Netherton C of E Primary School

Local Academy Board (LAB)

The Diocese of Worcester Multi Academy Trust (DoWMAT) has overall responsibility for the school and the Local Academy Board (LAB) acts at a local level to have an oversight and hold the Headteacher and senior leaders to account. The LAB relaces what was previously known as the Governing Body of the school.

What does the LAB do?

The responsibilities of the LAB are to:

  • Support strategic management and operational oversight
  • Represent any local views and issues
  • Ensure that the pupils are part of a successful academy with provides them with a good education and supports their holistic well-being
  • Promote high standards and uphold the Christian distinctiveness

 

The DoWMAT Scheme of Delegation states the specific role of the LAB (see below).

 

Who are the members of the LAB?

The LAB members are a group of like-minded people with an interest in education. The Board members work hard to support staff and pupils of the school and act as a critical friend

 

The current members of the Board are:

Name

Type of Member

End of Term

Alison Hickman Smith

Co-opted Governor

14/06/2027

Katie Bavington

Staff

01/09/2025

Lisa Guest

Foundation Governor

25/05/2027

Jo Hackett

Associate Member

07/12/2025

Rev Richard Hackett

Foundation Governor

N/A

Kathryn Harvey

Headteacher

N/A

Emma Jewkes

Parent Governor

13/11/2026

Steven Ridley

Foundation Governor

07/12/2025

Sue Ridley

Associate Member

07/12/2025

Dean Stanley

Parent Governor

13/11/2026

Margaret Hollis

Co- opted Governor

25/05/2027

Contacting the LAB

If you have an issue that you need to discuss, then please contact your child’s teacher in the first instance. The Headteacher can also be contacted through the school office.

If you have been in contact with the school and need to raise a matter with the LAB. Please contact Miss Hickman Smith – (Chair) at governors@netherton.dudley.sch.uk

A message from the Chair

I am proud and delighted to be Chair of Governors at Netherton CE Primary School.

Having been a governor for the last nine years and chair since 2016. I know what a great school Netherton CE is with dedicated and passionate staff and talented and hard-working pupils. I also know that the Governing Body has recently been reformed, although we are still looking for parent governors. 

Netherton CE has been part of the Diocese of Worcester Multi Academy Trust (DoWMAT) since 2017. Within this Trust the Local Academy Board (LAB) has a number of particular responsibilities. These include:

  • Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction

  • Holding leaders to account for the educational performance of the school

  • Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure the money is well spent

  • Ensuring the voices of stakeholders are heard

The LAB meet each half-term and within these meetings we monitor the impact of the school’s spending, particularly with regard to the pupil premium, sports premium and special educational needs grants. Additionally, we monitor, review and agree all relevant school policies. Governors also have individual responsibilities to monitor and review a variety of areas within the school. These include, but are not limited to: special needs, safeguarding, attendance and the curriculum. In order for us to carry this out, governors visit the school regularly and report back on their findings.

We are always looking for parent governors to join our team. Look out for information on the school Jotter app.

We are always willing to listen and help, if required, and can be contacted via the school.

Very best wishes,

Miss A. Hickman-Smith

 

Highbridge Road, Netherton, Dudley DY2 0HU

01384 816895

info@netherton.dudley.sch.uk