Who are school governors?
School Governors are there to ensure that schools are well run. They are volunteers who help decide on the direction, focus and ethos of schools.
Governors represent people from many walks of life: school staff, parents, the local community and even organisations connected to the school. This means that school decisions are made by people with a wide range of experience and views.
Who we are
Our school has 14 Governors (3 LA, 5 parent, 3 community and 3 staff).
Parent Governors
Christine Berger
Jan James (Chairman)
Elaine Leyland
Mike Swann
Debbie Tay
Community Governors
John Cole
David Palmer
Vacancy available
Local Authority (LA) Governors
Lee Hammond (Vice Chairman)
Rosemary Cordan
Ross Cutler
Staff Governors
Alison Collins (Headteacher)
Anne Crossland
Petra Davies
Clerk to Governors
Emma Taylor
What do school governors do?
School governors lead schools, they don’t manage them. They are there to give a long-term strategic direction to how the school is run; to be critical friends to the school; and to ensure the school is accountable for its actions.
Governors discuss and have input on:
- School policies, such as discipline, dress, sport, bullying and homework.
- Long term plans and the future of the school.
- How the school budget will be spent.
- How the school will try to reach performance targets.
- Drafting the annual report to parents (now replaced by the school profile).
- Appointment and dismissal of staff.
- Complaints from pupils, staff and parents.
- Repair and maintenance of school buildings.
- Use of school premises outside school hours.
- The management of the nursery.
The governing body often appoints sub-committees of Governors to look at specific issues such as the school’s finance, staffing, curriculum and premises.
How much time do governors give?
Normally governors serve for four years, but as volunteers they can leave at any time. When a governors term of office has been completed they can normally apply to be re-appointed or re-elected if they wish to continue.
A governor’s main task is to attend meetings of the school governing body. These normally take place once a term. Each sub-committee normally meets once a term on issues such as finance, personnel, curriculum, nursery and premises.
Governor vacancies
Do you run a local business, work or live in the community and would be willing to give your time to enhance your local school? If so, please contact Jan James, Chair of Governors via the School Office or email governors@maidenbowerinfantschool.org.uk
Meetings
The Full Governing Body meets three times each year. Parents are welcome to attend these and committee meetings or can view agendas and minutes by visiting the school. There are certain records which you may not be able to see because they contain personal data, but wherever possible we aim to make information available as readily as possible in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act.
Further information
Further information about the governing role is available from...
