BECOMING A GOVERNOR
Interested in supporting our school by becoming a school Governor?
Role of School Governors
The Department for education defines Governors as:
- … the strategic leaders of our schools (who) have a vital role to play in making sure every child gets the best possible education.”
They (Governors)exercise three key functions:
- ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
- holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and pupils, and
- overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure the money is well spent.
The Governing Body
Who are school governors?
Every school has it’s own Governing Body (or Board) which is responsible for the overall management of the school. The actual size of the Governing Body depends on the size of the school and made up of different types of Governors.
How can I become a parent governor?
When vacancies arise for parent governors all parents are notified by letter. To be eligible to be nominated as a parent governor, a person must have a child registered at the school. The term of office for governors is four years. A parent governor can still complete the four years even if the child has left the school.
All parents are invited to vote and the candidate (s) with the most votes will be elected.
What qualifications do governors need?
There are no formal qualifications needed to become a school governor. The one essential requirement is an interest in, and commitment to the education of all children. Governors have to be over the age of 18 years. The term of office is 4 years.
Governors are ordinary people drawn from many areas of society. They need to be able to devote time to getting to know the school well and to be active and available in their support for it. having common sense and a desire to serve the community are also important.
What skills do governors need?
- to be able to work co-operatively and supportively with others;
- to be able to use personal qualities and experience in the interest of the school, it’s pupils and staff.
Lord Nolan pointed out the 7 principles of public life; holders of public office should promote and support these principles.
Governors are asked to recognise the importance of these principles and uphold them at all times.
SELFLESSNESS
INTEGRITY
OBJECTIVITY
ACCOUNTABILITY
OPENNESS
HONESTY
LEADERSHIP
.What is expected of a governor?
Time
- attend a meeting of the Full Governors at least once per term;
- attend committee meetings as required;
- read reports and background papers prior to meetings;
- attend occasions such as concerts, masses, open evenings and sports days.
Commitment
- show an interest in children and their education and participate in the school’s activities;
- attend governor meetings;
- readiness to accept responsibility ;
- get to know the staff, pupils and their work.
Knowledge
- follow educational news and debates;
- attend training(annual).
Please contact the school on 226 1740 for further information.