Message from Mrs Valerie Cadd – St. John’s Chair of Academy Council
I became an academy councillor because I believe every child has a right to a high quality education and to attend an Outstanding School. It is my belief that all St. John’s Academy Councillors also want to do the very best they can for the school, the pupils and the local community. That is why they voluntarily give up so much of their time.
The Local Academy Council is the school’s accountable body. We work as a team in which constructive working relationships are actively promoted. The role is made easier by the fact that the school has outstanding leadership, committed and capable staff at all levels, wonderful children and extremely supportive parents/carers.
What does the Local Academy Council do?
It is responsible for the conduct of the school and for promoting high standards. The academy council aims to ensure that children are attending a successful school which provides them with a good education and supports their well-being and keeps them safe. It is also responsible for upholding the Christian character of the school.
Sets the strategic direction of the school by:
Setting the values, aims and objectives for the school
Agreeing the policy framework for achieving those aims and objectives
Setting targets
Agreeing the School Improvement Plan which includes approving the budget and agreeing the staffing structure
Challenges and supports the school by monitoring, reviewing and evaluating:
The implementation and effectiveness of the policy framework
Progress towards targets
The implementation and effectiveness of the School Improvement Plan
The budget and the staffing structure
Conducts self-evaluation
Ensures accountability by:
Responding to Ofsted reports when necessary
Responding to SIAMS reports when necessary (Church Inspection)
Holding the Head Teacher to account for the performance of the school, through support and challenge
Ensuring parents and pupils are involved, consulted and informed as appropriate
Making available information to the community.
Valerie Cadd
Chair of Local Academy Council
DNDLT Company Documents
Academy members
Local Academy Council
Foundation
Mrs V Cadd BEM
Chair
I have been a Foundation Academy Councillor at St. John’s C.E. Academy for many years. I am appointed local academy councillor by Durham Diocesan Board of Education, following recommendation from St. John’s P.C.C.
I strongly believe that all children are entitled to a rich and varied educational experience where they can flourish and fulfil their own unique potential.
Having completed several terms of office as an Academy Councillor and having attended numerous training sessions I bring continuity, an in depth understanding about school policies and procedures and good local knowledge to the role.
I am very proud to be an Academy Councillor at St. John’s. It is a role that carries responsibilities and challenges but it is very rewarding and affords me the opportunity to work strategically alongside a capable and dedicated staff team.
My faith and worship ethic are very important to me and help me to uphold the Christian ethos of the school and fulfil my role as an Academy Councillor.
Mr M Doswell
I am the father of two current pupils at St John’s C.E. Academy and a regular worshiper at St Columba’s Church, Darlington. I have been working in the Further Education and Skills sector, dealing predominantly with adult apprenticeships since 2007 and am currently an Operations Manager of a large national training provider. I am appointed governor by the Durham Diocesan Board of Education, following recommendation from St. John’s P.C.C.
Mrs J Pattinson
I am a retired Civil Servant having administered a pension scheme on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) for 18 years prior to my retirement. I was appointed as a Foundation Academy Councillor by the Diocesan Board of Education following a recommendation for the position by St John’s Parochial Church Council. (P.C.C.)I have been a Foundation Academy Councillor at St Johns C.E. Academy for several years and my involvement in ensuring that the pupils receive an outstanding education continues to be a privilege.
Head Teacher
Mr M Ramsay
I have worked at St. John’s since January 2014. Prior to that, I lived and worked as a teacher in East London, where I developed a passion for working with children from disadvantaged backgrounds. I feel very strongly that all children should receive equal opportunities through a high quality education and upon starting my role at St. John’s, I knew immediately that the staff and governors shared this vision.
I was appointed as headteacher in September 2021 and am beyond proud to lead St John’s and continue to provide an outstanding education for our pupils.
Elected Parent
Mr A Linsley
Originally from the Teesdale area, where I worked in the public sector, I am now living in Darlington working for Royal Mail delivering in and around the local community.
I uphold the same Christian values as St. John’s C.E Academy, where my youngest son is a current pupil.
Appointed in 2017 as elected parent academy councillor, I am proud to have joined and be involved with a great team of experienced academy councillors, striving to achieve and maintain the current high standards already in place at St John’s.
Staff
Mrs S A Railton
Link Academy Councillor
I have been involved with St. John’s school for 20 years as both my sons attended this school. I also work at St. John’s as an Administration Assistant. I have been an academy councillor for 15 years. Starting as a parent governor and now I represent the non teaching staff on the board. St. John’s is a very special and outstanding school and I feel honoured to be part of its past and future success.
Clerk
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