Any parent governors here

[metronome1]

Hi all

Can anyone tell me what the role actually is?
Would it suit anyone or do you need certain knowledge/skills?
How full on is it? Is it a no go for an already busy person? Do you enjoy it?

Thanks

I hope this will answer your questions:-

A parent Governor has the same rights and responsibilities as any other Governor.

Being a Governor varies slightly from school to school. The main thing is ‘time and commitment’. You should think of the Governor meetings as meetings that you must attend and arrange your social/work life around them. You should attend the training sessions that your Local Authority provides.

School Governors are the biggest volunteer organisation in the UK. We estimate that it takes up about 35hrs per year although, of course, it depends on how involved you want to be. You can expect about 2 meeting per term (one on a committee and one for the Full Governing Body meeting) leading to about 6 meetings of about 2hrs each per year.

I repeat, it varies slightly from school to school and it depends on how involved you want to be.

In all types of schools, governing bodies should have a strong focus on three core strategic functions:
a. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
b. Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils; and
c. Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

Governors deal with Budgets, Policies, Targets and things which are 'a step away' from the 'day to day' running of the school.
Any question like 'My child doesn't ... isn't ... can't ...' is not for a Governors meeting.

School Governors do not run the school; they are there to take an overview and see that it delivers.
The phrase is "Eyes on, hands off"

Sometimes one can get involved with sacking, redundancies and discipline matters.

Some useful sites: The Governance Handbook and UK Governors Forum and Being a School Governor and Governors for Schools.

I enjoy it and I've learnt a lot. I like being involved with the school and making a contribution - watching and learning how others deal with and solve problems. I have gained in self-confidence and speaking up in meetings.

I’m sure you can Google ‘being a school governor’ yourself but:-

The Role of a School Governor

1 To Provide a Strategic View
2 To Act as a “Critical Friend”
3 To Ensure Accountability

Good Luck

Dan's advice is good, and there is little to add. There are generally around 6-10 meetings a year depending on the committee set up, but expect at least one 2-hour meeting each term. You may be expected to make a few visits to the school in addition to this. It's all perfectly do-able if you're keen, but it helps to have a supportive partner to cover childcare if the meetings are held in the evenings.

You don't need any particular skills, but an interest in education and how the school is structured and managed is essential. You soon pick up the jargon and it's an enjoyable and rewarding thing to do IMHO. Go for it!

When i became a Governor I was told it would be four meetings a year (one a term plus exam results meeting) . I soon found out that there were many sub committees and, as I had a particular skill, I was encouraged to join two of them. That meant another six meetings a year. Then we became an academy - cue lots more meetings and responsibility. Then we has two Ofsted reports, further questionning and meetings during the check. Then theres interviews, for new staff and going into school to meet with your linked department.

Overall you dont have to do so much but, in reality, if you want to be a good Governor you are very likely to do more than the minimum.

I really enjoyed it and only stopped when my children had both left and I found it difficult to get into school. I am very busy but also flexible so was able to make the meeting times. Thats probably the most important thing for a busy person. The meetings tend to be scheduled a year in advance ans if your own diary means you cant make them then you wont be able to be very effective. However, if you can, give it a go. Its a really important role.