Can a parent improve a school's fortunes?

[Fruitflylady]

My DS will be starting at a local secondary that 'requires improvement'. It was his choice and he's happy to be going there, but the school seems disadvantaged compared to many in the local area. My question is, what can I as a parent do to help this school, if anything?

Become a governor

You could put yourself up for parent governor if you have the time / interest.

If there is a PTA that helps raise funds, you can join it.

You can ask questions of the teachers which might help them uncover where their communication etc isn't quite good enough (and when appropriate feedback praise).

You can support the school by supporting your child.

But ultimately if not a governor I don't think there is much you can really do of any note.

Some governors seem to be really good at sourcing funding

What skills do you have? Take those skills and lay them at the disposal of the pta and or governors.

Thanks, guess I'll look out for the next governor vacancy!
I had thought of offering to help out with science at the school, has anyone done this sort of thing at a school when they aren't a teacher themselves?

I very much doubt you can 'help out with science' at secondary, but you never know I guess.

You may be able to listen to struggling readers though.

You could offer to run an after school science club. Not sure if you would be allowed to though, or whether it would be stressful trying to keep the DC in order if you have no training how to do so! This sort of thing happened frequently at my DD's primary, but not sure if it would be the same at secondary.
I guess you could offer to do the more mundane tasks that the staff don't have the time for, such as photocopying or "minding" the library during a lunch time but, again, I'm not sure if they have those sorts of roles in secondary. As Teen suggests, listening to readers might be welcomed.

The simplest thing is simply to support the school. Follow the uniform rules, sign planners, ensure your DC has all the equipment they need for the lesson, send letters back promptly, make (and stick to) parents' evening appointments, etc. If you think you have specific skills that could help the school then make an appointment with the relevant head of department and ask if there's anything you could support with.

I would try and become a Governor but if it is RI they really need people who know what they are doing to improve it rapidly. A vague "o want to help" just isn't enough these days. I assume you knew it wasn't the bees knees but your DS aged 11 made the final choice? What did he know?

If you're interested in being a governor, you don't have to wait for a vacancy. Write up your skills and demonstrate what you could offer the governing body. A good governing body should have regular skills audits and if you fill a need, there may be an option for them to co-opt you into the GB (numbers allowing). It's a misconception that if you're a parent you can only be a parent governor.

Co-opted Governors are part of the set number of Governors for a school as agreed by the Governing Body. They are co-opted for their skills. They are not extras. Extra Governors are Associate Governors and some schools have loads of them, often staff! There is no reason why a school cannot have an Associate Governor with relevant skills though and, especially if the skills are mssing from the GB, they are encouraged to do this.

This is rather disheartening. There must be more people can do to help schools than just been a governor...?
Bojorojo; yes we went into this with our eyes open, but to be fair the only real choice was between two schools requiring improvement. Our closest (outstanding) school is catholic.
I'd like to feel I could do something to redress the imbalance between the schools in this area. It's not fair on the kids.

Can I be blunt OP? You sound pretty arrogant. What skills and experience do you have that you think will help the school?

There's no 'just' about being a governor. It's a big commitment. They are the people ultimately responsible for schools finances, appointments, etc.

yoni you are being a bit harsh there. I get the impression OP wants to help.
You could do the following:
help run the PTA and raise funds for equipment
offer to run a science club
offer to help in the library
offer to go on school trips - but you would need a DBS check
Maybe rally round and see if other parents can support too & go to the head and ask if he/she wants anything in particular supporting

Whoa, yes that's certainly blunt.
I don't know why you'd jump to the conclusion that I'm arrogant because I want to help a struggling school. I think you misunderstood me though with the governor comment; I didn't mean to imply that it's an easy role. I know it isn't, I have friends who are governors in infant, junior and secondary schools and I know the level of commitment it requires. I just meant there had to be another route into helping.

Thanks holidaysaregreat, those are all useful suggestions. I plan to contact the head soon.

I am sure they would welcome you as a volunteer TA

My children go to a secondary school that is "inadequate". All 3 are doing well and I can only echo above - I'm very strict about homework being done, we have a very positive attitude to learning in the house generally and have always made sure they have resources for whatever lesson they are doing. I make a point of emailing teachers to thank them after they have organised activities.

Being at a failing school doesn't mean all children will fail, the same as being at an outstanding school doesn't guarantee success.

Do we take it (from your username) that you're a geneticist? Because suggesting you "help out with science" is otherwise laughable. I'm sorry to be blunt, but presumably they already have teachers?
The main way to help schools (other than backing up all their policies at home, i.e. behaviour, homework etc) is money. That's how fee-paying schools do so well- money can improve facilities, number of staff available, extra-curricular opportunities etc etc. Are they in need of a new science block/sixth form block/sports hall?
You say it's disadvantaged compared with others in the area, but what are those disadvantages?

I'm not a geneticist but I do have a PhD, which is why I thought (maybe arrogantly?!) that I might have something to offer.
They are disadvantaged in that they are undersubscribed and underfunded. I've heard this year they are short of maths teachers so classrooms have had to be opened up so that one teacher takes two classes at once. Their reputation is rather poor, results are not great and lots of people look down their noses at it.
That said, it is a small school with a lovely friendly feel to it, and all the kids seem really happy there.

What about mentoring PP kid (or 5) who is keen on or struggles with science?
Being able to meet once a week after school as an extra 'educated' adult and someone else with time to help with their academics?

But how many PhDs are in KS3/KS4 relevant areas , and how many are completely esoteric?

Almost all state schools are underfunded I'm afraid, that's just the current situation. The biggest impact on your child's success is the attitude of his parents and the support they give him.

A science PhD however probably means the OP also did science A levels and is therefore likely to be confident and competent in a least 2 of the 3 disciplines to GCSE and probably A level. Which could be a very helpful resource, potentially.

So many schools being put into RI now it is ridiculous. Most of them are doing more and teaching better than ever. I honestly wouldn't worry to much. If you support your child and he works reasonably hard he can be very successful. A raft of parents supporting their children like that can make a difference.

If you did Maths A level & have a PhD will they let you teach/run lunchtime support classes?