Any school governors out there?

[DillyDallyingAllDay]

Hello!

I'm a co-opted school governor at a school that isn't my children's'. I don't work in education or have any links to the school.It's been about a year and I still do t feel like I know the school very well or able to get involved. Has anyone who's been there share any advice?

Thanks!

My mum is. She has been part of interview panels for senior roles, helped on school trips and does weekly reading with yr 6 as not many volunteer with older groups. As well as normal governor stuff. It’s a c of e school and she is the church rep so also gets involved when anything involves church.

she is retired though and definitely does more than she used to.

I would just ask them where they need specific support… unless there is something you are keen to do eg a sports group

Have you been on any learning walks around the school? Are you a link governor? All these will bring you closer.

Do you have a specific role?
The best way to get to know the school is by visiting and talking to staff and students. I suggest you contact your Chair, say you’re keen to visit, and ask if they would like your visit to have a particular focus. Check the protocol for governor visits with the Chair.
Ask if you can have a tour of the school, a chat with some students, and a learning walk. You might be interested in chatting to members of SLT to hear what they think is working well and what could be ‘even better.’
You can also learn a lot by joining a school activity or trip as a volunteer.
The more people get to know you, the more they will tell you!

So as well as the meetings, have you done any monitoring visits? They could be talking to pupil groups, specific staff if you’re a link governor, learning walks. There should be monitoring every term and more if you’re safeguarding lead. Ours is organised at one of the meetings. We’re also invited to stay for break/lunch in the staff room if we’re in. We also get invited to all the school events.

The head and the staff very much see us as part of the team which is lovely and we’re always made to feel welcome.

Ask if you can have a mentor. If they don't do mentoring, suggest it to help get new governors up to speed quicker.
Second some sort of tour with Head or Chair.
Find out about training.
Any specific governor focuses that you could get involved with?
Have a look at the NGA website and see what they are focussing on?