Ofsted will judge how effectively governors monitor the school
It's the chair's job to make sure that effective processes are in place and that the board is organised in such a way as to monitor improvement at all levels.
Though the inspection framework changes from time to time, Ofsted will always want to see evidence of how well the board exercises its monitoring function. This forms part of Ofsted's judgement on leadership and management.
Know what needs monitoring
The maintained schools governance guide lists 3 core functions for every governing board:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and
- Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent
For academies, there are 3 core purposes of trust governance:
Together with compliance (more on