1.1 Context

Kings Monkton Academic Board is a non-executive organisation established by the Principal to help in the strategic leadership and management of the school. This document should be read in conjunction with our Equality and Inclusion Statement.

1.2 Preamble

The Academic Board exists as a critical friend to the Principal and is a non-executive group that has been created to represent the voice of all parents and staff within the school. It reflects the diversity of our community and encourages broad participation.

The role of the Board is primarily to formulate policy and give direction to the school as well as to support the compliance of the school in relation to safeguarding and discipline. The Board is charged with furthering the school’s mission and ensuring the school’s success.

The Board is involved in long range issues (rather than day to day operations) and in “big picture” planning.

At Kings Monkton School we adopt the approach of the Independent School Management (ISM) organisation that summarises the role of the Board as:

“The Board’s core activity is planning, and the Board’s primary constituency is not today’s students but the students of the future” (ISM, The Board as a Strategic Entity, 2002, p.4).

The Relationship between the Academic Board and the Directors

The Directors are made up of the owners The Principal, Paul Norton, and Vice Principal, Karen Norton.  They are responsible for the governance and financing of the school. They rely on the Academic Board to provide knowledge, guidance and innovation to ensure the long term success of the school and that the needs of all children are met.

1.3 FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD

The Board has the remit and duties to make recommendations in the following:

ü  establishing and reviewing from time to time, the school’s objectives, priorities and general policy directions;

ü  evaluating the school’s performance in achieving their objectives and maintaining high standards;

ü  formulating codes of conduct for pupils at the school;

ü  to promote the school in the community;

ü  act as a critical friend in the schools self-evaluation;

ü  support the school in the development of its School Improvement Plan;

ü  represent the thoughts and feelings of parents from the wider school community.  

ü  Act as a communication bridge between school leadership and parents, reporting key updates and ensuring feedback loops.

ü  Participate in an annual self-review of the Board’s effectiveness and contributions.

The key features of the Board is to help develop; critically reflect upon and evaluate:

1.         School Improvement Plan;

2.         Curriculum Developments;

3.         Self-evaluation and exam analysis.

The Board cannot:

•          intervene in the control or management of the school;

•          intervene in the educational instruction of pupils;

•          exercise authority over teaching staff or other persons employed at the school; and

•          intervene in the management or operation of a school fund.

1.4 MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD

The Academic Board will meet regularly to help the Senior Leadership Team within the school to plan for its future, and will be a representative body of all the parents within the school.

·         Membership is open to any parent or staff member who meets the school’s eligibility criteria.

·         Members will be appointed for a term of two years, renewable once, subject to review.

·         New members will be provided with induction and orientation resources.

·         Applications are assessed by the Principal and an independent panel where appropriate

1.5 CESSATION OR TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

The office of a member of the Board becomes vacant if the member:

1.         becomes ineligible to hold office as a member.

2.         resigns by written notice delivered to the Board; or

3.         is removed from office by the Director or Principal.

The Director or Principal may remove a person as a member of the Board on the grounds that the continuation of the person as a member would be detrimental to the interests of the Board. Any removal decision shall be communicated in writing, and the member has the right to respond in writing within 14 days. An appeal may be reviewed by an independent party.

1.6 Code of conduct of Board Members

This Code outlines the standards of conduct expected from all Academic Board members.

1. Commitment to the School

·         Act in the best interests of all pupils, staff, and the wider school community.

·         Support the ethos, mission, and values of Kings Monkton School.

2. Confidentiality

·         Respect the confidentiality of sensitive discussions and materials.

·         Do not disclose information outside the Board unless authorised.

3. Conduct and Respect

·         Treat all members with courtesy and respect.

·         Value diversity and promote inclusion.

·         Listen actively and engage constructively in discussions.

4. Attendance and Participation

Attend meetings regularly and punctually.

Notify the Chair or Principal in advance if unable to attend.

Contribute meaningfully to Board responsibilities and projects.

5. Conflicts of Interest

Declare any potential or actual conflicts of interest.

Refrain from decision-making where a conflict exists.

6. Compliance

·         Abide by the Terms of Responsibility and any relevant school policies.

·         Support the Board’s role as a non-executive, strategic body.

·         Engage in appropriate training to ensure you can perform your board functions effectively.

Breach of Code

Breaches may result in suspension or removal from the Board, following a review by the Principal and Chair of the Board.

The Board may remove a person as a member of the Board on the grounds that the person:

1.      has neglected his or her duty as a member;

2.      has breached confidentiality;

3.      has misbehaved or is incompetent;

4.      is suffering from mental or physical incapacity, other than temporary illness, impairing the performance of his or her function as a member; or

5.      has been absent, without leave or reasonable excuse, from three consecutive meetings of which the member has had notice.

These Terms of Reference are agreed by the Principal and all members of the Academic Board.

Signed: Paul Norton – Principal