A SCHOOL GOVERNOR - WHAT IS INVOLVED?

THE GOVERNING BODY

In a church voluntary aided school the majority of governors are foundation governors appointed by different church groups; other governors are elected by the parents and teachers, and appointed by the local education authority. The foundation governors must have a majority of at least two and are responsible for ensuring that the requirements of the Trust Deed are met.

In primary schools most governing bodies comprise 14 members, but some have 12. Most secondary schools have 18 or more governors. The term of office is usually 4 years.

MEETINGS

The full governing body is required to meet at least once a term but most meet twice, usually in the evening. Each governor is normally expected to serve on a committee or working-party. Governors are also expected to occasionally visit the school while it is in session.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The governing body has joint responsibility for all members of the school community and the premises of the school. Governing bodies are corporately liable for decisions taken by the governing body or its committees. They are responsible for setting the overarching policies of the school. The Headteacher is responsible for the internal management of the school. Support and training is available from the LDBS and the Local Authority. Some of the governing body’s responsibilities are given below:

PUPILS
• admission policy, curriculum, religious education and collective worship, exclusion;
• monitoring progress of pupils; special educational needs;

PARENTS
• supplying parents with information about the school and their children;
• holding an annual meeting for parents and reporting to them on progress at the school;

STAFF
• employing all staff, deciding their salaries, ensuring in-service training takes place;
• hearing grievances, taking disciplinary action if necessary;

FINANCE AND PREMISES
• ensuring the finances of the school are properly allocated and administered;
• maintaining and improving the premises, health and safety.

OPPORTUNITIES

Serving as a foundation governor in a church voluntary aided school provides a unique opportunity to reach out to the local community in your area. Governors can do much to influence the ethos in the school and to assist staff as they relate to young people during their critically formative years.

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