar 2021	Jul 2021
Rev Gareth Banton	Foundation governor	Y	?	?	?
Mr Michael Bevan	Parent governor	NS	?	?	?
Mrs Susan Bridge	Clerk	Y	?	?	?
Mrs Karen Cliffe	Associate Member	Y	?	?	?
Mrs Lisa Cunliffe	Foundation governor	N	?	?	?
Mr Patrick Ferguson	Associate Member	Y	?	?	?
Mrs Sharon Jevans	Co-opted governor	Y	?	?	?
Ms Noami Knight	Parent governor	Not in place
Mr Frank Maguire	Co-opted governor	Y	?	?	?
Miss Mandy Pierce	Local Authority Governor	Y	?	?	?
Mrs Claire Ryder	Co-opted governor	Y	?	?	?
Ms Lavern Shelford	Headteacher	Y	?	?	?
Mrs Sue Swift	Staff governor	Y	?	?	?
Mrs Tina Thomas	Parent governor	Y	?	?	?

Full Governing Body Attendance (past year)

The District C E Primary – Governor Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2019/2020

It is a requirement to hold a termly full governing body meeting and committee meetings. These may increase dependent upon needs of the school

Name	Autumn 2019	Autumn 2 2019	Spring 2020	Summer 2020
Rev G Banton	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
M Bevan	Yes	No	Yes	No
K Cliffe	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
L Cunliffe	No	No	Yes	Yes
P Ferguson	No	No	No	Yes
F Maguire	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
M Pierce	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
C Ryder	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
S Swift	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
T Thomas	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
S Warburton	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Vacancy

The District CofE Primary School

Attendance

Y = Attended, N = Apologies Accepted, NA = Apologies not Accepted, NS = No Apologies sent, ? = Attendance Not Marked, Blank = Not Required

		Full governing board	Resources & Extended Services Committee	Full governing board	Learning and Progress Committee	Resources & Extended Services Committee	Learning and Progress Committee	Full governing board	Resources & Extended Services Committee	Full governing board	Learning and Progress Committee
Governor	Governor Type	23 Sep 2019	07 Oct 2019	02 Dec 2019	09 Dec 2019	25 Feb 2020	16 Mar 2020	30 Mar 2020	18 May 2020	29 Jun 2020	13 Jul 2020
Rev Gareth Banton	Foundation governor	Y		Y			Not quorate	Y	Cancelled due to covid	Y	Cancelled due to covid
Mr Michael Bevan	Parent governor	Y		N	N			Y		N
Susan Bridge	Clerk									Y
Mrs Karen Cliffe	Associate Member	Y	Y	Y		Y		Y		Y
Mrs Lisa Cunliffe	Foundation governor	N		N	N			Y		Y
Mr Patrick Ferguson	Associate Member	N	N	N		N		N		Y
Mr Frank Maguire	Co-opted governor	Y	N	Y	Y	N		Y		Y
Miss Mandy Pierce	Local Authority Governor	Y	Y	Y		Y		Y		Y
Mrs Claire Ryder	Co-opted governor	Y		Y				Y		Y
Ms Lavern Shelford	Headteacher	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y		Y		Y
Debbie Sutcliffe	Clerk	N	Y	N	Y	Y		N		N
Mrs Sue Swift	Staff governor	Y		Y	Y			Y		N
Mrs Tina Thomas	Parent governor	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y		Y		N
Mrs Sharon Warburton		Y	Y	N		Y		Y		Y

Our Governors

Mr F Maguire (Co-opted Governor)

I was Headteacher of Emmaus School, the first purpose built, joint denominational church school in the country. Prior to this I was Headteacher of a Primary school in Halewood. In December 2007 I resigned in order to work as an Educational Consultant. I am also engaged independently by schools and Local Authorities to advise on raising standards, performance management, staffing structures, skills audits and create staffing needs which match financial circumstances.
Other aspects of my work include acting as an adviser/consultant for the Diocese of Liverpool.

I am a governor at two other schools and Member of the Board of the Rainbow Education Multi Academy Trust.

I am proud of the work taking place at The District and believe we provide an atmosphere which rejoices in success and acknowledges real effort on the part of each individual. In our school, all children are of equal value and we strive to provide for each according to need offering positive encouragement and support.

I have been a governor with The District since 2012.

Mrs L Shelford

I am proud to be the Headteacher of The District CE, a school with a strong Christian ethos and a wonderful history. I have previously worked in Wigan, Bradford, Batley and other St Helens schools.

Prior to taking up the post of Headteacher at The District, I was Head of School at Platt Bridge Community School in Wigan for two years and Deputy Headteacher for nine years.

I have worked in eight previous schools and also as a Local Authority consultant. I have supported many schools in diverse contexts, and most of my career has been spent working in areas of socio-economic deprivation.

I have two children and as a parent and an educationalist I am committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed. I aim to ensure that all our pupils experience excellent educational provision, led and taught by highly skilled and nurturing adults. I am keen for parents to engage in school life and to support their child’s learning journey, throughout their time at The District.

Foundation Governors

Mrs L Cunliffe

My name is Lisa Cunliffe and I am a Foundation Governor for The District Primary School. I have been involved with governance at the school since January 2012 in a variety of roles. I have worked as a teacher within Newton le Willows for over 15 years and have a passion for education. I have one daughter who attended The District Primary before moving onto Hope Academy and one who is still at the school. I am committed to helping the school in its drive for improvement and look forward to working alongside the team in its future initiatives.

