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In exercise of the powers conferred on the Secretary of State by sections 44, 138(7) and (8), 144 of, paragraphs 4, 5, 15(1) and (2), 16 and 17 of Schedule 9, paragraph 1 of Schedule 10, paragraphs 1 to 5 and 8 of Schedule 11, and paragraph 5 of Schedule 12 to, the School Standards and Framework Act 1998[1] and all other enabling powers and (except in the case of powers conferred by section 144 of the said Act) transferred to the National Assembly for Wales[2] by the National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions Order) 1999[3], the Secretary of State for Wales in exercise of the power conferred by section 144 of the said Act and the National Assembly for Wales in exercise of the other powers referred to hereby make the following Regulations: Citation, commencement and application 1. - (1) These Regulations may be cited as the Education (School Government) (Wales) Regulations 1999. (2) These Regulations shall come into force on 1st September 1999, except for regulations 22(1) and 51(3) which shall come into force on 1st April 2000. (3) These Regulations apply in relation to maintained schools and new schools in Wales. Interpretation 2. - (1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires -
(2) Except where the context otherwise requires, the expressions used in these Regulations set out in the first column of the table below have the meaning given by (or, as the case may be) are to be interpreted in accordance with, the provisions referred to in the second column of that table:
(3) Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in these Regulations to -
(b) a numbered paragraph is a reference to the paragraph so numbered in the regulation or Schedule in which the reference appears; and (c) a numbered sub-paragraph is a reference to the sub-paragraph so numbered in the paragraph in which the reference appears.
Interpretation of "governing body" Application 4. Regulations 6 to 13 apply to any maintained school conducted by an incorporated governing body constituted under an instrument of government (but not including a maintained school with a transitional governing body partly constituted under an instrument in accordance with regulatioin 18(2) of the First Transitional Regulations)[13]. Copies of instruments of government 5. - (1) The local education authority which maintains or will maintain a school or a new school for which an instrument of government has been made shall secure that the persons set out in paragraph (2) are provided (free of charge) with -
(b) where any variation is made to the school's instrument of government -
(ii) a consolidated version of the instrument of government incorporating all variations made by order of the local education authority (other than any variations which have ceased to have effect).
(2) In relation to any school to which paragraph (1) applies, the persons who are to be provided with the information referred to in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) are -
(ii) every member of the temporary governing body of the school; (iii) any trustees under a trust deed relating to the school; and (iv) in the case of a Church in Wales or Roman Catholic Church school, the appropriate diocesan authority or, in the case of a new school which has not opened, the diocesan authority which will be the appropriate diocesan authority when the school opens.
Additional co-opted governors
(b) there is a vacancy in the office by virtue of which such a governorship exists.
Appointment of parent, partnership and co-opted governors
(b) an LEA governor; (c) a co-opted governor (including an additional co-opted governor); (d) a representative governor; or (e) a partnership governor.
Joint appointments
(b) those persons fail to make an agreed appointment,
the appointment shall be made by, or in accordance with a direction given by, the Assembly.
(b) the excess is not eliminated by the required number of governors of that category resigning,
such number of governors of that category as is required to eliminate the excess shall cease to hold office in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3). Application and Interpretation 14. - (1) This Part does not apply in relation to any member of a temporary governing body of a new school. (2) In this Part, any reference to a governor continuing in office on transition to the new framework is a reference to a governor continuing in office under regulation 13 of the First Transitional Regulations or regulation 57 of the Second Transitional Regulations. Qualifications and disqualifications 15. Subject to Part VIII (transitional provisions) Schedule 6 sets out the circumstances in which a person is qualified or disqualified for holding or continuing in office, or for being elected, appointed or nominated, as a governor of a school. Term of office 16. - (1)
(ii) a governor referred to in paragraph 4 or 5 of Schedule 8, (iii) a head teacher, (iv) an ex officio foundation governor, or (v) a substitute governor,
and any additional governor or additional foundation governor appointed under section 16(1) or (8) of the 1998 Act, shall hold office for a term of four years.
(2) For the purposes of this regulation, "substitute governor" means any foundation governor appointed to act in the place of an ex officio foundation governor by virtue of any regulations made under paragraph 16 of Schedule 9 to the 1998 Act and "the original governor" means the ex officio foundation governor in whose place the substitute governor is appointed to act.
(b) the date when the original governor gives written notice to the clerk to the governing body to the effect that he is able and willing to act as a foundation governor; or (c) the date when a person other than the original governor takes office in the post by virtue of which the ex officio governorship exists.
(4) This regulation and paragraphs 4 and 5 of Schedule 8 shall not prevent a governor -
(b) from being disqualified, by virtue of provision made under these Regulations, for continuing to hold office.
Resignation
(b) A nominating body proposing the removal of an additional co-opted governor shall inform the governor in question (in writing) of the reasons why they are proposing his removal. (c) In this paragraph a "nominating body" means any person from whom nominations for appointment were sought in connection with the appointment of the additional co-opted governor in question. (d) In sub-paragraph (a) "request" means a written request, setting out the reasons for the proposed removal.
(4) Any co-opted governor (within the meaning of the 1998 Act) (other than an additional co-opted governor), may be removed from office by the governing body in accordance with the procedure set out in regulation 19.
(b) the matter of the governor's removal from office is specified as an item of business on the agenda for each of those meetings.
