I have just become a school governor at a primary school

[EarlyIntheMorning]

I have been elected because I work in mental health at a secondary school, so I guess they see that as my expertise. Thing is, I feel like a kid who's being allowed to be with the adults. This is despite being in my late 40s, I honestly feel I don't have anything to contribute. How can I educate myself to make a positive contribution?

Have the others that have been elected got a skill that would seem useful ?

I was elected as a governor at my sons school but I didn’t have any skills to contribute, perhaps it was my persona.

I just enjoyed helping with events the most.

There should be lots of training events you can go on, ask the clerk to the governor’s for information

I think it takes a year to get your head around the language.
I'd start with reading the new Ofsted inspection framework, it's quite different. You will be ahead of most governors if you do.
The biggest role of a governor is looking for assurance. Ask yourselves - how do you know that x is....? Ask questions.

Your tole isn't operational. By all means advise on mental health but dont fall into the trap of doing everything.

Role!

There's support services for governors - ask if your school has membership

I found it a bit daunting in the beginning - but go on as many governors courses as you can, they are really helpful. An induction one gives you a good start, and there are others about data, SEND, PP according to the speciality role you are given.
Your mental health expertise will be good for SEND and inclusion, and children with pupil premium. There are lots of mental health issues with families and children which affects attendance and their development
I loved my time as a primary school governor - having a break due to other commitments but will do it again. Good Luck!

There is a lot of training available. We subscribe to school membership for both classroom based training and online. I listened for the first few meetings before I felt able to confidently contribute. I asked a lot of questions- but then realised that's exactly what you should be doing.

I’m a parent governor and work in a non education business, so as a pp said, the language and all the acronyms was my biggest hurdle! There is a lot of training available, and an online service with some free stuff (the key, I think it’s called ) has some good pointers too.

When they say “there’s no such thing as a silly question”, believe them as we’re not alone in feeling like a fish out of water in that situation.