Rudolf Steiner indicated how Steiner-Waldorf schools should be run, and is summarised as:

• modern self-governing learning communities
• based on shared leadership and consensus decision-making
• with self-development based on reflective practice at the heart of professional development.

At Nant-y-Cwm Steiner School we strive to hold by these aspirations whilst adapting them to meet the demands of our contemporary legal and regulatory context. We do this through having strong governance and management to ensure there are clear lines of responsibility and accountability, but throughout the school staff are encouraged to share in the responsibility for pedagogy, collegial working and the safe and effective running of the school.

School Management Team (SMT)

SMT facilitates all the teams, helping them to function efficiently to develop the direction, vision, values and priorities of the school. SMT has responsibility for the day to day school management functions and decision making for the medium-term interests of the school.

Collegiate Support Team

Collegiate is responsible for maintaining the principles of Steiner-Waldorf pedagogy throughout the school and for matters that are directly connected to the curriculum and the teaching of the children. Collegiate consists of experienced teachers.

School Governance Team (SGT)

SGT act as Governors of the School, Trustees of the charity and Directors of the company. They make decisions about what is in the best long-term interests of the school.

There are currently three appointed Trustees who have the legal responsibility and provide support and advice in both legal and executive decision making in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the school. In particular, the Trustees have legal responsibility to ensure the Charity does what it was set up to do – namely to be a school run on the educational principles inspired by Rudolf Steiner. They also need to ensure that the school meets all the statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Independent School Standards. In addition, the Trustees also have the responsibility to ensure that the income, capital and expenditure of the school all effectively serve this purpose.

The Trustees are accountable to the School Association by whom they are elected at Annual General Meetings, as well as external regulatory bodies such as Estyn and Pembrokeshire County Council. The School Association is the legal entity of the company and comprises carers of children on the register (parents, step-parents and guardians), employees and recruited volunteers at the School and some older pupils who can apply to be members. Full members can vote at General Meetings.

The Trustees volunteer their time to support and challenge the other teams as they strive for the best possible education, learning environment and future prospects for the children in our school. They aim to create robust accountability, oversight and assurance in terms of the education and financial performance at Nant-y-Cwm.

The Trustees meet at least once a term, in person or via electronic communication (e.g. WhatsApp, Zoom or Viber) as well as by telephone.

They are able to invite others with relevant skills to join SGT to expand their collective experience. The School welcomes expressions of interest from people in the local community who would like to help the School achieve its aims and sustain the objects of the charity.

More Information

For more detailed information you can download our Introduction to the Organisational Structure of the School.

For any further questions or more detailed information on the management structure of the school please contact SMT, by emailing them at smt@nant-y-cwm.co.uk.

Nant-y-Cwm Steiner School is a registered charity (no. 510849) and limited company (no. 01527406).