Make an Impact Become a Local School Governor by Schudio

Make an Impact BECOME A SCHOOL GOVERNOR

“Together, we can shape the future of education and ensure that all young people have access to the high-quality education they deserve.”

Welcome

At Omega Multi-Academy Trust we believe that diverse perspectives and a strong community spirit are essential to creating an enriching and supportive educational environment. Our schools are dynamic communities where every child’s potential is nurtured and developed.

We are currently seeking volunteers to join our team of Local School Governors in our Warrington schools to play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in our communities.

Join our team of Local School Governors

As an inclusive trust, we are seeking volunteers from all walks of life who represent the vibrant diversity of our communities. Whether you are a professional, a retiree, an entrepreneur, or someone with a passion for education and the community, your unique experiences and insights can make a real difference in our schools.

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where all members of our community feel welcomed and valued. By recruiting governors from a wide range of backgrounds, we ensure that our schools benefit from a rich tapestry of viewpoints and experiences.

Why your participation matters

By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to:

• Shape the future of education: Help set the strategic direction of our schools and ensure that every student receives a high-quality education.

• Support school leadership: Work closely with headteachers and senior staff to drive school improvement and uphold our values.

• Represent your community: Bring your perspective to the table and ensure that the voices of our diverse community are heard and valued.

• Gain valuable experience: Develop new skills and gain insights into the education sector, which can be rewarding both personally and professionally.

Ready to make a difference?

We invite you to explore the various sections of this brochure to learn more about what it means to be one of our Local School Governors, the responsibilities involved and the impact you can have. As you read through you will find information about our Trust, testimonials from current governors, a synopsis of the role, and guidance on how to apply. Alternatively, you can reach out to us for an informal conversation and to answer any questions you may have.

Together, we can shape the future of education and ensure that all young people have access to high-quality education they deserve.

“If appointed as a Link Governor, you will have the opportunity to undertake monitoring visits and work alongside school staff on areas such Safeguarding, SEND, Careers, Health and Safety or school improvement priority areas.”

About Omega Multi-Academy Trust

We are Omega Multi-Academy Trust, established in 2018, with a mission to provide the best school experience possible for every child and to be the best employer we can be. Ambitious for our learners, colleagues and the communities we serve, we are driven by a commitment to ensure our children, staff and communities flourish. Our values place our students and staff at the core of education, ensuring a common direction and purpose across the trust.

We are driven by a simple mission statement which sits at the heart of our strategy:

• Provide the best school experience for every child

• Be the best employer we can be

We educate over 5000 children, students and young people across Warrington and Liverpool within our five primary schools and our two large high schools and their associated sixth forms. We strongly believe in the power of genuine collaboration and school-to-school support, so as a trust, we exploit every opportunity that arises to embrace the sharing of best practice and celebrating our many strengths.

We pride ourselves on nurturing a culture of inspiring education which emphasises the knowledge, skills and experiences that will enable all to be resilient and aspirational.

We embed innovative, high-quality teaching and learning into our curriculum whilst keeping the best interests of our students at the centre of everything we do.

With over 650 employees we invest heavily in continuing professional development. We provide excellent career progression paths, offer a range of leadership programmes and a gateway to a huge range of benefits and wellbeing tools. Our training courses are supported through national and local partnerships and founded on the latest research which underpins our focus on the quality of education, learning and improvement.

Could you be a Local School Governor?

We are seeking committed and enthusiastic individuals to join our Local Governing Bodies to help provide the best possible education to our students. As a governor, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference by working closely with the school's leadership team to ensure that all children receive the support and guidance they need to succeed.

Governors are people like you! We are looking for people from all walks of life who are passionate about education and have a strong desire to help make a positive impact in our community, whether you are a parent, a local business owner or a retired professional, you don't need specific qualifications!

• Do you want to put something back into your local community?

• Are you confident, curious, challenging and creative?

• Do you want children to get the best experience from school?

• Are you comfortable asking challenging questions and analysing answers?

• Do you have the time and commitment to get to know a school, go to meetings and read papers?

