Every school has a governing body to represent the public in the running of schools. School governors work with the staff and the Local Education Authority to help secure the best possible education for the children in the school. They have important responsibilities like managing the school budget, overseeing the curriculum and appointing staff.
What do school governors do?
School governors are a team of people who work closely with the head teacher to make key decisions vital to the successful running of the school. The governors appoint the head teacher and make decisions that directly affect the education and well-being of the children. They play an important role in improving standards throughout the school and agree the school’s budget. In other words, it’s a very meaningful role!
- Governors make key decisions like appointing the head teacher.
- Governors’ decisions directly affect the education and well-being of children.
- Governors can really make a difference in improving standards throughout a school.
What will I get out of it?
Being a school governor can be a rewarding experience. You’ll be playing an important part in improving the children’s education and supporting the school’s staff, and giving a lot to the school and the community usually means you’ll get a lot back. Being a governor is also an opportunity to develop new skills or practice existing ones that can help you in your day job, like chairing meetings, putting forward suggestions and asking the right questions, speaking in public, appointing staff, and helping other members who are new to the job or have less experience of committee work.
How do I become a parent governor?
If your child attends a school, you can be elected as a parent governor by the parents. We have to hold elections, and inform parents and staff about them. You can also become a governor by approaching the school to see if they will co-opt you or by asking the local authority if they would appoint you.
What do I have to offer?
As a parent governor, you can make a valuable contribution to the running of the school. You will be able to offer your enthusiasm and commitment – and as a parent, you’ll understand other parents’ concerns. Governors with business and management experience, or a host of other skills, can also offer extremely helpful expertise to the school.
How much time does it take?
The time that governors are able to give to the role varies but there are certain things they must be in a position to do, so be aware:
- the governing body must meet at least once a term
- meetings are sometimes held during the working day and very often during the evening
- governors will have to prepare for meetings and there can be a lot of papers to read
- if you are not able to prepare for and attend meetings you will not be able to make an effective contribution.
If you think you’d like to investigate further, have a look at the links below or contact the school.
Coventry City Council School Governors Website
National Association of School Governors
Governing Board Members – July 2024
Co-opted Governors
Mr Patrick Luke (curriculum – data – English & maths)
Mrs Rupinder Kejriwal (mental health & wellbeing – R.E.)
Mrs Julie Patel (safeguarding – computing – science)
Local Authority Governor
Mrs Jackie Buckley (music – pupil premium – SEND)
Head Teacher Governor
Mrs Linda Hoey – Headteacher (networks)
Parent Governors
Mr Karl Drage – Chair of Governors / Finance / Pay Committee / Health & Safety / HT Appraisal
Mrs Julia Cook – Vice Chair of Governors / HR / Single Central Register / Finance / Health & Safety / Pay Committee
Mrs Emma Keeling – Early Years
Staff Governor
Mr Richard Lapworth (Assistant Headteacher – Teaching & Learning / school website)
Allesley Primary School Associate Members (non-voting)
Mrs Adele Sharp – Deputy Headteacher (attendance – behaviour – child protection – inclusion – safeguarding)
Mrs Laura Edwards – Assistant Headteacher