Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Minutes of governing body meetings confidential?

The governing body must ensure that the agenda, approved draft minutes, signed minutes of meetings and any report or paper considered should be available for inspection at the school by any interested person. However, any item deemed confidential by the governing body, or items relating to a named pupil or member of staff would not be included.

Minutes are usually in two parts and the confidential items are in the second part. When the confidential part of the agenda is reached all non-governors, apart from the clerk and the Headteacher (if not a governor) should be asked to leave the meeting (as determined by the governing body). It is important however, to note that even the confidential part of the minutes must be made available if requested under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, although information will have to be blanked out to meet requirements in the Data Protection Act.