The Gateway Primary Academy 

Governors' Newsletter, June 2026 

A warm hello to our Gateway families, we hope you and your children have settled well into the Summer Term. As governors, we wanted to share a short update on some of the areas we have been involved in recently and how we continue to support and challenge the school on your behalf.

Governors in School

Governors really value being present in school, and this term has been a particularly rewarding one. Many of us were delighted to attend the Christmas performance in December, which was a real celebration of the children’s confidence, creativity and hard work; and that of the teachers too. It was wonderful to see so many families there and to experience the strong sense of community that makes The Gateway Primary Academy such a special place.

Safeguarding: our highest priority

Keeping children safe is always at the heart of governors’ work.

• Throughout the year the governors carried out a safeguarding monitoring visit, including checks on procedures, staff training and discussions with pupils.
• In January, the school took part in a Safeguarding Audit led by Kent County Council. Governors reviewed the outcomes and were pleased to see strong practice recognised, alongside clear actions for continuous improvement.

Governors regularly check that safeguarding policies are up to date, that staff receive appropriate training, and that children know who they can talk to if they have worries.

What governors have been focusing on

At recent governing board meetings, governors have:

• Reviewed the Headteacher’s report, asking questions and offering both challenge and support around attendance, SEND provision, behaviour and teaching and learning.
• Looked closely at attendance, recognising the hard work being done with families and the importance of children being in school every day.
• Monitored SEND support, including speech and language provision and access to specialist advice.
• Scrutinised school finances, including audit findings, to ensure public money is used responsibly and in the best interests of pupils.
• Continued to review and approve key school policies, ensuring they meet statutory requirements and reflect the school’s values.

Looking ahead

Governors are also supporting the school as it looks to the future, including reviewing School Improvement Plan priorities, considering staff wellbeing alongside high expectations, and keeping a watching brief on wider educational developments.

A note on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Governors have begun to explore what Artificial Intelligence (AI) may mean for education in the future — both the opportunities it offers and the importance of using it safely and responsibly.

Parents and carers who would like to learn more may find this guidance helpful:

https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/artificial-intelligence-ai

Any use of new technology in school will always be age-appropriate, carefully considered and focused on children’s wellbeing and learning.

Finally, we would like to thank the staff, pupils and families for their continued support. Being a governor at The Gateway is a real privilege, and we are proud to work alongside the school community.

With best wishes,

The Governing Board