(3) In relation to the removal of an additional co-opted governor, before the governing body resolve at the second meeting whether to confirm the resolution to remove the governor from office, the clerk shall give the reasons for removal provided by the nominating body and, where any governor or governors support the removal, they shall at that meeting explain their reasons for doing so and the governor whom it is proposed to remove shall be given an opportunity to make a statement in response. Application and interpretation 21. - (1) Regulations 23 and 25 do not apply to the appointment of the first clerk to the temporary governing body of a new school. (2) Subject to paragraph (1), in regulations 22 to 25 references to a community, voluntary controlled, community special school, foundation, voluntary aided or foundation special school, or to a maintained school, include a new school which will be such a school. (3) Any provision in this Part relating to the dismissal of a clerk to the governing body is without prejudice to any rights and liabilities which the clerk may have if he is employed under a contract of employment. Clerk to the governing body: restrictions 22. - (1) On and after 1st April 2000 -
(b) the head teacher of a maintained school shall not serve as clerk to the governing body.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the governing body may, where the clerk fails to attend a meeting of theirs, appoint any one of their number to act as clerk for the purposes of that meeting.
(b) the authority shall dismiss the clerk to the governing body on receipt of the notification from the governing body.
(3) The governing body of a foundation, voluntary aided or foundation special school may determine that the clerk should be dismissed.
(ii) dismiss the clerk;
(b) the local education authority may give the governing body directions requiring them to dismiss the clerk.
First clerk to the temporary governing body and clerking on transition to the permanent governing body Interpretation 28. In this Part, except where the context otherwise requires, any reference to a school is a reference to a school or a new school which is, or will be, a maintained school. Chairman and vice-chairman of the governing body 29. - (1) The governing body of a school (other than the temporary governing body of a new school) shall each school year, at their first meeting in that year, elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among their number (subject however to paragraph (2)), (2) A governor who is employed to work, or is a registered pupil, at the school in question shall not be eligible for election as chairman or vice-chairman. (3) Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5), the chairman or vice-chairman shall hold office as such until his successor has been elected in accordance with paragraph (1). (4) The chairman or vice-chairman may at any time resign his office by giving notice in writing to the clerk to the governing body. (5) The chairman or vice-chairman shall cease to hold office if -
(b) he is employed as a teacher or otherwise at the school in question; (c) in the case of the chairman, he is removed from office in accordance with regulation 30; or (d) in the case of the vice-chairman, he is elected in accordance with paragraph (6) to fill a vacancy in the office of chairman.
(6) Where by reason of any of the matters referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5) a vacancy arises in the office of chairman or vice-chairman, the governing body shall at their next meeting elect one of their number to fill that vacancy (subject however to paragraph (2)).
(b) The agenda for the meeting at which the chairman or vice-chairman is to be elected shall list the names of persons who have informed the clerk that they are willing to stand for election. (c) If no person is listed on the agenda referred to in sub-paragraph (b) as willing to stand for election as chairman, members of the governing body may state at the meeting at which the chairman is to be elected whether or not they are willing to stand for election. (d) Sub-paragraphs (a) to (c) apply in relation to the election of the vice-chairman as they apply in relation to the election of the chairman.
(10) Any election of the chairman or vice-chairman which is contested shall be held by secret ballot.
(b) the matter of the chairman's removal from office is specified as an item of business on the agenda for each of those meetings.
(3) Where the governing body include additional governors appointed under section 27 of the School Inspections Act 1996[18] or section 16 or 18 of the 1998 Act, paragraph (4) shall apply instead of paragraph (2).
(b) in any case to which paragraph (4) applies, to any meeting held to consider the chairman's removal from office.
Chairman and vice-chairman of temporary governing bodies
(b) he is employed as a teacher or otherwise at the new school; or (c) in the case of a vice-chairman, he is elected in pursuance of paragraph (4) to fill a casual vacancy in the office of chairman.
(4) Where by reason of any of the matters referred to in paragraphs (2) and (3) a vacancy arises in the office of chairman of vice-chairman, the temporary governing body shall at their next meeting elect one of their number to fill that vacancy (subject however to paragraph (7)).
(b) a temporary teacher governor of the new school, (c) a person employed to work at the new school or, in the opinion of the other temporary governors, likely to become so employed,
shall not be eligible for election as chairman or vice-chairman of the temporary governing body of the new school or as a chairman of a meeting thereof but, subject as aforesaid, every temporary governor shall be so eligible.
(b) given by the chairman of governing body or, in his absence or where there is a vacancy in the office of chairman, the vice-chairman of the governing body, so far as such direction is not inconsistent with any direction given as mentioned in sub-paragraph (a).
(4) Any three members of the governing body may, by notice in writing given to the clerk to the governing body, requisition a meeting thereof; and it shall be the duty of the clerk subject to paragraph (5), to convene such a meeting as soon as is reasonably practicable.
(b) a copy of the agenda for the meeting:
provided that where the chairman or, in his absence or where there is a vacancy in the office of chairman, the vice-chairman, so determines on the ground that there are matters demanding urgent consideration, it shall be sufficient if the written notice of a meeting, and the copy of the agenda therefor, are given within such shorter period as he directs.
(b) "head teacher" means any head teacher entitled, by virtue of regulation 32, to attend the meeting of the governing body.
(8) The convening of the meeting and the proceedings conducted thereat shall not be invalidated by reason of any individual not having received written notice of the meeting or a copy of the agenda therefor.
(b) the number of members present ceases to constitute a quorum for a meeting of the governing body in accordance with regulation 37.
(3) Where in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2) a meeting is not held or is terminated before all the matters specified as items of business on the agenda for the meeting have been disposed of, a further meeting shall be convened by the clerk to the governing body as soon as is reasonably practicable.
(b) co-opting governors (otherwise than as foundation governors), (c) co-opting temporary governors[20], (d) appointing members of, or determining any question relating to, any committee established under these Regulations or any head teacher or deputy head teacher selection panel under Schedule 16 or 17 to the 1998 Act, (e) any vote on the removal of a member of the governing body in accordance with regulation 19, (f) any vote on the removal of the chairman of the governing body in accordance with regulation 30, or (g) making arrangements for an Education Action Forum[21] to discharge any function on behalf of the governing body or assume full responsibility for the discharge of any function of the governing body,
shall be two-thirds (rounded up to a whole number) of the persons who are at the time members of the governing body entitled to vote on those respective matters.
