EMAT is our alternative to governance. It covers the main functions of a governing body, with some differences. These include that independent governors are paid a token payment of £250 per term in recognition of the expertise they share and the time they commit. Governors under the EMAT structure are not employees of the school but are brokered to provide independent expertise. A governor to represent parental views is chosen from the departing year group each year - this means there is never any difficulty over conflict of interest as their young person has left, yet they have a very intimate knowledge of the school experience from the perspective of a parent.They can hold the position for up to two years.
As the school is so small we work under a two committee structure, with an additinal trustee board that deals with finance matters.
safeguarding checks: All governors have a DBS check, a section 128 check and must provide us with two written references upon application. All governors do safegaurding training every two years. The Chair of Governors is also trained in safer recruitment.
School connections: We are pleased and proud to be working collaboratively in a mutually supportive way with Glebelands secondary school who will be providing us with additional governance support and guidacne this academic year.
CHAIR - PAUL PHILLIPS
Mr Paul Phillips
Email: chairofgovs@aruncourt.co.uk
07861381618
Paul worked in special and behavioural based education settings for many years in both an educational and care support role. He has worked with children in behavioural units, ESBD provision and also worked with students presenting risk of prosecution due to sexualised behaviour in a further specialist setting. Paul then changed his attention to animals and trained as an animal behaviouralist and psychologist. Paul runs his own business training and supporting a wide range of dogs, and has even appeared on television helping to solve problamatic animal behaviour. Paul also works with the police on the assessment of dogs seized under the dangerous dogs act and for a number of charities. He also orks with celebrity clients and the military. He is currently the designated member for safeguarding as well as the Chair.
Colin used to work in the fire brigade for Kent Fire & Rescue (Fire Chief) a job role that incuded safety responsibility for the Channel Tunnel crossing (Channel Tunnel Authority Safety Inspector) Since retiring he works as a overall premises manager for an academy of three schools, managing a team of caretakers, cleaners and contractors. He is particularly interested in the site, health and safety and sustainability.
COULD YOUR PHOTO BE HERE?
We are currently looking to recruit the following 3 positions:
Clerk to the Governing Body - paid position, you must have done the role before
EMAT community member; a senior representative local faith (e.g minister, vicar, priest, rabbi, imam) or a local business group leader
EMAT vice-chair with recent governance experience in a secondary setting
All positions are subject to references, DBS, section 128 and continual checks around suitability for school leadership
In addition to the independent members the following are also on the EMAT board with declared interests:
1) A trustee from Big Bear Bespoke Education
2) The proprietor
3) The Head Teacher (Deputy Head whilst H.T is the same as proprietor)
4) Staff governor (currently Mrs Gillian Williams)
The board currently stands at 9 , with a quorate requirement of 7 of which the majority can not be standing with declared interests, with the intention of increasing the board to 11 with a quorate requirement of 9 for main meetings.