Aquinas Advisory Council
The Aquinas Trust established Aquinas Advisory Councils (AAC) from 31 August 2016. The AAC plays an active part in supporting the Headteacher, liaising as appropriate with the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Trust Board more generally in relation to the Academy.
Members of the AAC of the Academy play an important part in supporting the work of the Trust and individual academies in raising standards of achievement and progress for all pupils. This involves providing a strategic view, acting as a critical friend and providing advice to the Headteacher in relation to his/her delegated functions, making recommendations for improvement and highlighting issues. Through this governance role, members have the opportunity to quality assure the work of the Academy and report concerns to the Headteacher, in the first instance, and thereafter to the CEO. Members also provide links with the wider community within a Christian framework.
AACs will consist of:
- Two parent members elected
- One staff members elected
- A minimum of 4 members appointed by the Trust for their relevant expertise and ability to advise
Trinity C of E Primary School is an academy within the Aquinas Church of England Education Trust (Aquinas). The responsibility for the oversight and management of all aspects of the Aquinas rests with the Board of Trustees. The day to day management of Aquinas has been delegated by the Trustees to the Chief Executive Officer, Kathy Griffiths. The day to day operation of Trinity C of E Primary School has been delegated to Sarah Kilbey.
The members of Trinity C of E School AAC are as follows:
| Trust appointed members | Parent members | Staff members |
|
Mr John Cook - Chair Mr Ben Clark Mrs Philippa Kings |
Miss Harninder Athwal |
Miss Sarah Kilbey Mr Christopher Drew Mrs Elizabeth Smith (Clerk to Members) |
The AAC does have delegated responsibility in relation to aspects of admissions, appointment of staff, complaints, performance management, permanent exclusions, school inspections, staff grievance and disciplinary. The AAC also has the ability to escalate concerns to the Headteacher, CEO or Trustees. The purpose of the AAC is to support, advise and be a critical friend to the headteacher in raising standards of achievement and progress for all learners.
The AAC members meet at least 3 times a year and certain members will have specific functions as agreed by the AAC and the Headteacher. Members will also forge links with the school and wide community. Notes of the AAC meeting are available on request.
AAC Members’ code of conduct and declaration of business interests support the following principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
If you wish to contact the Chair of the AAC or any of its members, please email: info@trinityceprimary.school and insert in the subject box ‘for the attention of the clerk to the Aquinas Advisory Council’.