(b) any defect in the election, appointment or nomination of any governor, or the continuation in office of any governor by virtue of the First Transitional Regulations or the Second Transitional Regulations; or (c) the school having more governors of a particular category than are provided for by the instrument of government, pending removal of the surplus governors pursuant to paragraph 17 of Schedule 9 to the 1998 Act.
Minutes of meetings
(b) the draft minutes of every such meeting, if they have been approved by the person acting as chairman of that meeting. (c) the signed minutes of every such meeting, and (d) any report, document or other paper considered at any such meeting,
are, as soon as is reasonably practicable, made available at the school to persons wishing to inspect them.
(b) a named pupil at, or candidate for admission to, the school; and (c) any matter which, by reason of its nature, the governing body are satisfied should remain confidential.
(3) This regulation does not apply in relation to temporary governing bodies of new schools.
(b) section 403 of the 1996 Act (which relates to sex education); (c) section 406 and 407 of the 1996 Act (which relate to the prohibition of political indoctrination and the balanced treatment of political issues); (d) section 457 of the 1996 Act (which relates to policies on charges and remissions); (e) section 12(2)[22] of the 1998 Act (which relates to the making of arrangements for the discharge of governing body functions by or ceding of governing body functions to an Education Action Forum and the request to an Education Action Forum to cease discharging functions on their behalf); (f) sections 28, 29, 30 or 31 of, or paragraph 10(4) of Schedule 6 to, the 1998 Act (which relate to alteration or discontinuance of maintained schools); (g) sections 28 or 31 of the 1998 Act as they have effect (by virtue of regulations under Schedule 8 to the 1998 Act) in relation to proposals made under that Schedule (which relates to change of category of maintained schools); (h) section 41 of the 1998 Act (which relates to the times of school sessions and the dates of school terms and holidays); (i) section 42 of the 1998 Act (which relates to the governors' annual report to parents) in so far as approval of the governors' report is concerned; (j) the local education authority's scheme under section 48(1) of the 1998 Act, to the extent that it requires the governing body to give their approval to the first formal budget plan of the financial year; (k) section 61(1) to (3) of the 1998 Act (which relate to school discipline policies); (l) sections 88, 89, 90(8) and 91 of the 1998 Act (which relate to determination of admission arrangements), section 90(1)[23] of the 1998 Act (which relates to the decision to object to the admissions arrangements of another admissions authority), section 93 of and Schedule 23 to the 1998 Act (which relate to fixing admission numbers and variation of standard numbers), and section 94 of the 1998 Act (in so far as it relates to the determination of appeal arrangements by the governing body); (m) section 110(1) and (7) of the 1998 Act (which relate to adoption and review of home-school agreements); (n) paragraph 4(4) or (5) of Schedule 11 to the 1998 Act (which relate to the regulation of procedure); (o) paragraphs 6 of Schedule 16 and 7 and 30 of Schedule 17 to the 1998 Act (which relate to head teacher and deputy head teacher selection panels); (p) paragraphs 10 to 16 of Schedule 16 and paragraphs 11 to 16 of Schedule 17 to the 1998 Act (which relate to appointment of teachers other than the head teacher or deputy head teacher)[24]; (q) paragraphs 27(2) of Schedule 16 and paragraph 24(2) of Schedule 17 to the 1998 Act (which relate to the making of arrangements for appeals in cases of dismissal); (r) paragraph 2 of Schedule 20 to the 1998 Act (which relates to arrangements for collective worship); (s) regulation 29 or 31 (which relate to the appointment of the chairman and vice-chairman of a governing body); (t) regulation 30 (which relates to removal of the chairman of the governing body): (u) regulation 34(1) or (2) (which relate to the requirement to hold a governing body meeting once a term, or a meeting of the temporary governing body, as often as occasion may require); (v) statutory provisions relating to the decision to delegate functions, or the establishment, constitution and review of committees, including selection panels; (w) statutory provisions relating to the contents, preparation or variation of the instrument of government; (x) statutory provisions relating to the appointment, co-option or removal of governors including temporary governors; and (y) Part III of the Education (School Information) (Wales) Regulations 1997[25] (which relates to information to be published by governing bodies) in so far as approval of the school prospectus (referred to in regulation 9 of those Regulations) is concerned.
(2)
(ii) at a foundation, voluntary aided or foundation special school, the initial decision that a person employed to work at the school should have his contract of employment with the governing body terminated or should not have that contract renewed (except where the dismissal is pursuant to a direction of the local education authority under section 55(5) of the 1998 Act): (iii) the hearing of representations in relation to a decision which must be delegated under this sub-paragraph.
(b) The hearing of any appeal in respect of a decision which must be delegated under sub-paragraph (a) shall be delegated to a committee, known as the dismissal appeal committee, in accordance with regulation 47.
(3) The governing body of a school shall in accordance with regulation 48 establish a committee, to be known as the pupil discipline committee, to discharge the functions conferred on them by sections 65 to 68 of the 1998 Act (exclusion of pupils).
(b) under section 439(7) of the 1996 Act (school attendance orders), (c) under sections 95(2) and 97(3) of the 1998 Act (appeal against decision of the local education authority to admit a child and referral to the Secretary of State in respect of a direction made by the local education authority to admit a child), and (d) which consist of the taking of any decision as to the particulars of premises to be submitted to the Secretary of State for approval under section 544 of the 1996 Act,
shall not be delegated to an individual but may be delegated to a committee.
