Governors Information

Instrument of Government: Voluntary Aided School

1. The name of the school is St Mary’s Catholic Primary Blackbrook.

2.The School was founded by and is part of the Catholic Church. The School is to be conducted as a Catholic School in accordance with Canon Law and the teachings of the Catholic Church, and in accordance with the Trust Deed of the Archdiocese of Liverpool and in particular:

(a)religious education is to be in accordance with the teachings, doctrines, discipline and general and particular norms of the Catholic Church;

(b)religious worship is to be in accordance with the rites, practices, discipline and liturgical norms of the Catholic Church; and at all times the school is to serve as a witness to the Catholic faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ.

3.The School is a voluntary aided school in the trusteeship of the Archdiocese of Liverpool and is an exempt charity for the advancement of the Catholic religion in the diocese in such ways being charitable as the Archbishop shall from time to time direct.

4.The name of the governing body is “The Governing Body of St Mary’s Catholic Primary Blackbrook”.

5.The governing body shall consist of:

(a)seven foundation governors;

(b)two parent governors;

(c)the head teacher;

(d)one staff governor;

(e)one local authority governor;

6.Total number of governors is twelve.

7.Foundation governors shall be appointed and may be removed by the Archbishop of Liverpool (or any other person exercising Ordinary jurisdiction in his name including, where the See is vacant or impeded, the person or persons on whom the governance of the See has devolved).

 

Terms of Reference

To provide guidance and assistance to the Head Teachers and the Governing Body in all matters relating to the curriculum.

To monitor and review the content of the school’s sex education programme and report back to the Governing Body with regard to its implementation.

To work with the Head Teachers on the production of school prospectuses in line with the statutory obligation on the schools.

To review the communication of curriculum information to parents and to make recommendations to the full Governing Body on how such information can be used as part of a coherent strategy to market the school.

To review the content of the school’s RE policy and to report back to the Governors with regard to its implementation.

To deal with any questions re curriculum from parents.

Committee may investigate and report on any issue it considers relevant to the business of the committee.

In carrying out the above it must be noted that the committee can not discharge the duty to see that the school’s curriculum, including RE satisfies the statutory requirements. Hence point 6 may only be used to gather and review information for the full Governing Body.

Terms of Reference

To meet at least once per term.

To provide guidance and assistance to the Head Teachers and the Governing Body in all matters relating to budgeting and finance.

To comply with the financial regulations agreed by the Governing Body.

To consider requests/recommendations for expenditure submitted by other committee members of the Governing Body, Head Teachers and convey the decision to the appropriate body responsible for taking action.

To recommend to the Governing Body the allocation of money to budget headings at the start of the financial year.

To monitor expenditure so that the schools remain inside the agreed budget limits.

To make recommendations to the Governors on the priorities for spending such funds as become available during the year.

To approve requirements and ordering of work, goods and services in accordance with the limits agreed by the Governing Body and as documented in the School’s Financial Regulations.

To consider proposed contracts which would commit the schools to payments beyond the current financial year and make recommendations to the full Governing Body.

To prepare and review financial policy statements, including consideration of long term planning and resourcing.

To consider the financial implications of any staffing change and report to the full Governing Body.

PUPIL DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE - (statutory)

MEMBERSHIP

The Governing Body agreed at the meeting held on 3rd November 2005 that a pool of Governors from which three or five Governors will serve as this Committee as and when required.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

To consider and deal with any pupil exclusion paying particular attention to the DfE document entitled “Exclusion from maintained Schools, Academies and Pupil Referral Units in England – A Guide for those with legal responsibilities in relation to exclusion” published 1st September, 2012.

To consider the appropriateness of any permanent exclusion*

To consider whether the Head Teacher has complied with the correct exclusion procedures and had regard to Government guidance before excluding any pupil*

To consider any representations made by parents or the pupil

To review the School Behaviour and Discipline Policy, and make recommendations on changes to the Governing Body or relevant committee*

*cannot be delegated to an individual.

HEAD TEACHER’S PERFORMANCE REVIEW PANEL

APPOINTED GOVERNORS                                                         

Mr P. Kelly
Mr A. Platt

Mrs A. Siney

 

TERMS OF REFERENCE (Minutes 23/10/25)

To carry out the Head Teacher’s annual performance review as laid down in current legislation and the School’s Performance Management Policy.

To report the outcomes of Performance Review to the Committee with responsibility for taking decisions on pay.

COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE

Members                                                                                     

Complaints:

Mr P. Kelly

Mrs A. Stafford

Mrs A. Siney

Mrs C. Murphy

Mrs K. Hewitt

Cllr P. McQuade

Mrs K. Lowe

Terms of Reference

To consider, investigate & respond to any complaint referred to the Committee in accordance with procedures adopted by the Governing Body.

