Our Academy Community Councillors play a vital and active role in the effective running and success of Gillingstool Primary School.

The Academy Community Council (ACC) helps to make sure our school is the very best it can be for every child. It works closely with the Mosaic Partnership Trust and follows its values of Integrity, Innovation and Partnership, as well as a strong commitment to equality, inclusion and belonging.

The ACC does not run the school day-to-day. Instead, it supports and challenges school leaders to make sure children are safe, happy, included and achieving well.

What does the ACC do?

The ACC focuses on the things that matter most to families and pupils, including:

• The quality of education and how well children are learning

• Inclusion, especially for children with additional needs or who may be disadvantaged

• How staff and resources are used to support all pupils

• Making sure the school is safe, caring and well-led

The ACC uses information from the Trust and the school leadership team, as well as feedback from pupils, parents, staff and the wider community, to build a clear picture of how the school is doing.

How the ACC supports the school

Academy Community Councillors:

• Support the Headteacher in creating a positive, nurturing culture where children and staff can thrive

• Encourage high expectations so that every child can do their best

• Ask thoughtful questions and offer challenge and support to help leaders keep improving

• Make sure funding (such as pupil premium and SEND funding) is used effectively

• Champion fairness, equality and inclusion for all children

• Help strengthen links between the school, families, the local community

• Ensure safeguarding is a top priority and that systems to keep children safe are strong and effective

Key responsibilities of the ACC

The Academy Community Council:

• Develops a clear understanding of what the school does well and where it can improve

• Reviews school information such as attendance, behaviour, progress and wellbeing

• Monitors improvement plans, inspections (such as Ofsted) and Trust reviews

• Ensures key policies are in place and followed, including safeguarding, health and safety and equality

• Oversees risk management and responds appropriately to any concerns

• Takes part in training to make sure governance is effective and up to date

• Supports the appointment and performance management of the Headteacher

• Helps ensure the school is well-prepared for emergencies and critical incidents

• Sustains the Christian foundation of the school (where applicable)

Working with the Trust

The ACC also considers reports from Trust committees covering education quality, finance, resources, audit and risk, and carries out any additional duties requested by the Trust Board.

https://mosaicpt.org.uk/governance/statutory-company-documentation/

Chair of Academy Councillors: Nicola Thomerson

Contact email: Nicola.Thomerson@gillingstool.org.uk 

Safeguarding Academy Councillor: Nicola Thomerson