Kingston upon Thames Gujarati School is a voluntary organisation established for over 25 years. Its primary focus is to provide teaching in the Gujarati language and increase cultural awareness for pupils and Parents. The School has successfully:
- Established a strong track record of students passing GCSE in Gujarati – and developed the ability of children to be able to read, write and speak Gujarati
- Developed the talents of students through participation in multi-cultural and community events and
- Provided leadership for the promotion of Gujarati cultural activities within the wider Community
In addition, many alumni of KUTGS have attended leading universities and now work in wide variety of professions. Feedback from them has highlighted their involvement in encouraging greater understanding of the Gujarati culture amongst colleagues from many communities. KUTGS has, along with parents, given them the knowledge and confidence to do this – they are our greatest ambassadors. Many of our past students come back to do voluntary work at school and share their experiences.
KUTGS is based at West Barnes Library, Station Road, New Malden, KT3 6JF, which provides comprehensive teaching facilities in a safe environment. All teachers and on site volunteers have been CRB/DBS checked and have successfully carried out various Health & Safety and First Aid training to help provide this.
The Management of the School has been modeled on:
- A Governing Body that provides guidance, oversight and support to the school as well as interfacing with the wider community. The Governors have responsibility for the strategic management of the school in terms of resources, policies, procedures, performance monitoring and fund raising. They are accountable to the Parents and funding stakeholders.
- A strong operational structure within the school, with the Head of School providing leadership and focus and for day to day management activities. Included is responsibility for the teaching curriculum, staff and student performance, student well being and site management.
- Close relationships within the school are built through Governors attending school on Fridays to meet staff and parents to understand their views. In addition, there are teacher and student representatives on the Governing Body.
The Governance of the School is directed by a Constitution.
KUTGS Governing Body – 2014/2015
The following members were elected at the AGM:
- Sonal Shah
- Himanshu Joshi
- Ramila Lancefield
- Nilesh Mandvia
- Bhavna Patel
- Jaimini Patel
- Jatin R Patel
- Ketan Patel
- Satish Patel
- Niket Patel
The following member was co-opted:
- Jatin Patel
- Rutang Thanawalla
KUTGS has the following policies and procedures in place to govern and manage activities:
- Equal Opportunities Policy
- Health and Safety Policy
- Child Protection Policy
- Human Resource – Recruitment Policy
- Data Protection Policy
- Anti-Harassment and Bullying Code
- Code of Conduct for students, staff and Governors
- Environmental Policy.
The management of the school is also supported by the following Standard Operating Procedures:
- Admissions and Fees
- Accessibility Plan – Equality Act
- Complaints
- Grievance
- Administration and Register
- Risk Assessment – Events
- Finance Process
- Performance Management
These provide a solid framework to run the school.