Gareth Banton

Rev’d G Banton

I am the curate for all four of the Newton parishes, and Acting Team Vicar at St John’s. My family moved to Newton in 2018, when I was ordained and we’re really enjoying getting to know the place and it’s people. Before being ordained, I was a youth worker for twelve churches in South Liverpool, and I spent three years serving in the Liverpool Universities as a chaplain.

This is the first time I’ve held a governor role, but I’ve really enjoyed getting to know some of the staff and students this past year in assemblies and special services. I look forward to serving the school as a Foundation Governor, and helping it achieve excellence in all it does. I’m also keen to ensure the relationship between the St John’s Church family, and the District School family continues to thrive and develop.

Mrs S Swift

I have worked at the District CE Primary School since 2014 in my role as Head of Safeguarding and Extended Services. I have worked within the Local Authority for many years, and have enjoyed the day to day challenges of working with children and families.

In my role here at the school I have attended Governing Body and sub-committee meetings to deliver reports related to Safeguarding and Extended Services. My work at the school enables me to develop good working relationships with our children, their parents, staff and many partner agencies. I have developed a good knowledge of the local community and understand the dynamics of the local area. I enjoy and thrive on the challenge that comes with every aspect of school life and about high quality education and each and every child reaching their full potential. Nothing but the best is good enough.

Ms Mandy Pierce (LA Governor)

I have worked for the Local Authority for over 20 years, predominately within Human Resources, working along side schools in the St Helens Borough. I was also a past pupil of The District CE Primary School . As a new governor I hope to support the school and the Headteacher in moving forward, by giving our children the best Education and achievement they deserve.

Mrs T Thomas – Vice Chair
I have 2 children who attend The District. I have worked as a primary teacher for the last 15 years and am currently working as a Dance specialist in schools throughout the North West. I have been a parent governor for over 4 years. I am keen to support the school and its staff in developing all aspects of school life and moving the school forward to give our children the best start to their education.

Mr M Bevan – pen portrait – appointed May 2018

Ms Noami Knight – appointed October 2020.

Mrs C Ryder

I have worked at the District CE Primary School since January 2019 in my role as Deputy Headteacher. I have previously worked in two other primary schools one in St Helens and the other was situated in Wigan.

I am passionate about improving outcomes for our pupils, celebrating their differences and raising aspirations. I am committed to providing an environment that will support, encourage and motivate our pupils.

I value working in partnership with our families and the wider community to help support our pupils to achieve their potential and enable them to flourish.

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Mrs S Jevans

My interest in becoming a co-opted governor stems from my personal positive experience of attending a primary and secondary school in an underprivileged area of Warrington and remembering fondly the positive educational experiences which were afforded to me and other students which enabled us to reach our full potential, and have helped shape us into the adults we are today.

I am presently the director with overall responsibility for the UK and Ireland’s leading independent lounge operator, Aspire, as well as a board director for one of the joint venture entities under my remit. My background is in chartered accountancy, with my having completed an ACA qualification as part of a finance graduate scheme after university.

My hope is to use my skills and knowledge to make a positive contribution to the education and social wellbeing of the children within The District C of E School so that all children have the opportunity to succeed in a safe and supportive environment.

Mrs K Cliffe
I have worked at The District C E Primary School since July 1996 first as Office Manager then on completion of a BA (Hons) SBM as a School Business Manager. I have been involved at governing body meetings since 2002 becoming an Associate Governor in September 2014. I am Chair of the St Helens Primary Admin Network and a member of the school leadership team.

Mr Patrick Ferguson
Patrick is a highly skilled educationalist with over 14 years’ experience as a school leader. In 2010 he became a National Leader in Education, and has since helped many schools throughout the north-west region to overcome difficulties. As well as being Principal of De La Salle, he has served as Executive Headteacher of a Liverpool primary school and Executive Principal of De La Salle for more than a year after he left. He was shortlisted for the TES awards in the secondary school of the year, Headteacher of the year and leadership team of the year categories.

In January 2015 he joined Hope Academy as Principal, and he is employing the same focused drive for improving standards that he has used at previous schools; building upon strengths, addressing areas of weakness, and maintaining excellent levels of communication both within the school and in the wider community.

L.A. Official – Susan Bridge – Full Governing Body Meetings

Office Supervisor – Debbie Sutcliffe – Committees

Latest News

Take a look at our latest news posts below

UKMT Maths Challenge Winners

by Debbie Sutcliffe | Dec 18, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Congratulations to our UKMT Maths Challenge Winners!! Keira, Leo, Howell and Alfie all took part in the Hope Academy UKMT Maths Challenge and competed against seven other primary schools in St Helens. They had to work as a team to complete 5 timed maths...

STEM Challenge 2020

by Debbie Sutcliffe | Dec 18, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Well done Sophie-May achieving 3rd Place in the Flying Rudolph STEM Challenge organised by Ellie Hunter from our network school, Ashurst Primary. The judges from John Moores University were very impressed! #DistrictProud #DistrictStem #NewtonleWillows...

Reverse Advent Calendar 2020

by Debbie Sutcliffe | Dec 11, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Wow - a massive thank you to everyone who donated to our Reverse Advent Calendar. We will be taking our donations to the local food bank next week. #DistrictProud #DistrictFamily #Education #PrimarySchool #StHelens #NewtonleWillows...