LAAT Local Governance – Introduction of Local Councils

Following a Trust-wide consultation in which proposals were put forward to change the way local governance operates within LAAT, four schools agreed to work in partnership to pilot a new Scheme of Delegation and way of working. Branston Church of England Infant Academy was one of those running the pilot scheme and as such, adheres to the responsibilities laid out in the Pilot Scheme of Delegation.  This pilot scheme has now finished and the school governance is remaining as a Local Council.

The Scheme of Delegation allows the Local Council to:

• Take the lead in the ethos and values of the school.
• Become local champions for the school within the local community.
• Monitor that which is relevant to the vision and values, including:
  • Community links.
  • RE.
  • Collective Worship.
  • SIAMS.
  • Curriculum provision.
  • Safeguarding.
  • Publication of statutory information.
  • Ensuring SEND and LAC requirements are met.
• Contribute to the appointing of staff in relation to vision and ethos.
• Review the admissions and behaviour policies and consider exclusions.
• Hold and use meetings of the Local Council according to the Scheme of Delegation.

In areas of finance and school standards, the Local Council will be aware of the position of the school through the QA reports (6 per year), information from the Headteacher, Signatures of Risk documents (termly) and the annual LAAT meeting.

Local Councils will not be expected to monitor these as this is done by skilled School Effectiveness Advisers, in conjunction with peer visits.

Message from Mrs. Judith Dickin Chair of the Local Council at Branston Church of England Infant Academy

Hello and welcome to the Local Council area of our website

I am pleased to have been appointed as Chair of the Local Council at Branston Church of England Infant Academy.

As a school, we are proud to be part of the Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust and look forward to sharing in the Lincoln Diocesan vision of ‘Excellence, Encouragement and Enjoyment within the love of God’ for all our pupils’.

Our local council offers both support and challenge to the school in a number of ways, using our experience and skills from a variety of backgrounds.

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We are here to promote high standards of educational achievement and share in the strategic development of our school Vision and Values creating the distinctive Christian ethos of which we are so proud.

We ensure our legal obligations are met in respect of ‘Keeping children safe’. Most of all we are here because we care deeply for our school and want it to succeed in all aspects of its life. We are committed to visiting the school on a regular basis and undertaking training, ensuring we are the ‘best we can be’ as we each fulfill our respective role within the scheme of delegation for our council.

It is important to us that as parents you always feel welcome to visit our school. We depend on your co-operation, support and involvement in your child’s education together ensuring they have a happy, stimulating, safe and caring environment in which to learn. Look out for us at Parent Consultation evenings and other school events. We will be there!!

With warmest wishes

Judith Dickin

Chair of the Local Council at Branston Church of England Infant Academy

Local Councillors

Four meetings of the Local Council are held per year, at which all members attend and have voting rights.  In the case of a split vote the Chair of the Local Council will cast the deciding vote.

Additional committees/working parties will be formed as and when required depending on the needs of the school.  All members attending these additional meetings will have voting rights.

Previous School Local Council Members (within last academic year)

Clerk to the Local Council

Mrs Rachel Bishop

rachel.bishop@branston-infant.lincs.sch.uk