An End of Term Letter From the Chair of Governors

A letter from Mark Chapman, Chair of Governors…

This academic year one-third done already! Governors have been hard at work, with Mr Bowden and team setting, as usual, a fast pace.

We’re (still) awaiting our OFSTED inspection, and some Governor time has been spent with the school leadership team making sure we’re as ready as we can be for the event, whenever it comes. The day to day running of the school, and the education of our children will always take first priority of course, but we’d be foolish to not prepare thoroughly, and be ready to present ourselves as best we possibly can. We look forward to showing off our fabulous school, staff and children whenever the time comes.

We’re also not immune from the wider world of political change.

Spending cuts at Barnet are driving a restructure of Education Services in the borough, including many of which we use frequently. Governors have been working to understand the impact of proposed changes, and to respond to the current consultation.

Sadly services are likely to reduce, making our own fundraising efforts, including through the parents, even more essential.

On a more positive note, Parent governors have been working hard elsewhere, including not least the final lap of our re-contracting of the school meal service. A tasting session had some rather good food on offer I believe. Other work done this term has included Governors monitoring our safeguarding arrangements (which we consider excellent), and our provision for children with Special Educational Needs. 

Finally, you may have noticed one or two elf-like Governors manning (as usual) Santa’s grotto at the recent fair – it’s not all committee work.

Our Elfin Chair of Governors

And on that closing plug, I’d like to inform you that a vacancy on the Governing Body has arisen, for a Foundation Parent Governor. Such Governors are practising Christians as well as parents, and are recruited to uphold the religious nature of the school, as well as to represent all parents.  A request for nominations will be made soon.

On behalf of all the Governors, I wish you a great holiday season, and a safe and prosperous new year

Mark