PUPIL ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE

All Members

Sub Committees & Terms of Reference

PositionName
Special NeedsMiss A Stafford
Link Governor Miss A Stafford
Governors Forum Miss A Stafford
Pupil Premium Mrs A. Siney
Governor DevelopmentMrs S. Barr

Terms of Reference

The function is to appoint staff and to ensure that all appointments are fulfilling the requirements of ACAS, equal opportunities and the legal implications pertaining with reference to the personnel guidelines issued by the Archdiocese.

To undertake the Governing body responsibilities in relation to the induction of Newly Qualified Teachers.

Finance & General Purposes Committee

PositionName
FoundationMrs K. Hewitt
FoundationMrs A. Stafford
HeadteacherMrs L. Atherton
CouncilCllr P.McQuade
ParentMs J Standish
StaffMrs   S Barr
FoundationMr  K Robinson
Chairperson Mr.   P Kelly
QuorumAny three Governors
MeetingsOnce per term

Curriculum & Quality Assurance Committee

PositionName
HeadteacherMrs L.Atherton
FoundationMr K. Robinson
FoundationMr.   P. Kelly
FoundationMiss   A Stafford
ParentMrs K. Lowe
FoundationMrs C. Murphy
Chairperson Mrs   A Siney
QuorumAny three Governors
MeetingsOnce per term

Renumeration Committee

PositionName
FoundationMrs A. Siney
FoundationMr A. Platt
FoundationMr   P. Kelly
Quorum Three Governors

Terms of Reference

As laid out in the LA’s Whole School Pay Policy. It was agreed that the annual staffing review would be included with the Remuneration Committee for future meetings.

Grievance Committees

PositionName
FoundationMiss  A.Stafford
FoundationMr K. Robinson
FoundationMrs K. Hewitt
FoundationMrs  A. Siney
FoundationMr A. Platt
FoundationMrs C. Murphy
StaffMrs S. Barr
Chair personMr P. Kelly
CouncilCllr P. McQuade
HeadteacherMrs L.Atherton
ParentMs J. Standish
ParentMrs K. Lowe

Admissions Committee

PositionName
ChairpersonMrs A. Stafford
HeadteacherMrs L. Atherton
CouncilMr P. McQuade
FoundationMr. P. Kelly
StaffMrs S. Barr
ParentMs J. Standish
ParentMrs K. Lowe
FoundationMrs K. Hewitt
FoundationMrs C. Murphy
FoundationMr A. Platt
FoundationMr K. Robinson
QuorumThree Governors
FoundationMrs A. Siney
MeetingsOnce per term

The Governing Body wished the staff governor of the appropriate school and the Head Teacher to be present at the First Committee meeting.

Terms of Reference

As laid out in the LA’s Grievance Procedure.

Disiplinary Committees

PositionName
Chair PersonMr P. Kelly
FoundationMrs   A. Siney
FoundationMrs C. Murphy
FoundationMrs A. Stafford
FoundationMrs K. Hewitt
FoundationMr A. Platt
ParentMs J. Standish
ParentMrs K Lowe
CouncilCllr P. McQuade

Building/Health & Safety Committee

PositionName
FoundationMrs C. Murphy
FoundationMr K. Robinson
FoundationMrs  A. Siney
Chair PersonMiss   A. Stafford
StaffMrs   S. Barr
Quorum Any three Governors
HeadteacherMrs L. Atherton
MeetingsOnce per term

Meetings

The Committee shall meet at least once per term.

Terms of Reference

  • The Health and Safety Committee is to review the Safety Policy yearly and arrange for termly inspections.
  • It was proposed and agreed that during future health and safety inspections a member of the Governing Body should be present if possible.
  • To promote co-operation between all employees of the school and to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for staff and pupils.
  • To review the school health and safety policy.
  • To consider and make recommendations arising from new health and safety documentation issued by the LEA, DfEE, HSE, etc.
  • To monitor accident report and fire drills.
  • To report progress on areas of concern identified under previous headings.
  • To examine safety inspection reports and to make recommendations where remedial action is required.

 

School Governors

Mrs Lesley AthertonCategory: HeadteacherAppointed by: Ex-officio
Term of Office: 01/09/25- to date
Voting Rights: Yes
Mrs Susan BarrCategory: StaffAppointed by: Local Authority
Miss Alison StaffordCategory: FoundationAppointed by: Archdiocese of Liverpool
Voting Rights: Yes
Cllr Paul McQuadeCategory: Local AuthorityAppointed by: Local Authority
Voting Rights: Yes
Mr Alexandar PlattCategory: FoundationAppointed by: Archdiocese of Liverpool
Term of Office: 17/06/2025-16/06/2029
Voting Rights: Yes
Mrs Katherine HewittCategory: FoundationAppointed by: Archdiocese of Liverpool
Term of office: 01/09/25-31/08/29
Mr Kevin RobinsonCategory: FoundationAppointed by: Archdiocese of Liverpool
Term of Office: 18/03/25-17/03/29
Voting Rights: Yes
Mrs Angela SineyCategory: FoundationAppointed by: Archdiocese of Liverpool
Voting Rights: Yes
Mrs Caroline MurphyCategory: FoundationAppointed by: Archdiocese of Liverpool
Term of Office: 04/02/2025-03/02/2029
Voting Rights: Yes
Mr Paul KellyCategory: FoundationArchdiocese of Liverpool
Responsibility: Vice ChairTerm of Office: 01/09/21-31/08/28
Voting Rights: Yes
Mrs Katie LoweCategory: ParentAppointed by: Elected
Term of Office: 22/05/25-21/05/29
Voting Rights: Yes
Ms Jade StandishCategory: ParentAppointed By: Elected
Term of Office: 01/09/25-31/08/29
Voting Rights: Yes

