Primary school parent governor - what does it involve?

[Mintylizzy9]

Hi

Looking for some honest feedback from anyone that has been or is a parent governor at their child’s primary school. Some positions have opened up at my DS’s school and I was thinking of applying.

How much time does it take up, are most of the meetings after school or during the day? Also wondered what tasks or projects you have worked on?

I’m a single mum and 4yo DS has just started in reception and has SEN. I work part time, early ish start so I can be finished in time for pick up and I’m wondering if it’s madness to throw my hat into the ring?

Being a governor is something to think about carefully. There will be mandatory training courses which in my area are always in the evening, meeting are most likely to be outside if school hours.
It can take up a lot of time but can be very interesting and rewarding. I would suggest contacting the chair of governors (or head) for an informal chat about the role and expectations.

DH was a governer at DDs primary for 2 years and has had to give it up this September.

He said it was really interesting. He was on the finance team and data team as that's where his skills best lay.

He was also involved in the shortlisting and Interviewing for the new head that started this September.

However he's had to give it up as it was a bit more of a commitment than he exoected. Meetings were often during his working day and there were several occasions he turned up to meetings for them to have been cancelled and he wasn't told. Very annoying when you've rejigged work and driven 25 miles to get there.

But he said it was really good experience

Thanks both, I’ve asked the head for some more info but heard today he’s off sick so may not hear back until after the deadline has passed. It’s the during school hours meetings that would require some jiggling and that’s what worries me, I need to keep holidays and Work onside to deal with DS emergencies but my parents are very close by and have said they’d be happy to jump in and help out with childcare for the out of hours stuff if I do it.

Good idea about speaking to the chair I will ask for their details tomorrow.

I'm a governor. Lots of others are teachers so cannot easily get time off in the day so those who can shore them up. It works OK. Everyone rolled in for ofsted of course so that was good.

I find it interesting but am still feeling my way around the ks1 and 2 data. I am also finding it a little cliquey which is dispointing.

I was a governor for eight years and the chair for the last 3 years. It is a big commitment if you do it properly. Remember that you are a volunteer, but you are volunteering to do something. Just turning up at committee meetings is not enough. In order to make informed decisions you need to know the school and that involves visiting during school hours and getting to know the staff, pupils, parents and getting a feel for the place. My experience showed that a small number of governors took on all the work whilst others made lots of noise but did nothing.
It takes a few years to get in the swing if things and there are a number of training courses that you should attend.
I would say that if you struggle for time don't do it. But if you can commit and really want to assist in leading the school then it is very rewarding.