Purpose

The proposed variation to the Instrument of Government has been reviewed (requested by Local Authority to align Instrument of Government with updated Legal Services template to clarify categories and numbers of governors who are staff) and is considered compliant with the requirements of the School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2012. The variation has been assessed against the statutory provisions relating to the constitution and governance of maintained schools and is considered to support effective, sustainable and lawful governance arrangements for the school.

In reaching this decision, regard has been given to the Maintained Schools: Governance Guide and the statutory guidance Constitution of Governing Bodies of Maintained Schools, which set out the principles and requirements for effective governance and the composition of governing bodies. The proposed amendment reflects the governing body's agreed request and ensures that the Instrument of Government continues to provide an appropriate governance framework for the school.

The governing body's agreement to the Local Authority’s request has been assessed solely against the statutory requirements for maintained school governance, and no matters have been identified that would prevent the Local Authority from approving the variation. The Local Authority is therefore satisfied that the revised Instrument of Government is lawful, appropriate and consistent with the relevant legislative and governance requirements.

Decision

that the Variation of Instrument of Government for Lincolnshire Maintained School – Gainsborough St George’s CE Community Primary School be approved

Alternative options considered

Alternative options were not pursued as the proposed variation does not change the constitution of the governing body but seeks to bring the Instrument of Government in line with updated Local Authority Legal Services frameworks and complies to the School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2012 and accompanying statutory guidance relating to the constitution and governance of maintained schools.