The Governing Body of Tanfield School works with the Head Teacher to promote and
maintain high standards of educational achievement. In line with the School Development
Plan, the Governing Body prioritised the following key issues during the year. Our role is to
provide the strategic direction of the School and to assist the Senior Team in continuing to
improve the standards and quality of our provision.
The school became part of the Eden Learning Trust in May 2020. One of our governors is a
member of the Trust Board.
At present, the only area of our work which has changed, is overseeing and setting the
budget. We now simply monitor the planning.
Quality of Education
Quality of Teaching/Curriculum
A great deal of work has gone into developing and reviewing this structured, well planned,
knowledge-rich curriculum across the school. A key area for development has been
consistency in all departments in quality of curriculum planning booklets.
The online learning during both periods of lockdown was excellent and was widely praised
by parents.
We have challenged the Senior Team to continue to improve pupil outcomes. We have
monitored the progress of students. There are clear assessment practices and expectations
in place. Governor meetings including our Subject Reviews are calendared to monitor the
outcomes of these assessments. Standardisation and moderation have become an
important part of the process.
Impact
We have challenged curriculum leaders to further review the curriculum across the school
ensuring it is challenging, fulfils the needs of all individual learners and gives students the
necessary skills, understanding and opportunities to successfully progress to the next stage
of their lives. An exemplar subject booklet has been looked at so governors are aware of
how the curriculum is being taught. Key Stage 4 results this year were based on centre
assessed grades and we are confident that the processes and procedures in place were
thorough and consistent.
Behaviour and attitudes
There is a new format of whole school monitoring with accountability at all levels.
Line ups, split breaks and lunches have been introduced.
Governor monitoring of behaviour data takes place regularly.
Governors have held meetings with students/parents to address behaviour issues.
Impact
Behaviour in school is continually improving. There are very few behaviour incidents.
Governors are aware of the students who present issues.
Exclusion numbers have decreased significantly.
Safeguarding and Safety
This is our single most important duty. Following a review of
governor responsibilities, a different governor became our Safeguarding Lead.
We have reviewed all our policies and procedures in this area including the completion of
thorough risk assessments and adjustments to policies with regard to the coronavirus
pandemic as this has been our key priority with regard to the health and safety of students
and staff.
Impact
The school has been a safe place for staff and for students to learn throughout the
coronavirus period We did have a number of key worker and vulnerable students in school.
Following the wider opening of schools in the summer term, attendance was above the
national average.
Leadership and Management
We have reviewed the roles and responsibilities of senior staff discussing and making
changes where appropriate.
Throughout the last academic year, there have been changes to national guidance and
policies in education, particularly throughout the spring and summer terms. Governors have
ensured that the School meets all statutory requirements including the revised expectations
relating to guidance throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Impact
Further strengthening the SLT to support the implementation of the school’s vision.
There is increased accountability at all levels across the school.
Tanfield School meets its statutory requirements.
Premises and Resources
After becoming an academy the DFE gave the school a grant of £500,000 to replace the
windows. Alongside that, other sources of finance were used to completely renovate the
buildings and premises. The work is almost complete and the site is transformed.
Impact
Much improved environment for both students and staff.
Improved climate for learning
Governor monitoring
Governors are linked to particular subject areas and to specific themes (e.g. Special
Educational Needs or Safeguarding). This was reviewed in the autumn term and some visits
took place however unfortunately this year, most of these visits were postponed due to the
coronavirus pandemic.
Throughout the pandemic, weekly meetings were held between the Headteacher, the Chair
and Vice Chair of Governors.
Monitored the take up of online learning and how vulnerable students were being
supported.
Discussed all the difficulties presented to the school at this time.
Looked at how students returned to school in the summer term.
Impact
We saw staff taught the normal planned curriculum in the remote environment.
We gained an awareness of which students were not engaging in online learning and the
steps the school had taken to put this right.
We were able to make informed decisions re the focus of the COVID catch up grant and will
monitor accordingly.