Parent governors

[mrsnewfie]

Hello all.

Just wondering if anyone is or has been a parent governor?

What have your experiences been like?

I'm a secondary school teacher but considering the role at my children's primary school. It has recently been graded Requires Improvement by Ofsted.

Many thanks.

The main point is that all Governors are formally equal, although of course each will have something particular to bring.

It follows that although parent governors are elected by parents and function as a valuable link between parents and the GB -Parents who are Governors tend to know what is "going on" in the playground....other than that they have to muck in with everyone else.

As a secondary school teacher I think you would have something worthwhile to contribute.....

I used to be a primary teacher. I left 5 yrs ago when DD was born. I am now parent gov at her school. It's great to have a background in teaching as you understand more than people with no background in the classroom at all (acronyms, ofsted, etc). Obviously it would be slightly difficult as you would be unable to visit the school during the day, so it would be hard to get to know the staff well or be involved in interviews etc.

I think you'd be great but don't bank on becoming one.It is a popularity contest.I'm always amazed at the ones with fantastic skills who often don't get the roles during the election process due to losing out to others with far less who are popular.

It makes me I think the system needs sorting out tbf.

That said do go for it.

I stood at our school because no one ever does! We have three parent governors and I never see the other other two at meetings. We were elected without contest in that only three of us stepped forward. I feel totally out of my depth most of the time I have to say but I do what I can. Once you are signed up you can go on courses. Do as many as you can. It is good to make a difference to the strategic overview if your school.

Hi, I think there are probably hugely varied experiences depending on the calibre and dynamics of the board.

We were recently assessed as Requires Improvement and its been the best thing ever to move the board from apathetic rubber- stampers to proper strategic team. We have a long way to go but at least we have been bumped out of complacency.

Thank you all. They are desperate for governors at our school. After the last RI inspection, half of them resigned.

Will continue to look into the role.

retro that sounds dire.

OP, I haven't hot anything heftily yo say but always wondered if at most schools parent governors and/or their children get to enjoy extra perks due to the 'status' they have?

Omg, appalling spelling

• I haven't got anything helpful to add but....

No our governors don't get any kiddy perks at all.

Our Ofsted outstanding school we don't actually have to do much as the head is on top,of everything and knows the answer to anything we chuck at her.

I've been a parent governor for 6.5 years and chair of governors for nearly 2 years.

My experience has always been a positive one because I am lucky enough to have worked with 2 head teachers, who positively welcome the input and involvement of the governing body.

Having said that, I have met governors both in RL and online who have had the opposite experience...and have had to work with very difficult head teachers and chairs.

To answer Famousfem's post, well I suppose it's possible but it has never been my experience.

I have worked with 2 parent governors in the past who made it pretty clear that they were only 'in it' for their own children...but neither of them lasted longer than a year when they soon realised there was no personal gain to be had.

I have also spoken to governors from other schools who have experienced the exact opposite in terms of their children deservedly earning a prize/reward, but the school being too afraid to give it to them for fear of appearing biased.

I think it really does depend on the head teacher, the chair and the professionalism of the governing body as a whole.

As a parent Governor who had to win an election the key is your written Bio. Really show the parents what you can bring to the school. Don't hold back but also don't offer more than you can give.

Parent Governor roles are difficult because you will have to find ways to work with some appointed Governors, and some who don't like parent Governors, but your teaching exp will help here.

The best thing is always put the kids first, visit the school once a month, record your visits, share praise and concern with the head. Never accept anything that is not good governance. Read the Governors Handbook, its long but well worth the read. Failing schools often have out of date and ill informed governors who do it for their CV kudos rather than a real interest in helping to create an Outstanding School.

According to a lot of mn being a parent governor guarantees your dc will have the main part in all plays, win all the prizes, get put up a book level before other children, and they will never have a supply teacher.

The reality is that there will be governors meetings at a time that may well not be convenient to you-worth checking what time they typically are, they might be first thing in the morning (7am anyone?) or evening, plus a certain number of training conferences, mostly in the evening and the more important/interesting to you the more likely they are to be at the other end of the county in an awkward place with no carparking.
In return you may be offered a glass of wine at the end of year meeting and a front seat at the leavers' concert in which you have no dc in.

But if you are keen then you can fine it very rewarding in finding your expertise used by the school to improve, and make some friends along the way.

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.

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.

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.

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

Some useful sites: UK Governors Forum and Governor Line 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

I have never been aware of a Governor who is a parent getting a "perk" either for themselves or a child.

However there IS the "perk" of getting to know how things work, having a much clearer view of the school than any ordinary parent can have, and, yes, getting some personal satisfaction out of doing something to help ALL the children, which somewhat unavoidably, will include your own (!)