Annie Andrews

Annie is the Chair of Governors for a local special needs residential secondary school. Governors work as a corporate body to provide strategic direction for the school, whilst the day to day running of the school is with the Head who will consult on a regular basis with the Governors and, in particular, the Chair of Governors. The children who attend the school have moderate learning difficulties and tend to be vulnerable individuals who have, for example, been in care, are in care and live at the school, have a history of abuse, communication difficulties, autism, etc. The school provides the foundation and skills for its students to go on and get jobs and live an independent / semi independent life.

As Chair of Governors, Annie's responsibilities include planning, scheduling and chairing regular Governors meetings, meeting at least weekly with the Head, regular and frequent email contact with the Head, listening to concerns and giving constructive advice, regular attendance at school functions, ensuring that the governing body's affairs are conducted in accordance with the law, ensuring that meetings are run effectively and that all governors are encouraged to contribute and that decisions are taken when necessary and working with a limited budget to make the school as good as possible.

The school received a 'School of the Year' award' in 2011 which recognises the efforts of the staff and governing board. CR