Being a School Governor

School Governors are people who want to make a positive contribution to children's education, and it was certainly the reason why I decided to became a Governor at Whiteshill School in 2010. 

Governors are one of the largest volunteer forces in the country and have an important part to play in raising school standards. The role of the governing body is absolutely key to the effectiveness of a school. Time and time again Ofsted (the national inspection body for schools) has noted that the most effective schools demonstrate effective leadership and management - including by the governing body.

Each individual governor is a member of a governing body, which is established in law as a corporate body.   Individual governors may not act independently of the rest of the governing body. Decisions are the joint responsibility of the governing body.  

The role of the governing body is a strategic one, its key functions are to:

• set the aims and objectives for the school

• set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives

• set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives

• monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives

• be a source of challenge and support to the headteacher (a critical friend)

The headteacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing body. 

I am a Community Governor and this works really well with my other role as Parish Councillor, it helps to establish links that are beneficial throughout the Commiunity. 

To find out more about Whiteshill School and it's Governing body 

 http://www.whiteshill.gloucs.sch.uk/