1. A new Parent Governor for Aldrington CE Primary

2. What is a school governANCE?
Governors are strategic decision makers
Major stakeholders in school life with a focus on raising school standards.
Involved in decisions about all aspects of managing the school –running buildings and budgets, supporting staff.
Setting standards of school discipline, monitoring attendance and keeping everyone safe.
Accountability to other governors, head teacher, staff and community.
Challenge and support in equal measure.
CRITICAL FRIENDSHIP

3. Governance- what is required?
A high level of COMMITMENT to the school and its community for FOUR years.
Time: Committees, FGB, school attendance, evenings, special events.
PREPARATION- reading of policies, minutes and familiarisation with protocols BEFORE meetings.
Support of the school’s unique ethos.
Enthusiasm
Discretion
Training-L.A. and virtual
OBSERVATIONS- Be prepared to observe, feedback and respond

4. Parent governors
Strategic role; NOT the same as being a part of the POA
Parent governors are full governors and can take part in all aspects of the work of the governing body providing they do not have a conflicting financial or personal interest
 Although elected by parents, parent governors are not mandated delegates. They may reflect other parents’ views to the governing body, and this will involve communicating with other parents.
 Parent governors can help complainants to find out about and follow the right procedures, but it is not their job to take up a grievance on someone else’s behalf.
A challenging role; a need to be professionally separate from the parent body whilst still remaining a part of it. Discretion is key.

5. WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
All parent/carers of a child registered at Aldrington can stand for this role. At this changing time with an expanding cohort and a new head teacher we are particularly looking for;
GOVERNOR PRESENCE- Governors should be visible in school life, day to day AND at special events.
DESIRE TO TAKE ON RESPONSIBILITY- Committees, recruitment, mentoring
ACTIVE SUPPORT OF SCHOOL ETHOS
COMMUNITY LINKS
WILLINGNESS TO LEAD
Clerking/organisational skills