I became a co-opted governor of a primary school a few months ago. I was looking for a local volunteering opportunity, thought it sounded interesting, was told it was a few hours work a month plus meetings, and that there was loads of training and support available.
What I've actually found is the role involves sitting in monthly 3 hour meetings where we discuss things I just can't get excited about - e.g. why have year 4 boys reading scores declined 0.3% compared to last year? I'm sat there thinking 'is 0.3% a statistically significant decrease and does it warrant a big discussion?' I don't know if this is the wrong attitude.
The meetings are also dominated by experienced governors who are either parents or former teachers. I get the vibe that because I haven't got children or a teaching background I can't credibly give a point of view.
I've found myself volunteering for roles/tasks without having a clue what they involve, just because I feel I need to do my share, but then stress over not knowing what to do (even when I ask, I get vague answers).
I attended one day of induction training but that was very general. There is more training I can sign up for but it doesn't necessarily map to the actual things coming up in meetings right now. I also don't have time to attend loads of training around work, FGBs, meeting prep and what feels like constant demands for school visits (on dates the school set, with little consideration that I do have a full-time job). I've been allocated a mentor but she hasn't been very friendly.
Overall it's already a very good school so governor work feels like paper shuffling and box ticking.
Does anyone have any advice?! I just want to quit really but also don't want to be flaky.
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Not enjoying being a school governor
60 replies
Cerulean60 · 05/01/2020 18:46
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