Honilands Local Governing Board

Honilands’ Local Governing Board (LGB) plays a key role within the governance structure of the Children First Academy Trust. The LGB supports the implementation of the School Improvement Plan and acts as a critical friend to the Headteacher and the senior leadership team, offering both encouragement and appropriate challenge to support ongoing development.

The Role of the Local Governing Board

The Local Governing Board is a vital element of school governance. It operates as a committee of the Board of Trustees and is designed to bring local insight and accountability to the leadership of the school. While the Trust Board and the Chief Executive Officer hold ultimate responsibility for standards, financial oversight, and compliance, the LGB works closely with school leaders to help shape strategic priorities and ensure actions taken are having the desired impact.

Governors contribute to school improvement by offering scrutiny and support in key areas. They also help connect the school to the wider community by engaging with staff, pupils, and parents, and by assessing how well the school’s vision is being realised both inside and beyond the classroom.

In addition, the LGB has a monitoring role in areas of risk, especially around safeguarding, health and safety, and complaints. Each governor may have a designated area of responsibility such as Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Safeguarding, Pupil Premium, or Health and Safety.

Responsibilities of Honilands Governors

Governors at Honilands are expected to:

• Come prepared and contribute meaningfully to termly LGB meetings

• Act as advocates for Honilands in the wider community

• Understand and uphold the school’s policies and vision

• Visit the school regularly during the school day and for key events

• Participate in training and development sessions throughout the year

Composition of the Governing Body

The Honilands LGB includes:

• The Chair of Governors

• The Vice Chair

• One Staff Governor

• Elected Parent Governors

• Trust-appointed Governors

• The Headteacher

Meetings and Monitoring

The LGB meets once per term to review progress against school priorities. Minutes are recorded and formally approved by the Chair. Additionally, Governors participate in two focused school visit days each academic year to deepen their understanding of the curriculum, pupil outcomes, and school culture.

Our Priorities for 2024/25

Following a successful year in 2023/24, the Honilands Local Governing Board remains committed to supporting the school’s strategic aims. Our key focus areas for the coming year, as outlined in the School Improvement Plan, include:

1. Raising Standards – Sustain and enhance outcomes in core subjects, with an emphasis on broadening the number of pupils achieving greater depth.

2. Curriculum Excellence – Strengthen subject leadership and ensure progression in knowledge and skills across all curriculum areas.

3. Responsive Teaching – Further develop pedagogy so that lessons are consistently adaptive, challenging, and inclusive for all pupils.

4. Personal Development – Promote character education and leadership opportunities for pupils that extend beyond the classroom.

5. Workforce Development – Collaborate with the Trust to support professional growth and leadership pathways for staff across the school.

The LGB will continue to monitor progress through regular meetings, school visits, and updates from the Headteacher and senior leaders, ensuring that Honilands continues to serve its pupils and community with ambition and integrity.

We always welcome feedback and suggestions from parents and carers. If you would like to get in touch with the Chair of the Local Governing Board, please contact the school office, or by email.

Please visit the Children First Academy Trust website for more information about governance across the Trust.