• Are you open to new ideas?

• Do you have a willingness to learn?

• Are you interested in people and prepared to work as part of a team?

• Do you have a good level of literacy and numeracy skills?

Being a local school governor is a big responsibility but it can be one of the most rewarding ways of contributing to your local community. New governors are often surprised at how their experiences can be used to help solve problems at a school, just think about the skills you use in everyday life!

“We will work with you on your individual development plan to ensure you have the support and training needed to succeed and that you get the most out of being a Local School Governor.”

What does a Local School Governor do?

As one of our Local School Governors, you will have responsibilities and real opportunities to:

• Raise educational standards in your school by overseeing the educational performance of the students, reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of the curriculum and the quality of education

• Help children achieve their full potential

• Support the school's management team

• Identify where the school can improve and help make it happen

• Engage with parents, teachers and students to gather their feedback and views

• Work as part of a team, towards a common goal

• Acquire new skills, new friends and a real sense of achievement

• Share in and celebrate the success of students, staff and the school as a whole

• Ensure compliance with Trust wide policies and approve school specific policies

• Regularly review the wellbeing and safeguarding of all students and staff at the school

• Monitor compliance to the Trust’s Health & Safety Policy and any school specific health & safety related procedures

By volunteering your time and effort, you will be joining a group of over 250,000 volunteers nationwide, there will be important decisions to be made and a great deal to learn. You will have the chance to acquire invaluable experience, cultivate new skills, and take pride in positively impacting the lives of young individuals. Additionally, you'll have the prospect of expanding your network, and making a meaningful contribution to the broader community.

“No qualifications are needed as you will have the opportunity to complete our Trust Governance Induction Programme.”

What it means to be a Local School Governor

“Having spent my entire career within a military environment in an engineering discipline, I had little knowledge of other career paths that people had embarked on and I wanted to broaden my experiences to get a flavour of other walks of life.

When the role of Local School Governor became available I thought this would be a fantastic opportunity to do exactly that and get involved with a diverse group of professions. It has not disappointed and I’m now working alongside professionals from areas that would never have been possible with my current full time employment.

It’s not an undertaking to be taken lightly, there is a responsibility to devote time and effort to the role, but for me, the experiences gained outweigh this commitment.”

Ronnie Gemmell Governor at Park Road Primary School

“As a governor, I really enjoy the challenge of applying my professional skills in a different area. I have valued the training and networking opportunities that have equipped me to develop in this role over time. I find it rewarding to contribute to the education of future generations.”

Michelle Kilmurray Chair of Governors Park Road Primary School

“You will have the opportunity to participate in learning walks to observe how the school is run and meet the staff and students.”

“In the three schools where I have been Headteacher, the Governors have been instrumental in helping me as a school leader. The support of our Governors is key in helping to set the strategic priorities of the school. The more they get to know the school, the staff and the students the more they can use their experience and expertise to assist school leaders, often giving a different perspective. Another important aspect of the life of a governor is to challenge and support school leaders in equal measure. It is through challenge that progress is made and the support is valuable when school leaders need reassurance.”

Gary

Evans Headteachers Great Sankey High School

What it means to be a Local School Governor

“As a Scheme Actuary, I am involved in a professional capacity in advising trustees on the funding position of their pension schemes and in part my role also involves consulting with trustee boards on standards for good governance. Being a Local School Governor allowed me the opportunity to sit “on the other side of the table” so to speak.

When my children first started school, I was approached and asked to join the governing body as they had identified a “skills gap” and needed someone from a financial background to support the existing board.

Until this point, I wasn’t really aware of what the role of a Local School Governor entailed.

However, here I am some 8 years later and still enjoying it!

What I find most rewarding, having been a pupil at the school myself is being an

instrumental part in striving to achieve the best outcomes for local children, holding school leaders to account in helping every child fulfil their aspirations and achieve their best.

On a personal level, I’m pleased to say it’s not all one sided and I’ve also developed new skills and knowledge too, which has supported my own professional development.”