(b) the chairman (whether by reason of a vacancy in his office or otherwise) would be unable to exercise the function in question before the detriment referred to in that sub-paragraph is suffered,
the reference in paragraph (1) to the chairman shall have effect as if it were a reference to the vice chairman. Interpretation and application 45. - (1) In this Part, except where the context otherwise requires, any reference to a school is a reference to a school or a new school which is, or will be, a maintained school. (2) This Part shall not apply in relation to head teacher and deputy head teacher selection panels. Establishment and constitution of committees of the governing body 46. - (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (4) of regulation 42, the governing body of a school may establish such committees as they think fit for the purpose of exercising on their behalf such functions as they may delegate to a commitee in accordance with regulations 41 or 42. (2) Subject to regulations 47, 48 and 49, and to paragraph 17 of Schedule 16 and paragraph 17 of Schedule 17 to the 1998 Act -
(b) the establishment, terms of reference, constitution and membership of any committee of the governing body shall be reviewed at least once in every twelve months; (c) the membership of any committee of the governing body may include persons who are not members of the governing body provided that a majority of members of any such committee shall be members of the governing body; (d) subject to sub-paragraph(e), the members of the committee who are not members of the governing body shall not be entitled to vote in any proceedings of the committee; (e) the governing body may determine that some or all of the members of a committee who are not members of the governing body shall be entitled to vote in any proceedings of the committee; (f) no vote on any matter shall be taken at a meeting of a committee of the governing body unless the majority of members of the committee present are members of the governing body of the school; (g) the chair at any meeting of a committee of the governing body shall be taken by the chairman thereof, except that when he is absent those present shall elect from among their number a person to take the chair at the meeting during such absence; (h) no person who is employed to work at the school, or a registered pupil thereat, shall act as chairman of a committee of the governing body.
Staff dismissal committee and dismissal appeal committee
(b) it appears to the chairman that it would not be practical for a quorate meeting of the committee to take place for any purpose referred to in those subsections before the time when the pupil would be due to take that examination.
Admissions committee
(b) at least two other persons who are members of the governing body.
(2) In the case of any school which has more than one head teacher, the reference in paragraph (1)(a) to the head teacher shall be interpreted as a reference to one of the head teachers.
(b) paragraph 5 (bankruptcy); (c) paragraph 6 (disqualification of company directors); (d) paragraph 7 (disqualification of charity trustees); (e) paragraph 8 (list of persons whose employment is prohibited or restricted); (f) paragraph 9 (persons disqualified for being proprietors of independent schools); (g) paragraph 10 (criminal convictions).
(3) Where, by virtue of paragraph (2) -
(b) he is, or is proposed to become such a member,
he shall upon becoming so disqualified give written notice of that fact to the clerk to the governing body.
(b) in paragraph 10 of Schedule 6 -
(ii) there shall be omitted (in each place in which they appear) the words "or election", "or, as the case may be, on which he would otherwise have become a governor ex officio" and "or, as the case may be, since he became a governor ex officio.".
Clerks to committees
(b) In establishing any other committee, the governing body may appoint a clerk to the committee.
(2) The governing body of a school may dismiss any clerk appointed by them under paragraph (1).
(b) the head teacher shall not serve as clerk to any committee referred to in regulation 47, 48 or 49.
(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a committee of the governing body may, where their clerk fails to attend a meeting of theirs, appoint any one of their number to act as clerk for the purposes of that meeting.
(b) a copy of the agenda for the meeting;
provided that where the chairman of the committee so determines on the ground that there are matters demanding urgent consideration, it shall be sufficient if the written notice of a meeting, and the copy of the agenda therefor, are given within such shorter periods as he directs.
(b) any defect in the appointment of any member of the committee.
(4)
(b) Paragraphs (1) and (3) are subject to regulation 46(2)(f).
Minutes of meetings of committees
(b) the draft minutes of every such meeting, if they have been approved by the person acting as chairman of that meeting, (c) the signed minutes of every such meeting, and (d) any report, document or other paper considered at any such meeting,
are, as soon as is reasonably practicable, made available at the school to persons wishing to inspect them.
(b) a named pupil at, or candidate for admission to, the school; and (c) any matter which, by reason of its nature, the committee are satisfied should remain confidential.
(3) This regulation does not apply to a committee of a temporary governing body.
(b) a head teacher entitled under this regulation to attend meetings of the committee,
should be allowed to attend any meetings thereof shall be determined by the committee concerned. 57. - (1) In this regulation and in Schedule 7 -
(b) "relevant person" means a member of the governing body, a member of a committee of the governing body, the head teacher or any person acting as clerk to the governing body or committee; (c) any reference, however expressed, to a committee of the governing body includes, where applicable, a selection panel.
(2) Subject to any exception in these Regulations and to any other statutory provision -
(b) where a fair hearing is required and there is any reasonable doubt about a relevant person's ability to act impartially in relation to any matter,
that person, if present at a meeting of the governing body or a committee of the governing body at which the matter is the subject of consideration, shall withdraw from the meeting and not vote on the matter in question.
(b) from hearing representations from a relevant person acting in a capacity other than that of a relevant person.
