Becoming a School Governor

• Are you looking for a challenge that allows you to put something back into your school?

• Are you interested in making a positive contribution to children’s education?

If you have answered ‘yes’ then becoming a school governor could be the opportunity that you are looking for.

Schools are run by a governing body working with the headteacher and senior management team to ensure pupils get a good education. Becoming a governor could be a way of contributing to your school and learning new skills.

All types of people can become school governors. No special qualifications are required, but you must be 18 or over on the date when you are elected or appointed.

Enthusiasm, commitment and an interest in education are the most important qualities. Ash Croft and Cottons Farm Primary Federation would particularly welcome new governors who have transferable skills developed at work, or who have a particularly good understanding of the community served by our school.

What do school governors do?
School governors are responsible for making sure the school provides a good quality education. Together with the Executive Head Teacher and Heads of School, who are responsible for day-to-day management, they set the school’s aims and policies as well as carrying out a number of other important duties. These include:

• How the school’s budget is spent

• The appointing and dismissing of staff

• Hearing appeals and grievances

• Pupils behaviour and discipline

  The governing body is made up of:

• parent governors (elected by parents)

• staff representatives (elected by school staff)

• local authority governors (appointed by the local authority)

• co-opted governors (members of the local community appointed by the governing body)

  What would be involved?
  The full governing body normally meets 6 times per academic year.
  General Governors Meetings take place half termly during the academic year.
  Being a school governor is demanding but rewarding and a good way of putting something into your local community.

  What support is available?
  Support, training and guidance are available from the school and Derby City Governor Services.

  Apply to become a governor
  If you are interested in becoming a governor at our school, contact the school offices. Your interest will be welcomed.