Lisa Hope Parent Governor Burtonwood Primary School

How governors support schools and the benefits they bring to the school community

“Governors play a vital role in supporting school leaders as they develop policies and provision to improve the school experience for their children. Acting as a critical friend, they gather a detailed insight into the operations of a school, questioning and reviewing the information they receive. Whether this is via the headteacher’s report or through school visits, the insight of these representatives, who themselves have varied skills, knowledge and experiences, ensures that schools gather feedback from different stakeholders within the school community. This insight allows schools to consider improvement priorities from a range of different perspectives.

Becoming a governor provides great reward. This vested interest in the children’s education means that representatives can take an active role in ensuring that the school is successful, providing the very best educational opportunities for the students who attend.

Whether as a parent of a child in the school, as a community member or as a local businessperson, it is to everybody’s interest to ensure that the children within our organisations leave as wellrounded and well-educated members of society, who are prepared to fulfil their role as global citizens, as we begin to shape the future.”

Jason Heatley Headteacher

Burtonwood Primary School

Governance Structure

Our strategy is deeply rooted in the needs of our schools and their communities, ensuring their unique requirements are at the forefront of our decision-making. By aligning our objectives with these needs, we can effectively address the challenges faced by our schools and make a meaningful impact on their growth and success. Our governance structure provides a solid foundation from which to drive accountability for school standards, whilst robustly managing risk and ensuring financial regularity, prioritising the welfare and wellbeing of our children and our staff.

Members are responsible for determining the general governance of the Trust. They approve our Articles of Association, agreed with the Department for Education, which sets out the details for our internal management, decision making and running of the Trust.

Members also appoint Trustees in accordance with the Articles of Association and meet annually at the Annual General Meeting.

Trustees work together to fulfil the purpose of the Trust Board:

• Strategic leadership – defining the vision, fostering the Trust’s culture and setting the strategy

• Accountability and assurance – robust and effective oversight of Trust operations and performance, holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the Trust, the performance management of staff and overseeing and ensuring effective financial performance.

• Engagement – strategic oversight of relationships with stakeholders, ensuring decision-making is supported by meaningful engagement.

Trustees attend the Annual General Meeting and meet each term. There are three committees; the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee, Standards & Safeguarding Committee and Capital Projects Committee.

Each school has a Local Governing Body and local governors serve as a key link between the schools, parents/carers and the local community. They monitor the performance of the school, advising the Trustees of any concerns. Each Local Governing Body meets every half-term.

Chapelford Village Primary School

Burtonwood Primary School

Alsop High School

Great Sankey High School

Bradshaw Primary School

Park Road Primary School

Capital Projects Committee

Finance, Audit & Risk Committee

Standards & Safeguarding Committee

Chair of Governors Forum

Westbrook Old Hall Primary School

Local Governing Body

Board of Trustees

Members

Our Schools

Our Trust is a cross-phase group of seven schools serving the Borough of Warrington and the City of Liverpool. Our schools are firmly rooted in their communities and we respond to their needs with local understanding and knowledge, while retaining their unique identities.

Each school brings its own strengths and values to the Trust, creating a rich tapestry of educational excellence. From vibrant primary schools nurturing our youngest learners to large, dynamic secondary schools preparing students for future success. Together, we aim to provide an inclusive and inspiring learning environment where every child can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Alsop High School

Alsop High School joined Omega MultiAcademy Trust in November 2020. With over 1,800 students, including a sixth form, it is the largest secondary school in Liverpool.

Built in 1926, Alsop High School has undergone extensive investment, resulting in a modern built, three-story building with diverse teaching and activity areas, dining facilities and communal social spaces.

The school is on a journey to excellence, embodied by its mission, “Achieving Excellence Together”. Their core values are Ambition, Respect and Community

*There are currently no Local School Governor vacancies at Alsop High School*

alsophigh.org.uk @AlsopHighSch

Bradshaw Primary School

Bradshaw Primary School is a oneform entry school with a capacity of 210 and is located in Grapenhall Village, Warrington. It joined Omega Multi-Academy Trust in April 2024.