(4) Any person who is acting as the clerk to the governing body or a committee of the governing body shall not be required to withdraw from a meeting by this regulation or Schedule 7, unles his pay or disciplinary action against him is the subject of consideration, but if paragraph (2) or Schedule 7 would have otherwise required him to withdraw, he shall not act in any capacity other than that of clerk. 58. - (1) Schedule 8 makes provision in relation to -
(b) clerks to, and chairmen and vice chairmen of, governing bodies of maintained schools and new schools,
on transition to the new framework under the 1998 Act. 1. In this Schedule, "sponsor" in relation to a school means a person who gives, or has given, substantial financial assistance (which for these purposes includes benefits in kind other than the provision of services) to the school other than pursuant to any statutory obligation. 2. Where the school has one or more sponsors, the governing body may determine that the instrument of government shall provide for the governing body of the school to include such number of additional co-opted governors, nominated in accordance with paragraph 3, as may be determined by the governing body, not exceeding two. 3. Nominations for such appointments shall be sought from the school's sponsor, or (as the case may be) from any one or more of the school's sponsors. 4. Where the school is a participating school in relation to an education action zone[26], the governing body may determine that the instrument of government shall provide for the governing body of the maintained school to include one additional co-opted governor nominated by the Education Action Forum[27] for the zone in relation to which the school is a participating school. 1. In this Schedule "appropriate authority" has the same meaning as in Schedule 5 (elections). 2. - (1) This paragraph applies to any maintained school to which this Schedule applies[28], other than a community or foundation special school established in a hospital. (2) In the case of a school to which this paragraph applies, parent governors shall be appointed by the governing body if -
(b) it would, in the opinion of the appropriate authority, be impracticable for there to be an election of parent governors.
3.
In the case of a school which is a community or foundation special school established in a hospital, parent governors shall be appointed by the governing body, where, in the opinion of the appropriate authority, it is likely to be impracticable for there to be an election of parent governors.
(b) the number of parents standing for election is less than the number of vacancies.
5.
Except where paragraph 6 applies, in appointing a parent governor[29] under this Schedule the governing body shall appoint -
(b) where it is not reasonably practicable to do so, a person who is the parent of a child of compulsory school age.
6.
- (1) Where the school is a community or foundation special school not established in a hospital, in appointing a parent governor under paragraph 2(2) or 4, the governing body shall appoint -
(b) a person who is the parent of a child of compulsory school age with special educational needs; (c) a person who is a parent of a person of any age with special educational needs; or (d) a person who is the parent of a child of compulsory school age.
(2) The governing body shall only appoint a person referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(b), (c) or (d) if it is not reasonably practicable to appoint a person referred to in the provision in that sub-paragraph which immediately precedes it. 1. Where a partnership governor is required, the governing body shall seek nominations from parents of registered pupils at the school, and from such other persons in the community served by the school as they consider appropriate. 2. No person shall nominate for appointment, or appoint, a person as a partnership governor[30] unless -
(b) in any other case, he is satisfied that the nominee or appointee appears to be from the community served by the school and committed to the good government and success of the school.
3.
- (1) In the case of a school which will be or is a foundation special school without a foundation, the governing body shall in appointing partnership governors secure that at least one partnership governor is a person with experience of education for children with special educational needs.
(b) informed about the procedures to be followed in making nominations.
5.
Subject to paragraph 7(2), no member of the governing body may nominate a person for appointment as a partnership governor.
(b) in the case of a foundation special school at which a partnership governor with experience of education for children with special educational needs is required, no eligible nominee has such experience,
the number of partnership governors required shall be made up by persons selected by the governing body who are eligible and meet the requirements for appointment. 1. In this Schedule:
(b) "the local community" includes the local business community.
2.
In appointing a person to be a co-opted governor, the relevant governors -
(b) shall have regard to any representations made to the governing body as to the desirability of increasing the connection between the governing body of the maintained school and the local community; and (c) where it appears to them that no member of the governing body of the maintained school is a member of the local community or that it is desirable to increase the number of governors who are members of the local community, shall co-opt a person who appears to them to be a member of that community.
3.
For the purposes of paragraph 2(a) and (c), in considering the extent to which the governing body of the maintained school includes members of the local community, the following governors shall not be regarded as members of the local community -
(b) parent governors; (c) staff governors; (d) teacher governors; (e) partnership governors; (f) additional co-opted governors nominated by minor authorities; (g) the head teacher.
1.Subject to paragraph 3 in this paragraph "appropriate authority" means - (a) in relation to a community, community special or voluntary controlled school, the local education authority; and (b) in relation to a voluntary aided, foundation or foundation special school, the governing body. 2. Where a local education authority is the appropriate authority in relation to a school, that authority may delegate to the head teacher of the school any of their functions under this Schedule except their functions under paragraph 4. 3. The local education authority shall be the appropriate authority in relation to a school within paragraph 1(b) if the governing body and the local education authority so agree. 4. The appropriate authority shall determine -
(b) for the purposes of an election of teacher governors, any question whether a person is a teacher at the school; (c) for the purposes of an election of staff governors, any question whether a person is employed under a contract of employment or a contract for services to work at the school otherwise than as a teacher.
5.
Subject to paragraphs 6 to 9, the appropriate authority shall make all necessary arrangements for, and determine all other matters relating to, an election of parent governors, teacher governors, or staff governors.
(b) does not include power to impose any requirement as to the minimum number of votes required to be cast for a candidate to be elected.
7.
Any election of parent governors, teacher governors or staff governors which is contested shall be held by secret ballot.
(b) informed that he is entitled to stand as a candidate, and vote, at the election; and (c) given an opportunity to do so.
