We have a strong Governing Board that represent and challenge the school well. They are immensely supportive, bringing a variety of skills and knowledge to further enhance our provision.  Meetings are held every term and governors visit school regularly to keep in touch with the work that goes on and take the 'critical friend' approach that enables us to keep improving. 

Diversity Data

As a school we recognise that a diversity of thought, voices and perspectives is essential to good governance and the effective running of any organisation. We regularly collect diversity information from our governors and, depending on current data, can use this to:

• target recruitment to address gaps in experience and diversity
• develop and adapt board practices to ensure full participation
• prioritise training and awareness-raising in identified areas
• address potential ‘blind spots’ through seeking wider advice and perspectives on current and upcoming opportunities, challenges and risks

However, we are unable to publish this information as it would mean that individual members of our governing body are identifiable.

Structure and responsibilities of the Governing Board and its committees:

The GB of Dame Ellen Pinsent School comprises the following category of Governors:

• 2 Parent Governors
• 1 LA Governor
• 1 Staff Governor
• 1 Head Teacher Governor
• 4 Co-opted Governors
• 2 Foundation Governors appointed by Birmingham Special Schools’ Co-operative Trust

Current GB Membership:

Andy Punch - Foundation Governor - to 21/11/2026

Natalie Smith - Foundation Governor - to 27/09/2025

Helen Stott - Co-opted Governor - to 02/07/2027

Andrina Mountford - Co-opted Governor - to 09/10/2026

Harpreet Lotay - Co-opted Governor - to 20/10/2027

Kelly Beckett - Co-opted Governor - to 02/07/2027

Shirley Hanson - LA Governor - to 24/04/2026

Vacancy - Parent Governor - to 

Amundip Supra - Parent Governor - to 08/10/2027

Lisa Tombs - Staff Governor - to 10/10/2027

The Chair of the Governing Board for Sept 2023 – Sept 2024 is Andy Punch and the Vice-Chair is Natalie Smith.

 

Individual Governors hold responsibilities in the following areas:

Safeguarding	Natalie Smith/Andy Punch
SEND	Andy Punch
Pupil Premium:	Shirley Hanson
PE Premium:	Helen Stott
Wellbeing:	Natalie Smith

The Governing Board works with two Committees:

• Curriculum - See Terms of Reference for Curriculum  Committee 2023/24 below for details.

The Chair of the Curriculum Committee is Andy Punch.

• Premises, Personnel & finance - See Terms of Reference Premises, Personnel & Finance (FPP) Committee 2023/24 below for details.

The Chair of the Premises, Personnel & Finance Committee is Harpreet Lotay.

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 Dame Ellen Pinsent School Governing Board Attendance 2023_2024

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Governors who have served over the last 12 months:

 

 

Denise Fountain - resigned September 24

Jessica Gwinnett - resigned September 23

Rashid Umran - resigned September 23

Sadie Bolton - term ended Jan 2023

Richard Marshall - resigned December 22

Lisa Walke - term ended October 2022