Why do I want to be a school governor?

[Caligula]

I've done an archive search before you complain, and I can't find the answer! I have to write a short piece about why I want to do it. So what are the correct reasons for wanting to do it?

My real reason is that I'm bored with my job but can't change it because it fits in with my children's lives, so I want to do something that stimulates and challenges me that doesn't revolve around bloody Mumsnet and which I can realistically fit in (I looked at being a magistrate but know that in the real world, I'd find it too much of a juggle).

I also am interested in what actually goes on in schools today and would like to find out more about how they approach education. And of course, I'd like to know more about how my children spend a large proportion of their time. But I somehow don't think they're quite the right reasons - can anyone tell me why else I want to do it?

[WideWebWitch]

I think your reasons are perfectly valid and would sound fine if they were re worded a bit. What about adding something about what you have to contribute (knowledge/experience of xyz) and about how you want to make that contribution to your children's school?

[nitfreecod]

you gte all the gossip

[nitfreecod]

show YOUr kids that you supporst their shcool

take an interest in rpovifdign the best education for kdis in your area


s

[nitfreecod]

because you care about the education that children receive
because you want to make an important contribution to your local community
because you enjoy a challenging and rewarding role
because you are keen to help all children do better at school

[puddle]

When I applied it was because I wanted to make sure that the school was in touch with the issues that mattered to parents and I wanted to do something practical to support the school. As a woking parent I wanted to have more contact with the school (I am also a control freak and very nosy - didn't put this in my application though).

I think your reasons are good ones. Saying that it would stimulate and challenge you is good - there is a lot of related training (mostly optional) so they will want someone who will commit to finding out what the current thinking and practice is.

Bear in mind you may have to be elected by other parents so they need to see that you will represent their views.

[Hallgerda]

Here's a bad paraphrase of some advice Arthur Miller gave to young people wanting to go into politics.

Think about how you feel as a parent about what the school does. How have school policies affected your own daily life? Anything you believe the school "could do better"? (Particularly if the school's shortcomings are making a load of extra work for you driving your children off to extra classes and activities). I would definitely mention educational standards. Dig out any correspondence you have had with the school recently to jog your memory about issues you feel strongly about but have temporarily forgotten.

Just to get you started, here are a few developments I'd like:
More musical instrument lessons;
More involvement in community matters such as the design of new playgrounds in local parks;
The school's diversity policy to be expanded to encompass issues other than just racism and sexism (they're working on it)
More education about the natural world.


You'll probably find you're up against a load of "I'm a really caring ordinary mum" candidates. Good luck!

[puddle]

I would really advise against going in there with issues you feel strongly about on the application form. You may come across as a person with particular axes to grind which are related to your own children rather than the whole school.

[Caligula]

pmsl at the "you get all the gossip"

My application form:

I want to be a school governor 'cos you get all the goss and you get one up on that awful blonde cow who swanks around the playground like she owns the place and makes her own bread.

Will that do, d'you think?

[Caligula]

I'm trying to think of what skills and experience I can bring to the job.

I have no idea. Ability to turn up at meetings on time? Ability to evaluate according to specific criteria? Can't think what skills and abilities one would need for this job. Anyone got any suggestions?

[Sparklemagic]

I work in a school and am a mum and from these two points of view I would want a governor who:

Is interested in finding out about the day to day experience of the school - ie the achievements and difficulties that the staff and pupils have. It's quite easy to be a bit distant from this as a governor I think.

Someone who values the whole school as an organisation - not just someone who thinks school is just kids and teachers! There are technicians, admin, teaching assistants...

Someone who has a clear head to keep a sharp focus on their job, not to get drawn into the politics of the job too much.

As a mum I would definitely want a parent governor who was prepared to be quite active in consulting with parents - obviously they need to be available for people to contact but I'd like someone who sometimes took the initiative and sent through questionnaires or a similar direct contact.

And obviously someone who is genuinely a good listener - not just making assumptions about what someone is saying but really listening!

HTH

[melrose]

HOw easy is it to become a non-parent governer? It is something I am v interested in doing but DS not school age yet.