General 1. - (1) No person shall be qualified for membership of a governing body of a school unless he is aged 18 or over at the date of his election or appointment. (2) No person shall at any time hold more than one governorship of the same maintained school. (3) Subject to paragraphs 12 and 15, the fact that a person is qualified to be elected or appointed as a governor of a particular category at a maintained school does not disqualify him for election or appointment or for continuing as a governor of any other category at that school. Mental disorder 2. A person shall be disqualified for holding or for continuing to hold office as a governor of a school at any time when he is liable to be detained under the Mental Health Act 1983[31]. Governor of more than two schools 3. - (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (7), a person shall be disqualified for holding office as a governor of a school if, were he to continue in office as such on transition to the new schools framework, or be appointed or elected to that office, he would, on the date on which he would have so continued in office or on which the appointment or election would have taken effect, be a member of the governing body of more than two schools. (2) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) no account shall be taken of ex officio governorships, temporary governorships, or additional governorships in respect of governors appointed under section 27 of the School Inspections Act 1996[32] or section 16 or 18 of the 1998 Act. (3) Sub-paragraph (4) applies to a person who continues in office on transition to the new schools framework as, or who becomes, an ex officio member of the governing body of a relevant school and is an ex officio member of the governing body of more than two relevant schools. (4) A person to whom this sub-paragraph applies shall be disqualified for continuing to hold office as an ex officio governor of any relevant school unless that school is for the time being a designated school. (5) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (4), a designated school is a school designated by the ex officio governor, in accordance with sub-paragraph (6), by notice in writing to the clerk to the governing body of the school and to the clerk to the governing body of any other relevant school whose instrument of government provides for him to be an ex officio member. (6) A person to whom sub-paragraph (4) applies may designate one or two maintained schools provided that the number of governing bodies of relevant schools of which he will be an ex officio member shall be no more than two. (7) Up to and including 31st August 2001 a person who on 31st August 1999 was a member of the governing body of a grouped school shall not be disqualified under sub-paragraph (1) for holding office as a governor of more than two schools, provided that at least two of the schools of which he is a governor were within the same group and that the total number of governing bodies of schools of which he is a member does not exceed three. (8) For the purposes of this paragraph, a relevant school is a maintained school at which the governing body conducting the school are constituted or partly constituted under an instrument of government made under Schedule 12 to the 1998 Act. (9) For the purposes of this paragraph, a grouped school is a school which, on 31st August 1999, formed part of a group of schools grouped under section 89 of the 1996 Act, whether or not its governing body was constituted under an instrument of government with effect from midnight on that date. Failure to attend meetings 4. - (1) This paragraph shall apply in the case of any governor of a school who is not an ex officio governor. (2) Such a governor who, without the consent of the governing body concerned, has failed to attend the meetings thereof for a continuous period of six months beginning with the date of a meeting, shall, on the expiry of that period, be disqualified for continuing to hold office as a governor of that school. (3) Where a governor has sent an apology to the clerk to the governing body before a meeting which he does not propose to attend, the minutes of the meeting shall record the governing body's consent or otherwise to his absence and a copy of the minutes shall be sent to the governor concerned at his normal place of residence. (4) In relation to a governor who has continued in office on transition to the new schools framework, the period before 1st September 1999 shall be taken account of in considering whether the governor has failed to attend meetings of the governing body for a continuous period of six months. (5) A foundation governor, LEA governor, representative governor or co-opted governor who has been disqualified as a governor of a school under paragraph (2) shall not be qualified for appointment as a governor of the same category at that school during the 12 months immediately following his disqualification under sub-paragraph (2). Bankruptcy 5. A person shall be disqualified for holding or continuing to hold office as a governor of a school if - (1) he has been adjudged bankrupt or sequestration of his estate has been awarded and (in either case) he has not been discharged and the bankruptcy order has not been annulled or rescinded; (2) he has made a composition or arrangement with, or granted a trust deed for, his creditors and has not been discharged in respect of it. Disqualification of company directors 6. A person shall be disqualified for holding or for continuing to hold office as a governor of a school at any time when he is subject to a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986[33] or to an order made under section 429(2)(b) of the Insolvency Act 1986[34] (failure to pay under county court administration order). Disqualification of charity trustees 7. A person shall be disqualified for holding or for continuing to hold office as a governor of a school if - (1) he has been removed from the office of charity trustee or trustee for a charity by an order made by the Charity Commissioners or the High Court on the grounds of any misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the charity for which he was responsible or to which he was privy, or which he by his conduct contributed to or facilitated; or (2) he has been removed, under section 7 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990[35] (powers of Court of Session to deal with management of charities), from being concerned in the management or control of any body. Persons whose employment is prohibited or restricted 8. - (1) A person shall be disqualified for holding or for continuing to hold office as a governor of a school at any time when he is included in the list of teachers and workers with children or young persons whose employment is prohibited or restricted. (2) In sub-paragraph (1), "the list" means the list kept for the purposes of regulations made under section 218(6) of the Education Reform Act 1988[36]. Persons disqualified for being proprietors of independent schools 9. A person shall be disqualified for holding or continuing to hold office as a governor of a school at any time when he is, by virtue of an order made under section 470 or section 471 of the 1996 Act, disqualified for being the proprietor of any independent school or for being a teacher or other employee in any school. Criminal convictions 10. - (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (6) below, a person shall be disqualified for holding, or for continuing to hold, office as a governor of a school where any of sub-paragraphs (3) to (5) or (7) below apply to him. (2) In cases where a member of a governing body has continued in office as a governor of a school on transition to the new framework, in this paragraph, a reference to a person's appointment or election as governor, or becoming a governor ex officio, is a reference to his original appointment or election as a governor, or becoming a governor ex officio, within the terms of the 1996 Act. (3) This sub-paragraph applies to a person if -
(b) since his appointment or election as governor or, as the case may be, since he became a governor ex officio,
he has been convicted, whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere, of any offence and has had passed on him a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) for a period of not less than three months without the option of a fine.
(b) since his appointment or election as governor, or, as the case may be, since he became a governor ex officio,
he has been convicted under section 547 of the 1996 Act (nuisance and disturbance on education premises) of an offence which took place on the premises of a school maintained by a local education authority or a grant-maintained school, and has been sentenced to a fine.
(b) he is, or is proposed, to become such a governor,
he shall upon becoming so disqualified give written notice of that fact to the clerk to the governing body of the school.
(b) eligible to be a staff governor or a teacher governor at the school; or (c) an elected member of the local education authority.
Parent governor
(b) an employee of the local education authority, or (c) an employee of the governing body of any school maintained by the local education authority,
unless he is a parent of a registered pupil at the school.
(b) eligible to be a staff governor or a teacher governor at the school; or (c) an elected member or employee of the local education authority.
