- Making sure the school has a clear vision, ethos and strategic direction;
- Holding the headteacher to account for the performance of the school and its pupils; and
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
- has an oversight of expenditure, income and budget monitoring;
- ensures ‘best value’ is maintained when making financial decisions;
- links the school priorities identified in the school improvement plan to the budget;
- ensures that staffing is in line with educational standards, meets the needs of the school and considers affordability;
- supports the recruitment of new staff;
- plans ahead to identify potential pressures on the budget.
- ensures that the teaching is adapted to meet the needs of Fairway pupils;
- ensures that the school's curriculum is broad and balanced;
- ensure that the teaching standards are monitored and supported by senior leadership team;
- ensures that pupils' attainment and progress is being monitored; including those in receipt of pupil premium and those working at greater depth;
- ensures the SENDs provision supports children with additional needs;
- ensures that curriculum policies are reviewed and reflect practice;
- ensures that the pupils, staff and wider communities emotional wellbeing is being met and support is available if required.
- works alongside Northway School who share the site;
- monitors building maintenance ensuring the learning environment is fit for purpose;
- reviews and scrutinises building risk assessments, including the monitoring of accidents and incidents;
- provides support and advice when prioritising planned work;
- reviews building/site maintenance contracts;
- ensures health & safety requirements are met;
- ensures annual inspections are undertaken;
- supports planned IT upgrades;
- develops new ways of working utilising technology.
- Andy Whiting: Chair of Governors
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Responsibilities: Chair, Induction Governor, Chair of Joint Premises & IT Committee, Chair of Headteacher's Appraisal Committee.
Governance roles in other schools: None
Relevant Bussiness. Financial & Pecuniary Interests: Works for Local Authority
Any Relationships with School Staff: None
My relationship with Fairway School & Children's Centre started in 1997. I have had the privilege of experiencing the wonderful day-to-day life of the school in various roles. With over 24 years of experience, I have a great affinity and passion for the school.
I currently work for the Local Authority in the capacity of Early Years & Primary Service Manager - Barnet Early Help service.
As Chair of Governors, I am committed to supporting the Headteacher, staff and the wider community. Together we will prioritise the love of learning and strive to provide children with the best start in life. -
Simon Lister: Co-opted Governor
Responsibilities: Chair of Curriculum, Standards & Welfare Committee, Inclusion & Safeguarding.
Governance roles in other schools: Associate Governor at MMK
Relevant Bussiness. Financial & Pecuniary Interests: None
Any Relationships with School Staff: None
A secondary school history teacher with 20 years of experience. I have worked as a special educational needs coordinator. It is a huge responsibility and also a privilege to work every day helping young people overcome their learning needs as well as supporting their families.
I have served on 2 other governing boards. It is our responsibility as governors to ensure that our students are safe and will achieve and succeed. I have developed the skills and expertise to make a difference to Fairway and I look forward to working hard to support the journey that will quickly make our school a truly outstanding one.
- Ann Zinkin: Co-opted Governor
Responsibilities: Finance, Resources & Staffing Committee, Headteacher's Appraisal Committee.
Governance roles in other schools: Governor at Hillel Wolfson Primary School.
Relevant Bussiness. Financial & Pecuniary Interests: None
Any Relationships with School Staff: None
I was previously Chair of Governors at Barnet and Southgate College of Further Education. I have served as a Councillor for the London Borough of Enfield for 12 years. I was a cabinet member for Communications and Media.
As a Councillor, I served as a Governor on both Junior and Secondary Schools.
- Deirdre Lewis: Co-opted Governor
Responsibilities: Children's Centre / Safeguarding, Curriculum, Standards & Welfare Committee.
Governance roles in other schools: Northway Special School
Relevant Bussiness. Financial & Pecuniary Interests: None
Any Relationships with School Staff: None
I am a qualified Social Worker with long experience in Special Educational Needs, working with families, children and drama therapy. I am now retired and do freelance Social Work for various local authorities. I am a Governor of both Northway and Fairway Schools and sit on Education Tribunals. I am the proud grandmother of 9 grandchildren and they keep me busy too!
- Ian Stewart: Co-opted Governor
Responsibilities: Vice-Chair of Governing Board & Chair of Finance, Resources & Staffing Committee. Sports & Pupil Premium.
Governance roles in other schools: None
Relevant Bussiness. Financial & Pecuniary Interests: None
Any Relationships with School Staff: None
I am a qualified accountant and am currently a Chief Operating Officer of a Charity. I have previously been a Head of Finance and Premises in a Secondary Academy within the Borough of Barnet.
