what makes an effective board of governors of a primary school?

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that't it really, I am looking for positive input from anyone who has experience in this topic....thanks! Current board made up of various parents, teachers, token LEA and DFES body.

Good governors are critical (in the broad sense) friends. People with the best interests of the school (not just their own stakeholders) at heart, who aren't afraid to speak up when needed.

I agree with all of Eliza's points.

I think you need a broad range of experience and backgrounds - people with financial, business, commercial experience are needed; but also people with backgrounds in 'caring professions' are needed, and people with knowledge and experience of children. You also need some of the governors (including ideally the Chair) to have considerable time available to spend in school on a regular (weekly) basis with the Head and other staff/students.

HTs are usually strong, dominant people used to getting their own way (even very good ones), and it is vital there are people around them confident and strong enough to speak up if HT is heading in a direction which is not good either for the school or the HT themselves.

Surprised to see that you have a DFES representative.

At the risk of sounding a bit formal it is worth pointing out two absolutely critical things about state school governing bodies:-

1. Composition

Because they represent all stakeholders -Parents, Teachers, Support Staff, and the general community they make the point that schools are neither run by parents, nor by teaching staff nor by the local council. It is a partnership. Sometimes the language of the market is used and people talk about parents as consumers. Well if there ARE consumers it is the children, but anyway schools are a matter for the whole community. Under certain circumstances it can be right for a Governing Body to make a decision not supported by a majority of the current parents. Sometimes decisions have to be made that staff do not like either. Better not to annoy BOTH groups at the same time tho' !

1. Powers

Governing Bodies have three formal powers confirmed on them by law.

The first is that governors are the people who appoint the Head. In our current system this is an absolutely crucial decision. A wise Governing Body will take advice and get assistance BUT in the end who is the Head is down to them.

The second is that governors are the only people who can "disappoint" the Head (hoho). Of course I mean that only the GB can dismiss a Head. The LEA may advise but they cannot do it. I know of at least one case where the LEA and the Head fell out really badly, but the Governors supported the Head. Nothing the LEA could do.

The third is the Governors have to approve the budget.

On these three powers everything else rests.

A job really worth doing. I completely agree with Eliza2 and Roisin about the sort
of people one needs.

thanks everyone for your responses. There is a DFES person because the school is in London and said member is a local resident who happens to work in Whitehall.

I am now more informed as to their stance and viewpoint.

Be aware though that The Mighty NC influences most curriculum decisions. Even strong, motivated governors hit brick walls if trying to stray from it.