Governor Impact Statement – 2024–2025

Whole School Vision and Governance Aim

The Governing Body at Park View Primary School remains steadfast in its commitment to enabling and empowering all members of our school community to realise the school’s vision. We aim to develop confident, independent pupils with a lifelong love of learning, a strong sense of self-worth, and empathy for diverse cultures and faiths.

Strategic Priorities and Ethos

During 2024–2025, governors worked closely with senior leaders to refresh the school’s motto and values—marking a significant milestone since the school’s amalgamation in 2018. Through comprehensive consultation with pupils, parents, and staff, our new motto was introduced:

“Rooted in care, rising with purpose.”

This vision is underpinned by four key values, which inform our rules, curriculum, and relationships:

• Be Kind
• Be Respectful
• Try Your Best
• Be Safe

School Improvement and Strategic Direction

Governors are responsible for three core strategic functions:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction
• Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils
• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and ensuring effective use of resources

A new School Improvement Plan (SIP) has been developed in line with school data, self-evaluation, and national priorities. Governors are linked to specific SIP objectives, ensuring focused and strategic monitoring.

• Monitoring visits are now agreed, scheduled, and actioned regularly. Reports from these visits are used to identify strengths and areas for development and are presented at Full Governing Body (FGB) meetings.
• The SIP is updated termly, and progress against it is measured using clear success criteria.

A successful Local Authority monitoring visit confirmed that governors have a secure understanding of the school’s strengths and priorities.

Governor Training and Development

The Governing Body continues to strengthen its effectiveness through structured training and development:

• A full Skills Audit has been completed.
• Whole Governing Body (WGB) training was delivered, with positive feedback confirming that governors know the school well and that good practice is evident.
• Whole Governor Body (WGB) training has included:

• WGBT Monitoring Safeguarding in Your School
• WGBT Governing Body Self-Evaluation Setting Strategic Direction

• Governors have shown proactive engagement in Ofsted awareness training and future planning.
• A new governor mentoring programme is in place to support induction and capacity-building.

Committee memberships and individual roles have been reviewed and formally agreed for the academic year.

Committee Impact – Finance and Resources

The Finance and Resources Committee continues to scrutinise and support the school’s financial strategy:

• The 2024–2025 budget was approved and signed off, with clear alignment to SIP priorities and staffing needs.
• Funding was secured for capital projects, including new lighting and toilet facilities.
• The committee ensured ‘Best Value’ through competitive tendering for contracts and purchases over £1,000.
• The school’s budget remains well-managed and secure, and governors have both challenged and supported financial decisions to maintain stability.
• Pupil Premium Strategy was reviewed and approved; evidence indicates that funding is well-targeted and is having a positive impact on pupil outcomes.
• Sports Premium funding has been effectively spent and outcomes are visible in increased participation and the school’s Gold Sports Mark Award (Summer 2025).

School Achievements and Celebrations

This academic year saw outstanding outcomes, which governors were proud to celebrate:

• Excellent SATs results – the strongest since the school’s formation.
• Strong Phonics outcomes, showing targeted support and high-quality teaching.
• Recognition through the Happy Minds Bronze Award and continued success with the Sports Mark Gold Award.
• Belonging Week and pupil-led initiatives contributed to a strong sense of inclusion and community.
• Pupil presentations to governors during meetings provided insight into pupil voice, curriculum engagement and personal development.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

Safeguarding remains a core focus for governors:

• An annual safeguarding audit was completed jointly with the Headteacher.
• Safeguarding questions have been integrated into governor visits and pupil conferencing to ensure a deep understanding of safeguarding culture and systems.
• The Happy Minds programme continues to promote emotional wellbeing, with regular updates presented to governors.
• Staff wellbeing remains a key priority, and leaders have been supported in embedding a positive and inclusive culture throughout the school community.

Attendance

Governors monitor attendance rigorously. Although current statutory attendance is slightly below the national average, the school is taking proactive steps to address this. Strong partnerships with families and the consistent application of targeted strategies are having a positive impact, and the school remains committed to further improving attendance outcomes for all pupils.

Governor Involvement and Monitoring

• Monitoring visits have been successfully actioned across curriculum areas and leadership priorities.

• Governors provided practical support during school events such as Christmas celebrations, further strengthening ties with the school community.
• Meeting dates for 2025–2026 have been agreed and published to ensure structured, ongoing governance.
• The term of office for Governor ML has been extended, ensuring continuity and retention of expertise.

Policy and Compliance

Governors have reviewed and approved all statutory and non-statutory policies in line with the review cycle. In line with best practice, the Headteacher provides examples of policy implementation in day-to-day school life to ensure compliance is meaningful and embedded.

Performance Management

Governors are responsible for the Headteacher’s appraisal, supported by the Local Authority. Targets are set and reviewed, and pay recommendations are scrutinised and approved in line with policy. The Governing Body is also preparing to implement a new appraisal system, replacing the existing performance-related pay model.

Conclusion

Governors at Park View Primary School continue to work in partnership with school leaders to ensure that the school is well-led, financially secure, and delivers excellent outcomes for all pupils. Through strategic oversight, ongoing training, and active engagement, the Governing Body is proud to support a school community that is Rooted in care, rising with purpose.