Governor

Would you like to be a Governor?

Thrive Education Partnership (TEP) is a Multi-Academy Trust that is rapidly expanding, with five special needs academies, an autism-specific primary satellite provision, and an SEMH/AS resource base in a large secondary mainstream school. With around 530 staff and approximately 850 pupils between 2 and 19 years old, TEP is now seeking to appoint Governors for our Mary Elliot Academy in Walsall and our Calthorpe Academy in Birmingham.

Mary Elliot Academy is seeking passionate individuals to join our team. Our school is dedicated to serving students aged 11-19 with severe and profound complex learning difficulties.

We pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art facilities, which offer exceptional educational accommodation for our pupils. Our two-storey building is surrounded by vast grounds that provide ample space for learning outside the classroom.

Each classroom is designed to be spacious and filled with natural light. Additionally, we have specialised rooms for Art, Food Technology, Design Technology, Science, Music, and ICT. Join us in creating a supportive environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential.

Even if you have no prior experience in this area, TEP can provide you with a full induction and training within the governance model of the Trust. This will help you gain knowledge and understanding of Mary Elliot Academy and the wider context in which it operates.

Calthorpe Academy is a 2-19 special needs school in the centre of Birmingham. The Senior Leadership team  are determined to provide the best possible education to our learners regardless of their needs, background, beliefs or age to enable them to develop the ‘skills they need for the life they want’. 

We strongly believe that all our learners have the right to be safe, engaged and happy to enable them to learn effectively. Our strength is our diversity, creativity and unconditional care for our learners who are at the centre of everything we do.

Calthorpe is part of the Birmingham Special School Association which has allowed the Academy to work in partnership with 27 local SEN schools on CPD and peer-to-peer reviews. 

Calthorpe Academy has received the prestigious IQM flagship award, for its continued work around Inclusion. In addition, the Academy has achieved the Music Mark award for its commitment to providing high-quality music education. The Academy continues to keep its Quality Mark for English and Mathematics and The Quality in Careers Standard Award. 

Local Governing Boards (LGBs) are part of the trust governance structure and can:

• Support effective Trust operations and policies Provide support and challenge to Headteachers Foster engagement with parents and the community Bring attention to issues and risks for Trust board consideration Provide feedback to improve policies in the local context Ensure equal treatment of all schools within the Trust

What skills and qualities can I bring to this role?

• Displaying a confident and optimistic demeanour Exhibiting professionalism and dependability Possessing effective verbal communication skills Showing a keen interest in the education of young individuals with special educational needs Ability to become a lead Governor in one of the specified areas:

Safeguarding 

Quality of Education (including Personal Development)

Health & Safety

Risk & Audit

Wellbeing

When will I be required?

Local Governing board meetings held in daytime or evening, around 6 per academic year.

How much time do I need to commit?

6 meetings per year, each lasting approximately 2 hours, plus lead Governor responsibilities including visiting the academy.

What are the benefits of the role?

• Opportunity to meet new people and engage with the wider community. Rewarding experience working with young people with special needs. Governance training and support. Opportunity to improve and develop education provision.

What support will I receive?

• Induction. All out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed. Support from Governor Clerk and other Governors. Additional training opportunities.