Teacher and staff governors Interpretation 1. - (1) In this Schedule any reference, however expressed -
(b) to a relevant person present at a meeting of a school, so far as it concerns voting, is a reference only -
(ii) in the case of a meeting of a committee, to a member of the committee who is entitled to vote;
(c) to a person's spouse includes someone living with that person as if he or she were that person's spouse.
Pecuniary interests
(b) he is a partner, or is in the employment, of a person with whom the contract was made or is proposed to be made or who has a direct pecuniary interest in the matter under consideration:
provided that a person shall not by virtue of this sub-paragraph be treated as having such an interest by reason only of his membership of, or employment by, any public body; or by reason of his membership of a corporation or other body if he has no financial interest in any securities of that corporation or other body.
(b) of the fact that the contract or matter under consideration or discussion concerns the exercise by the governing body of any of their functions relating to the curriculum for the school; or (c) of the fact that the contract or matter under consideration or discussion involves expenditure by the governing body.
(6) For the purposes of this paragraph, a member of the governing body or of a committee of the governing body of a school who is a person employed to work at the school otherwise than as a teacher, shall not be treated as having a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a contract, proposed contract or other matter by reason only -
(b) of the fact that the contract or matter under consideration or discussion concerns the exercise by the governing body of any of their functions relating to the curriculum for the school; or (c) of the fact that the contract or matter under consideration or discussion involves expenditure by the governing body.
(7) Members of the governing body shall not, by reason of their pecuniary interest in the matter, be prevented from considering and voting upon proposals for the governing body to take out insurance protecting such members against liabilities incurred by them arising out of their office and the governing body shall not, by reason of the pecuniary interest of such members, be prevented from obtaining such insurance and paying the premiums.
(b) his own appointment or removal from office as clerk to or chairman of the governing body or a clerk to or chairman of a committee of the governing body; or (c) if he is an additional co-opted governor nominated by a particular category of person, any determination under paragraph 15(1) of Schedule 9 to the 1998 Act as to the provision in the instrument of government for additional co-opted governors nominated by that category of person.
(2) In any case where sub-paragraph (1) applies, the relevant person shall withdraw from the meeting during the consideration or discussion of the matter in question and shall not vote on any question with respect to that matter. Qualifications and Disqualifications 1. Regulation 15 and Schedule 6 shall apply to any member of a transitional governing body constituted under an instrument of government in accordance with regulation 18(2) of the First Transitional Regulations but shall not apply in relation to any member of -
(b) a transitional governing body, a GM transitional governing body, or a grouped transitional governing body within the meaning of the Second Transitional Regulations[39].
2.
In relation to Wales, regulation 23 and Schedule 6 of the First Transitional Regulations, and regulations 21, 40 and 53 and Schedule 6 of the Second Transitional Regulations, are revoked.
(2) In relation to Wales, for regulation 33(8) of the Second Transitional Regulations there is substituted the following paragraph -
Term of office
(b) regulations 20 and 52 of the Second Transitional Regulations.
Removal
(b) a parent governor within the meaning of the 1996 Act who has been appointed rather than elected.
(3) The power of removal in regulation 18(4) does not apply in respect of any co-opted governor on transition to the new schools framework under the 1998 Act unless the governing body is constituted or partly constituted under the instrument of government.
(b) to which regulation 13 of the Second Transitional Regulations applies.
(2) In this paragraph, "transitional governing body" has the meaning given to it in regulation 13 of the Second Transitional Regulations. (This note is not part of the Regulations) These Regulations deal with the government of maintained schools and new schools in Wales, from 1st September 1999, when the new framework for schools under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 comes into effect. They work together with Schedules 9 to 12 to that Act. Part I provides for the regulations to come into force generally on 1st September 1999. Restrictions on who can be appointed as clerk to the governing body or to certain committees come into force on 1st April 2000. Part I also contains interpretation provisions. In particular, the general principle is that references in the regulations to governing bodies include temporary governing bodies of new schools. The making of new instruments of government for maintained schools on transition to the new framework, and the constitution or reconstitution of governing bodies under those instruments, is dealt with in separate regulations under Schedules 9 to 12 to the 1998 Act, or, in the case of new schools, in regulations under section 44 of that Act. Part II of the Regulations makes provision for copies of the new instruments of government to be provided to governing bodies and temporary governing bodies, and to the other parties involved in making the instrument of government. The rest of Part II applies to maintained schools which have new framework governing bodies constituted under instruments of government. It relates to provisions which may be in the instrument, having regard to the fact that the instrument may be amended in accordance with Schedule 12 to the 1998 Act after it has been made. Regulation 6 and Schedule 1 relate to provision in instruments of government for additional co-opted governors nominated by sponsors (or an Education Action Forum). Regulation 7 requires the instrument of government to be amended if there is any change in the body entitled to appoint a representative governor at a community special school. Regulation 8 requires the instrument of government to provide for appointment of a substitute foundation governor if an ex officio foundation governor cannot or will not act. Part II also deals with appointments and election of governors at schools which have new framework governing bodies constituted under instruments of government. Regulation 9 and Schedules 2, 3 and 4 provide for new appointments of parent, partnership and co-opted governors (other than additional co-opted governors). Regulation 10 provides for notification of vacancies and appointments. Regulation 11 provides for appointments to be made in accordance with a direction given by the Assembly where joint appointors cannot agree. Regulation 12 and Schedule 5 provide for the election of governors. Regulation 13 provides for the removal of surplus governors where there are more governors of a particular type than are required by the instrument. Part III makes