GoverNORS
WHAT IS A SCHOOL GOVERNOR?
School governors are volunteers who help to run the school. Most schools work with a group of school governors - together they’re called the 'governing body'. The governing body is there to ensure high standards of achievement for all the children in the school. They’re involved in decisions about all aspects of managing the school including:
- monitoring the schools performance;
- reviewing the staffing structure;
- making sure staff have the resources they need to do their job;
- looking at the school budget;
- considering the school policies;
- asking challenging questions of school leaders;
- ensuring the premises are suitable and safe.
Governors also help to make big decisions about the school’s long-term goals (strategy). They support headteachers, but also ask questions and make sure the headteacher is taking the school in the right direction.
WHO CAN BE A SCHOOL GOVERNOR?
Anyone over 18 can be a school governor – you don’t have to be a parent with a child at the school. However, every governing body includes parent governors, and it can be a rewarding way to be involved in your child’s school.
The most important qualities for being a governor are enthusiasm, commitment and an interest in education. You don’t need teaching experience, but it’s useful to bring skills from other areas of your life.
WHAT DOES THE ROLE INVOLVE?
At Dalton, you would need to attend a governors' meeting at least once a term. You’ll also be expected to join one or two sub-committees – these cover different areas like the curriculum, finance, or buildings. You’ll need to be able to work well in a team, as you’ll be making joint decisions on policy.
Demands on your time depend partly on how the school is doing generally. Being a governor will be a busy role if it’s going through a big change like appointing a new headteacher.
As a governor you’ll probably need to work eight to ten hours a month, assuming your school is in a reasonable position. All governors originally sign up for a four-year term. The chair and vice-chair of governors are re-elected every two years and the chair and vice positions for all other committees are re-elected every year.
HOW DO I BECOME A SCHOOL GOVERNOR?
If you’re interested in becoming a governor, you can talk to the current chair of governors. When there’s a vacancy for a parent governor all parents will be informed, and you’ll have a chance to stand for election.
Before you put yourself forward, talk to your employer. Many employers recognise the role of the school governor as useful work experience and may offer paid leave for governor duties.
INSTRUMENT OF GOVERNMENT - click on this link
CODE OF CONDUCT - click on this link
MONITORING POLICY - click on this link
WHO DO I CONTACT?
If you have any questions or need to contact one of the governors, please contact the school office and someone will get back to you to arrange a telephone conversation or arrange a mutually convenient meeting.
Tel: 01484 538729
Email: office.dalton@kirkleeseducation.uk
WANT MORE INFORMATION?
Click on the links below for more information about governors and what they do.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR GOVERNING BODY