In its latest Ofsted inspection, the school received a “good” judgement.

Bradshaw Primary School’s mission statement is “We are proud of who we are and proud of what we achieve” and it reflects its dedication to fostering a positive learning environment. Their core values are Kindness, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Active

Burtonwood Community Primary School

Burtonwood Community Primary School is a one-form entry school with a capacity of 210 children and is located in Burtonwood Village, Warrington. It is a founding member of Omega MultiAcademy Trust.

Known for its excellent local reputation, the school was rated “Good” in its last Ofsted inspection in May 2023.

It boasts extensive grounds with play areas and a large outdoor classroom set within natural woodland. Their values are Be Prepared, Be Respectful, Be Engaged and Be Brave.

chapelfordvillageprimary.co.uk

@ChapelfordPri

chapelfordvillageprimary

Chapelford Village Primary School

Chapelford Village Primary School is a three-form entry school located in Warrington West, with a capacity of 720 children. Due to high demand, it has recently expanded to a four-form entry school for all Key Stage 2 years.

As a founding member of Omega Multi-Academy Trust, the school retained a “good” judgement in its most recent Ofsted inspection in March 2022.

Built in 2013, Chapelford Village Primary School features over 24 stateof-the-art classrooms, diverse outdoor spaces, a forest school and facilities for venue hire. The school’s values are Learn, Achieve, Respect

Great Sankey High School

Great Sankey High School is one of the largest high schools in the country with over 2,175 students, including its sixth form, Barrow Hall College.

The school converted to a single academy in 2013 and became a founding member of Omega MultiAcademy Trust in 2018.

In its latest Ofsted inspection, in March 2023, the school maintained a “good” judgement.

Located in Great Sankey, Warrington, the school has benefited from significant investments, including a new science block, sports hall and access to a wide range of sport pitches including a rugby field and 3G pitch. Barrow Hall College features a café, drama theatre, art studio and Learning Resource Centre. The values of Great Sankey High School are Growth, Respect, Excellence, Aspiration and Teamwork

greatsankey.org @GreatSankeyHS

Park Road Community Primary School

Park Road Community Primary School is a one-form entry school with 210 children and is a founding member of Omega Multi-Academy Trust.

In its latest Ofsted inspection, the school retained its “good” judgement.

Located in Great Sankey, Warrington, the school is known for its community and family-based atmosphere. It features extensive outdoor spaces, including homebred animals and a forest school with a home-grown allotment.

The school’s motto is “Unique individuals learning together.”

Westbrook Old Hall Primary School

Westbrook Old Hall Primary School is a twoform entry school with a capacity of 420, located in Old Hall, Warrington.

It is a founding member of Omega MultiAcademy Trust. In its latest Ofsted inspection, the school retained its “good” judgement.

The school offers extensive areas for multi-use play, sports, and creative activities, with allweather Early Years classrooms.

The values of Westbrook Old Hall Primary School are Shine, Growth, Together and Kindness

FAQ

Will I have to complete a formal application?

We will ask you to complete an application form to include your experience and skills. This will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

How long is a Local Schol Governors term of office?

The usual term of office for a governor is four years.

Is being a Local School Governor a paid role?

All governors are volunteers and there is no payment for carrying out the role. The Trust has a Governor Allowance Policy in place that can reimburse governors for necessary expenses.

Will I receive any training?

You will receive a comprehensive induction programme and ongoing support to help you in undertaking your role as a Local School Governor. Plus there is statutory training that governors must receive on an annual basis. Much of the training will be delivered online through arranged access to a number of governance sites.

What time commitment do I need?

Being a Local School Governor means making yourself available for some evenings each term and occasionally during the day.

Governing bodies meet once every half term, meetings are held from late afternoon to early evening and on average last about 2 - 2 ½ hours.

You will also need some time to read papers, prepare for meetings and to attend training. The amount of time varies widely, depending on how involved you become and what needs doing, but schools do need governors who are fully committed.