provision for qualifications and disqualifications for office, term of office and resignation and removal of governors, other than temporary governors of new schools. Regulation 15 and Schedule 6 set out disqualification provisions relating to governors, imposing a number of new disqualifications. These provisions apply to all governing bodies, except temporary governing bodies and governing bodies, which (for a short period on transition to the new framework) continued as constituted under the 1996 Act provisions by virtue of regulations under Schedule 10 to the 1998 Act. Regulation 16 provides that generally governors hold office for 4 years. The main exceptions are for governors continuing in office on transition to the new framework, the first co-opted governors at new schools, and foundation governors appointed on or after 1st September 1999. Regulation 17 provides that any governor can at any time resign. Regulations 18 and 19 contain new provisions about the removal of governors. Regulation 20 requires notice of resignation or removal. Part IV provides for the appointment of clerks to governing bodies and temporary governing bodies. Clerks at community, voluntary controlled or community special schools are appointed and dismissed by the local education authority as directed by the governing body. Clerks at foundation, voluntary aided, or foundation special schools are appointed and dismissed by the governing body. Special provisions apply where the school does not have a delegated budget and in respect of the appointment of the first clerk to a temporary governing body. Part V provides for meetings and proceedings of governing bodies and temporary governing bodies. This Part includes provision for appointment and removal of the chairman, convening and termination of meetings, quorum, decisions to be made by the majority of members voting, access to meetings, minutes and their publication. Regulations 41-44 relate to delegation of governing body functions. Part VI deals with committees of governing bodies and temporary governing bodies. It covers establishment and constitution of committees, including staff dismissal, dismissal appeal, pupil discipline and admissions committees, disqualification of members of committees who are not governors, clerking of committees, proceedings, minutes and access to meetings of committees. Part VII and Schedule 7 contain new provisions relating to withdrawal from governing body or committee meetings of persons normally entitled to attend those meetings. The general principle is that where there is a conflict between the interest of such a person and the interests of the governing body, or where the principles of natural justice require a fair hearing and there is any reasonable doubt about the person's ability to act impartially, he should withdraw from the meeting and not vote. Part VIII and Schedule 8 contain transitional provisions. Notes: [1] 1998 c.31; for the meaning of "prescribed" and "regulations" see section 142(1).back [2] The National Assembly for Wales was established by section 1 of the Government of Wales Act 1998 (c.38).back [9] Sections 10-13 of the 1998 Act will not apply in relation to Wales unless an Order to that effect has been made by the Assembly see section 10(8) of that Act. No such Order has yet been made.back [10] Sections 10-13 of the 1998 Act will not apply in relation to Wales unless an Order to that effect has been made by the Assembly see section 10(8) of that Act. No such Order has yet been made.back [11] The definition of "school year" is inserted by paragraph 43 of Schedule 7 to the Education Act 1997 (c.44).back [12] See for the purposes of the composition of governing bodies on transition to the new schools framework, regulations 18 and 19 of the First Transitional Regulations, regulations 13 and 49 of the Second Transitional Regulations and regulation 13 of the School Organisation Regulations.back [13] This Part should be read together with Schedules 9 and 12 to the 1998 Act. The constitution or reconstitution of the governing body under the first instrument of government made on transition for the new schools framework is dealt with in the First Transitional Regulations, or the Second Transitional Regulations.back [14] The procedure for varying the instrument of government is in paragraph 4 of Schedule 12 to the 1998 Act.back [15] Generally parent governors are elected. See paragraph 4 of Schedule 9 to the 1998 Act.back [16] Excess foundation governors are to be eliminated in accordance with the procedure set out in the instrument of government for the school.back [17] Part VIII of these Regulations contains provisions relating to clerks to governing bodies and temporary governing bodies on transition to the new schools framework under the 1998 Act.back [18] 1996 c.57. Such governors continue in office from 1st September by virtue of regulation 57 of the Second Transitional Regulations.back [19] Part VIII makes provision in relation to chairmen and vice-chairmen of temporary governing bodies of new schools on transition to the new schools framework under the 1998 Act.back [20] Regulations under section 44 of the 1998 Act will make provision for the constitution of temporary governing bodies.back [21] No Education Action Forum can be established in Wales unless an Order is made by the Assembly under section 10(8) of the 1998 Act applying sections 10-13 of that Act in relation to Wales. No such Order has yet been made.back [22] Section 12 of the 1998 Act will not apply in relation to Wales unless an Order to that effect has been made by the Assembly - see section 10(8) of the 1998 Act. No such Order has yet been made.back [23] 'Section 90(5) of the 1998 Act alters the effect of section 90(1) in relation to Wales.back [24] These functions are not delegated under regulation 41 because there are specific powers of delegation (to one or more governors, the head teacher, or one or more governors and the head teacher in paragraph 17 of Schedule 16 and paragraph 17 of Schedule 17 to the 1998 Act.back [25] S.I. 1997/1832, amended by S.I. 1998/2697 and S.I. 1999/127.back [26] No Education Action Zones or Education Action Forums can be established in Wales unless an Order to that effect has been made by the Assembly under section 10(8) of the 1998 Act. No such Order has yet been made.back [27] No Education Action Zones or Education Action Forums can be established in Wales unless an Order to that effect has been made by the Assembly under section 10(8) of the 1998 Act. No such Order has yet been made.back [29] See also paragraph 13 of Schedule 6 for disqualifications for being appointed as a parent governor.back [30] See also paragraph 15 of Schedule 6 for disqualifications for being appointed as a partnership governor.back [32] 1996 c.57. See regulation 57 of the Second Transitional Regulations.back [36] 1988 c.40. Section 218 of the 1998 Act has been amended by paragraph 17 of Schedule 30 to the 1998 Act.back [37] This paragraph does not apply to elected parent governors.back [39] The First Transitional Regulations and the Second Transitional Regulations provide for disqualification requirements in relation to members of the transitional governing bodies specified in paragraph 1(a) and (b) of Schedule 8 to follow disqualification requirements under the 1996 Act.back
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