GovernorsUpdated 07.03.10 School ProfileGoverning Body Information
Roles and ResponsibilitiesAll schools are required by law to have a governing body who have an interest in the role of schools in society and wish to make a positive contribution to their communities. They will contribute to the effective day-to-day running of the school and the educational achievements of its pupils. The key roles of governors are:
The different types of governors and who appoints them.Parent governors Parent governors are elected by and from amongst the parents. The child must be on the school roll at the time the election is held. However, parent governors do not have to resign if their children leave the school before their term of office has expired. Having "parental responsibility" is not limited to biological parents, but will cover you if you are a step-parent, foster parent, grandparent bringing up the child, or permanent partner of the child's biological parent. A few people cannot be school governors; those who have been made bankrupt or who have been in prison for certain offences may not serve for at least three years afterwards. LA governors LA governors are appointed by the local authority. Staff governors The headteacher is automatically a governor and so has a vote. The headteacher may choose not to be a governor but will still retain the right to attend all governor meetings. Other staff governors are elected by, and from amongst, the school's teaching and non-teaching staff. Foundation governors Foundation governors are at voluntary aided and voluntary controlled schools. They are appointed by the body (mostly the Church) named in the Instrument of Government. Community governors Community governors are appointed by members of the governing body. They can bring expertise found in the local community (including the business sector). What is expected of a governor?The commitments a school governor must make and how much time they are expected to put in. Meetings Governors are required to attend meetings. There are five full governing body meetings per year and failure to attend for any six-month period could result in disqualification. Much of our detailed business is delegated to the following committees: Curriculum and Communication Committee (C & C) and Resources, Pay and Personnel committee (R.P & P), who meet at least once a term before the full governors meetings. All governors belong to one of the committees. Working with the governing body As a governor, you must work as members of the governing body for the best interests of the school. This involves asking questions on a range of matters, perhaps when you are visiting the school, attending an open evening or during a meeting. It also means contributing your opinions to the discussions of the governing body and accepting the majority view, which may not always reflect your own opinion. Representing others You are expected to represent the views of those who appointed or elected you. Remember that you represent a group (parent, teacher, Church, business, community) which may have a range of views. You do not necessarily have to vote in accordance with their opinions, but you should listen to them and convey their views to the governing body. You could also report back to interested parties on matters which aren't confidential. School activities You must show an interest in school activities. This means the everyday work of the school as well as special events. Find out as much as you can about your school. There really is no better way of finding out about your school than by visiting during working hours. It is courteous to make an advance arrangement with the headteacher and teachers you are intending to visit. Current Governors
TrainingAlthough new governors don't need any educational experience or expertise, you should be prepared to attend the free training course provided by Governor Services for newly appointed governors, so that you are fully aware of your role. Governor Services also provide a variety of other courses to help us carry out our roles as Governors of Stanford School. ContactWe are happy to talk to parents whenever there is a concern and some governors are usually present at most school events. There will be a Governors Surgery after each of the Sharing Assemblies. We will be wearing official badges identifying ourselves. The minutes of the full governors’ meetings are displayed on the governors’ notice board, once they have been approved at a full governors’ meeting. We will also make them available on the web site. Correspondence for the attention of the Governors should be addressed to the Chair of Governors and left at the school. We can also be contacted by e mail at office.3240@stanford.oxon.sch.uk marking it for governors’ attention. Minutes of Full Governors MeetingsPolicy for Governors’ visits to School |