The local governing body met throughout the academic year on Zoom. We held at least two meetings per term, one business meeting and one training and information meeting, when we were able to look at a particular area of the work of the College in more detail.
We are part of HCAT. The trustees are the governors of the College and we follow the Trust’s scheme of delegation which clarifies our roles and responsibilities. Partnership working within the MAT has been of great benefit to us.
Opportunities for governors to visit the College in person were restricted because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but we continued to meet with staff virtually, for example to discuss our link areas. Staff sent information to governors via email and videos so that we stayed in touch with events and initiatives in the College. We are incredibly proud of our staff and students for their character and resilience, their rapid and flexible response to changing situations and the teaching, learning and safeguarding that happened during the year.
Student Discipline Committees were held in the College when parents were unable to access them virtually.
In our business meetings we received the Principal’s report with data dashboard, and information about progress against the College’s priorities. We were able to carry out our compliance role in regard to risk assessments and policies.
Our training information meetings covered personal development, the quality of education, SEND & Inclusion, and behaviour and attitudes.
All governors have a link area , follow an agreed protocol and feed back to the local governing body.
All governors subscribe to our Code of Conduct; there is an expectation that we prepare for and attend all LGB meetings and attend training for our own personal development. Training is available from HCAT, the local authority and the Barnsley Governors Association.
The local governing body is committed to the principles and values of inclusion and diversity. Governors come from a range of backgrounds and experience; this adds richness to our discussions and helps us to have more informed decision-making.
Sadly this year the Horizon Nursery had to close. We pay tribute to the staff who stayed until the end and ensured that the children had the best experience possible.
We also said farewell on his retirement to our founding principal Nick Bowen, who set up and opened the College in 2012, but we look forward with optimism and excitement to the future under the leadership of Mrs Huddart.