- Michael Reilly: Staff Governor
Responsibilities: Joint Premises / IT Committee & Curriculum, Standards & Welfare Committee.
Governance roles in other schools: None
Relevant Bussiness. Financial & Pecuniary Interests: None
Any Relationships with School Staff: Yes
I am very proud to be a member of the Fairway Team. I have worked at the school since 2017 and am currently a class-based Assistant Headteacher. I hold additional responsibilities including English Lead, IT Co-ordinator, Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Educational Visit Co-ordinator.
I have a keen interest in IT and its use within the classroom to enhance learning and am currently undertaking the NASENco award; an area of education I am passionate about.
- Amina Abukar: Parent Governor
Responsibilities: Joint Premises & IT Committee.
Governance roles in other schools: None
Relevant Bussiness. Financial & Pecuniary Interests: None
Any Relationships with School Staff: Yes
I am a Registered Nurse currently working as a paediatric nurse in the City and have lived in Barnet for 4 years. I have always enjoyed working with children in the health sector and look forward to contributing to the ongoing success of Fairway as a parent governor.
I am passionate about equality and will be a strong advocate for each child at Fairway to ensure all our children reach their full potential.
- Andrew-John Patterson: Co-opted Governor
Responsibilities: Curriculum, Standards & Welfare Committee.
Governance roles in other schools: None
Relevant Bussiness. Financial & Pecuniary Interests: Yes
Any Relationships with School Staff: No
Having been a headteacher in the private sector and a teacher in the public sector, I’ve worked in both primary and secondary education for 30 years.
I currently run catch-up tuition services in North London and am motivated by every child experiencing an education where they feel safe and successful, and will develop a love for learning. - Rebecca Summer: Co-opted Governor
Responsibilities: Joint Premises & IT Committee
Governance roles in other schools: None
Relevant Bussiness. Financial & Pecuniary Interests: Yes
Any Relationships with School Staff: No
I am a former primary school teacher having taught in a variety of primary schools in Barnet. I now work as an Educational Consultant for a company called 2Simple which produces software and resources for teachers and children. I have also worked in the IT industry as a computer programmer. My work brings me into regular professional contact with teachers from a variety of schools nationally and internationally to support them in what they are doing in their schools. I have a particular interest in the use of technology in school, in well-being including good mental health for children and teachers and in using best practices and innovation to support every child as an individual to reach their potential. I am a parent of three children who attend schools in Barnet and Brent. I am excited to use my professional and personal knowledge and experience to support Fairway school and the community in its aims and ambitions.
- Joseph Piper: Parent Governor
Responsibilities: Finance, Resources & Staffing Committee.
Governance roles in other schools: None
Relevant Bussiness. Financial & Pecuniary Interests: None
Any Relationships with School Staff: No
Joseph Piper (Joe) is a parent governor at Fairway School and joined Fairway Governor's board in November 2021. He has 2 children at Fairway and works as a paediatric doctor, both clinically and also on research-based at Queen Mary University of London. He researches child malnutrition in Zimbabwe and previously lived there for a year. He is part of the finance sub-committee.
Governors at Fairway School & Children’s Centre come from many different backgrounds and have a range of skills and expertise. They both challenge and support the school to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The Governing Body is made up of staff, parent, co-opted and local authority Governors.
The Governing Board has three core functions:
To make sure the Governors achieve these aims, they work in partnership with the headteacher and staff, supporting activities and help the school respond to the needs of pupils, parents and the community. Governors do not intervene in the day-to-day management of the school.
The Chair of Governors has a close working relationship with the headteacher and they meet regularly.
The Governing Board has three committees that meet once a term and these committees report to the Full Governing Board.
The role of the committees includes:
The Finance, Resources and Staffing Committee
The Curriculum. Standards & Welfare Committee
The Joint Premises and IT Committee
In addition to the above-mentioned committee meetings, The Chairs of Committees meet termly to discuss items that are shared priorities.
Fairway has named Governors with additional responsibilities including; Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Subject Leads, Inclusion, Children’s Centre and the Induction of New Governors.
All Governors meet once a term at the Full Governing Board meeting. A list of the Governing Board meeting dates for this academic year can be found here on our website.
Governors receive regular training and will often visit the school as part of their role.
All Governors are required to read and sign the Governors Code of Conduct, declare any pecuniary interests and complete a skills matrix.
If you have any queries regarding governance, please do not hesitate to contact Andy Whiting, Chair of Governors, through the school office.