2024-25
Welcome from our Chair of Governors
The start of this year saw governors complete 18 months of work on our Strategic Vision for Devonshire Road. This work has cemented the vision and ethos of our school, bringing together the thoughts of governors and staff, into a working document. The impact of this will be that as we continue to develop our school, we have clear values and priorities to work within. Our Strategic Vision - centered around our three core values of Community, Nurture and High Aspirations was presented to staff in January of 2025; a copy of which can be viewed on our school website.
Away from this work, as a board we have monitored, challenged and supported our school. Governors have visited school to see what goes on in practice, both individually and as a group at our twice-yearly governor days. We report back on our visits, ensuring there is impact within our committees.
This year, our Governor Days have included work on –
• The role of Teaching Assistants (TA) in school. Discussions with TA, understanding their role better and seeking their thoughts and views.
• Undertaking Online Safety training, to ensure we understand the statutory requirements and challenges in this area.
• Visiting the Early Adopter Breakfast Club, to see in action the impact of decisions we are making around this.
• Meeting with pupils and asking questions about their experiences in school. Children are our first consideration in all decisions we make, so it’s important (and insightful) to hear their views directly.
• Working on our own development as a board, and next steps for us to take.
A golden thread in our work this year has been to focus on our provision for Special Education Needs children. We look at this from all angles, from finance, to attendance, to how we can best support families.
I would like to thank all of our Governors for volunteering their time to support the development of our wonderful school.
Katie Edern, Chair of Governors
Governor Impact: Head Teacher’s Perspective
Last year, working alongside the Governing Board in leading Devonshire Road Primary School continued to be a great privilege.
The impact of our committed governors’ work is evident in every success we have celebrated. From the number of children achieving the highest grades in reading, writing, math’s and grammar in their Year 6 SATs,to the important developments in our provision for our most vulnerable and complex learners, the Governors have been strategically involved in every step.
Each committee has carefully analysed quality of teaching, learning, environment and personal, social and emotional development in school to ensure that these are all the best they can be for our school community.
Governors have ensured that our budget is well-spent and serving our school mission and vision for the future.
During a time of widely reported pressures on English primary schools, our Governors have worked closely with staff to ensure that their voice is heard and valued.
When surveyed, 100% of our staff agree that they are aware of the School Governors and the role they do in school. One staff member reported that “my wellbeing is considered when decisions are made” with another commenting on how they appreciated their chance to discuss the challenges and successes of their role during one termly Governor Morning.
Our Governors proudly support our Investors In Pupils accreditation where school governance is an integral element.
It is amazing that Devonshire Road Primary School has such a committed and talented diverse community Board of Governors at the helm.
Because of this, I can only see the school going from strength to strength.
Emma Hodge, Head Teacher
Quality of Provision committee: Impact statement
The Quality of Provision committee has demonstrated effective governance throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, providing strategic oversight and accountability that has driven meaningful school improvement. Through systematic monitoring and evidence-based challenge, the committee has ensured that the school’s dual priorities of SEND development and curriculum enhancement remain focused on outcomes for all learners.
Committee Meetings
The Quality of Provision committee met in each term of the academic year. Matters considered during the meeting were led by the school’s priorities for improvement.
Focus on SEND Provision
One main focus for the committee this year was monitoring progress of the School’s Action Plan for SEND, undertaken both during committee meetings and through school visits so governors could see activities ‘in action’ and the impact of these.
• Governor Afternoon (Autumn): Discussions with Teaching Assistants about their role.
• Spring Term Visit: Observed a SEND intervention.
• Summer Term: Meeting with the SENDCo to discuss provision planning and monitoring, including a school walk.
• Governor Training: The SEND Governor attended a workshop with the SENDCo in the spring term.
Developing In-House Expertise
The committee also received termly reports on steps taken to further develop the school’s in-house expertise in the area of SEND. This included research insights to inform future development priorities and practice.
Curriculum Development
Another important focus has been the school’s curriculum. Significant work has taken place over recent years to shape the offer, and this year governors tracked progress on finalising sequencing across subjects. The curriculum has been designed to support long-term memory changes, enabling learning to ‘stick’ with children throughout their lives.
Subject-Specific Oversight
The committee received detailed reports on Geography, Music and Early Years, including leadership and development in these areas. The curriculum offer has been published on the school’s website for parents and the wider community.