Register of Personal, pecuniary or business interests

Mrs J AshtonBusiness Interest: 1. Agape Ministries (Father) Audio Visual 2009 2. Inspire Ministries (Husband) Woodwork 2009Governance Role in other Educational Institution St. Helens LA Community Governor
Personal Interest: None
Mrs S BarrBusiness Interest: NoneGovernance Role in other Educational Institution:ÊNone
Personal Interest: None
Miss A StaffordBusiness Interest: NoneGovernance Role in other Educational Institution:ÊNone
Personal Interest: None
Cllr P McQuadeBusiness Interest: NoneGovernance Role in other Educational Institution:ÊNone
Personal Interest: Karen Heyes (sister) Learning Assistant at St. MaryÕs Blackbrook
Mrs A C SineyBusiness Interest: NoneGovernance Role in other Educational Institution:ÊNone
Personal Interest: None
Mrs E FrodshamBusiness Interest: NoneGovernance Role in other Educational Institution:ÊNone
Personal Interest: None
Rev T DooleyBusiness Interest: NoneGovernance Role in other Educational Institution:ÊNone
Personal Interest: None
Mr T P KellyBusiness Interest: NoneGovernance Role in other Educational Institution:ÊNone
Personal Interest: None
Mr A ShepherdBusiness Interest: NoneGovernance Role in other Educational Institution:ÊNone
Personal Interest: None
Mr P J AlcockBusiness Interest: NoneGovernance Role in other Educational Institution: None
Personal Interest: None

Attendance Register - Remuneration Committee

NameCategory29/11/2021
Mr TP KellyFoundationPresent
Mr PJ AlcockFoundationPresent

Attendance Register - Full governing body

NameCategory17/10/202406/02/202501/05/202503/07/2025
Mrs J AshtonHeadteacherPresentPresentPresentPresent
Mrs S BarrStaffApologiesPresentPresentPresent
Miss A StaffordFoundationPresentPresentPresentPresent
Cllr P McQuadeLocal AuthorityApologiesApologiesApologiesPresent
Mrs AC SineyFoundationPresentPresentPresentPresent
Mr TP KellyFoundationPresentPresentApologiesPresent
Mr A ShepherdFoundationPresentResignedResignedResigned
Mrs C. MurphyFoundationNot electedApologiesApologiesApologies
Mr PJ AlcockFoundationPresentPresentPresentPresent
Mrs E GormanParentApologiesApologiesPresentPresent
Mrs K LoweParentNot electedNot electedNot electedPresent
Kevin RobinsonFoundationApologiesPresentPresentPresent
Mr David LyonParent GovernorPresentApologiesApologiesApologies

Attendance Register - Finance & General Purposes Committee

NameCategory03/10/202423/01/202519/06/2025
Mr K RobinsonFoundationApologiesApologiesPresent
Mrs J AshtonHeadteacherPresentPresentPresent
Mrs S BarrStaffPresentPresentPresent
Rev T DooleyFoundationApologiesApologiesApologies
Mr TP KellyFoundationApologiesPresentPresent
Mr A ShepherdFoundationApologiesPresentApologies
Cllr P McQuageCouncilApologiesPresentPresent
Mr PJ AlcockFoundationPresentPresentPresent
Mr D LyonParentApologiesApologiesApologies

Attendance Register - Curriculum Committee

NameCategory19/09/202409/01/202519/06/2025
Mrs J AshtonHeadteacherPresentPresentPresent
Miss A StaffordCo-optedPresentPresentPresent
Mrs AC SineyFoundationApologiesApologiesPresent
Mr TP KellyFoundationApologiesApologiesPresent
Mr PJ AlcockFoundationPresentPresentPresent
Father T DooleyFoundationPresentPresentPresent

Attendance Register - Buildings Committee

NameCategory19/09/202409/01/202519/06/2025
Mrs J AshtonHeadteacherPresentPresentPresent
Mrs S BarrStaffPresentPresentPresent
Miss A StaffordFoundationApologiesPresentPresent
Mrs AC SineyFoundationApologiesApologiesPresent
Mrs E FrodshamFoundationPresentResignedResigned
Rev T DooleyFoundationApologiesPresentPresent
Mr PJ AlcockFoundationPresentPresentPresent
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