As we approach the end of another academic year, we thought we’d take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to all the parent members of the Dallam School Local Advisory Committee (LAC). Over the last year they have given so much of their time voluntarily to fulfil their governance responsibilities and support the school. They are all busy working people, but we never cease to be amazed by their commitment and enthusiasm. We’re also thrilled to have such a breadth of skills and experience amongst members.
Governance is about being strategic, not getting involved in the day-to-day operation of the school. As highlighted by the Department for Education, it’s about:
- ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- holding leaders to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the effective performance management of staff
- overseeing the financial running of the school and making sure its money is appropriately spent.
Here are just a few examples of what our parent LAC members have been up to over the last year…
- involvement in LAC meetings as well as sub-committee meeting focussed on safeguarding, performance and evaluation.
- some of our parent LAC members also sit on some of the South Westmorland MAT Board committees so are involved in pay review and boarding work.
- monitoring the progress against the school improvement priorities and agreeing the priorities for the year ahead.
- being a ‘LAC Champion’ for important areas such as safeguarding, SEN, Pupil Premium, careers, staff wellbeing, boarding and Student Voice.
- monitoring disciplinary decisions.
- regular school visits to meet staff and students, observing lessons and meeting with school leaders to build an accurate picture of the school in order to make the best strategic decisions for the school.
- involvement in training/information sessions, most recently an excellent session with Janett Walker from Anti-Racist Cumbria.
- involvement in interviews for senior positions.
- working to ensuring the highest quality in all that we do.
Thank you to following parent LAC members:
Tim Dodgson – parent of Sam in Year 8
Chris Gates – parent of Ben in Year 12 and Sam in Year 10
Vikkey Chaffe – parent of Hermyanie in year 7
Deb Park – parent of Katherine in Year 10
Morag Knight – parent of Angus in Year 13
David Grecic – parent of Ben in Year 13 and Lucy in Year 10