Marie Ahmad Chair of committee
Finance, Premises and Personnel committee: Impact statement
The Finance, Premises, and Personnel committee has done an excellent job managing the school’s finances during a difficult time when many schools are struggling with tight budgets. We’ve kept the school in a strong financial position while making sure money is spent on the things that matter most for our children’s education.
We carefully track all money coming in and going out, follow all the financial rules, and help decide how to spend the school’s money wisely. This careful planning helps protect the school’s future and means we can make good decisions about what to invest in next.
Improving Our School Buildings and Facilities
The committee works hard to make sure our school is a safe and welcoming place for children to learn. We know that having good facilities makes a real difference to how well pupils do and how happy they are at school.
This year’s big improvements include:
• Kitchen refurbishment – updating our kitchen to make it safer and better for preparing school meals
• New playground equipment – installing exciting new play equipment that the children absolutely love
These improvements show how much we care about giving our pupils the best possible environment for learning and playing.
Universal Breakfast Club Initiative
A major achievement this year was the school’s adoption as an early implementer of the Universal Breakfast Club programme. This strategic initiative provides free breakfast to all pupils and has delivered measurable positive outcomes:
• Increased attendance rates – demonstrating improved engagement with school life
• Enhanced nutritional access – ensuring children receive a healthy start to their day
• Improved readiness to learn – supporting better educational outcomes through proper nutrition
What’s Next
All the committee members are really proud of what we’ve achieved this year and how we’ve helped make the school an even better place for our children. We’re committed to continuing this good work, keeping the school’s finances healthy, maintaining excellent facilities, and finding new ways to support every child’s success.
Hazra Akuji Chair of committee
Pupil Welfare committee: Impact statement
The Pupil Welfare committee has demonstrated significant impact across all areas of pupil welfare during the 2024-2025 academic year. Through monitoring, strategic policy development, and close working relationships with staff, the committee has directly contributed to maintaining attendance rates above national and local averages, strengthening safeguarding procedures, and fostering an inclusive school environment that addresses the diverse needs of our community.
Attendance monitoring
Governors’ focused approach to monitoring attendance has delivered measurable results. Devonshire Road continues to achieve rates above national and local averages, with targeted support for families ensuring improvement across all groups.
• Data-driven analysis of absence patterns has supported school leaders to refine attendance strategies.
• Policy refinements have been trialled in partnership with families to encourage consistent attendance.
Safeguarding and Pupil Support
Safeguarding oversight remains a cornerstone of the committee’s work.
• Regular meetings with safeguarding leads have given governors detailed insight into protective systems.
• Staff development has been prioritised, with three TAs trained as Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA).
• Governors have approved and monitored key policies, including updated Safeguarding, Child Protection, Online Safety (incorporating AI), and Anti-Bullying.
Promoting Equality and Inclusion
Governors continue to champion equality and inclusion as central school values.
• A curriculum review has strengthened cultural representation and anti-racism work from Year 1 to Year 6.
• Governors supported pupil workshops including Show Racism the Red Card and Educate Against Islamophobia.
• In preparation for the school’s centenary, governors encouraged activities celebrating diversity and bringing families together.
Digital Safety and Modern Challenges
The committee has taken a forward-looking approach to digital safeguarding.
• A new Online Safety Policy addresses issues such as artificial intelligence and deep fakes.
• Governors implemented mandatory training to strengthen understanding of risks.
• Resources have been shared with parents to extend digital safety into the home.
Behaviour and Personal Development
Governors have overseen innovative approaches to behaviour that balance nurture and accountability.
• Zones of Regulation provide safe spaces to de-escalate and re-engage with learning.
• Restorative practices encourage communication and reflection rather than punishment.
• Policies recognise the needs of pupils with SEND, framing behaviour as communication and tailoring support accordingly.
The Pupil Welfare committee’s work has strengthened attendance, safeguarding, equality, digital safety, behaviour, and community relationships. This evidencebased, inclusive approach ensures that every child at Devonshire Road thrives within a safe, supportive, and aspirational environment.
Lynsey O’Sullivan Chair of committee
Governors time volunteered this year 400 hours volunteered by Governors 24 meetings
Governor 3mornings
42 Governors ate school dinners Governors have spoken to 120 children across school
250 cups of tea
Website: www.devonshire.bolton.sch.uk
Contact: office@devonshire.bolton.sch.uk
