Local Academy Information

All Academy Committees must have a Chair and Vice-Chair. In addition, Academy Committees will appoint individual members to have oversight of a specific area of responsibility.

Unless otherwise agreed by the Trust Board, the following Lead Academy Committee members are appointed on each Academy Committee for the following areas:

• Safeguarding

• Pupil Achievement (Chair of the AC)

• Inclusion (including SEND and Pupil Premium) 

• Stakeholder Voice and Wider Community Engagement

• Curriculum

Ofsted

LEO Academy Trust’s  governance arrangements divide responsibilities between local committees, the executive team and the Board. The Trust will, therefore, arrange for the committee’s chair and a representative of the Trust to meet the lead inspector together. A Trustee will also be asked to speak to the inspection team, usually by phone. 

In addition to these conversations, the inspection team will look at the school’s website, local committee minutes, visit reports and papers in order to reach a view of the effectiveness of governance at the school. It is important, therefore, that meetings and visits evidence this effectiveness. 

Inspectors will consider whether committee members:  

• work effectively with leaders to communicate the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school and develop a culture of ambition  

• provide a balance of challenge and support to leaders, understanding the strengths and areas needing improvement at the school  

• provide support for an effective Principal or are hindering school improvement because of a lack of understanding of the issues facing the school  

• understand the impact of teaching, learning and assessment on the progress of pupils currently in the school  

• ensure that assessment information from leaders provides committee members with sufficient and accurate information to ask probing questions about outcomes for pupils  

• can evaluate how the school is using the pupil premium, catch-up premium, primary PE and sport premium, and special educational needs funding  

• are transparent and accountable, including in governance structures, attendance at meetings and contact with parents 

•  provide an understanding of the school’s curriculum aims and the rationale behind the school curriculum  

• demonstrate the ability to articulate the effectiveness of governance on the school’s journey of improvement. How do governors monitor their own effectiveness? 

The inspection team will be particularly keen to see that committee members know the school well. This and the expectations above are not just what Ofsted would wish to see, but what the Trust agrees are a sound basis for good governance.

The role of a Lead Academy Committee Member (ACM)

In general a Lead Academy Committee member role involves the following tasks:

• Making pre-arranged visits to the school, with a clear focus 

• Keeping the Academy Committee informed about the area for which they're responsible - Lead Academy Committee member’s Visit Log.

• Supporting staff who are responsible for the particular areas/subjects

• Developing knowledge in the specialist area and taking part in relevant training

• Ensuring the school has relevant policies in place

• Monitoring the implementation of the school's strategy in the specialist area

Knowing your school and being visible to the school community are essential to being able to support, challenge and champion it as part of your role. Meetings and reports from the school’s leadership are an important part of this, but must be complemented by visits so that the committee shares a deep understanding of school life. Committee members are expected to visit the school regularly.

For more information see Job Description and Terms of Reference