Monday 7th February 2022
Dear Parent/Carer,
Parent Governor Vacancy
I am writing to let you know that we have three vacancies for parents on the Governing Body of Nettlesworth Primary School and to explain in a little more detail about what the role involves.
The Role of Governors
Everyone says that the role of governors is increasingly important, especially with the increasing independence of schools as well as the increased scrutiny and accountability of schools and school leaders.
As Governors we are not there to manage the day-to-day running of the school – that is the job of the Principal. We are there to do three main things:
(1) To help set the vision and strategic direction of school;
(2) To hold the Principal to account for the school’s performance;
(3) To monitor the curriculum provision and teaching and learning in school .
Another common way of putting the role of governors is to say that our job is to provide a healthy mix of support and challenge.
The skills and qualities needed by Governors
Recent Government guidance on appointing and electing governors says:
‘All governors need a strong commitment to their role and to improving outcomes for children; the inquisitiveness to question and analyse; and the willingness to learn. They need good inter-personal skills, appropriate levels of literacy in English and sufficient numeracy skills to understand basic data.’
We have a range of backgrounds including: school and higher education, civil service, finance, and human resources.
Time Commitment
We meet as a full governing body once a term, ie three times per year. The meetings run at school. In addition to the meetings, we require governors to come in to school, usually in the school day over the course of the year. These visits usually focus on an aspect of school development. We try to attend various school events and may be called upon for other tasks such as: sitting on senior appointments panels or giving particular attention to a specific issue or policy. As well as these activities there is quite a bit to read and most importantly there is an expectation that Governors will attend training sessions in order to ensure that they are up to date on such things as: school performance data; finance; special educational needs; keeping children safe at schools etc. A comprehensive induction programme is provided.
A term of office is for four years.
Eligibility
Anyone who has a child on the roll of the school at the time of the election is eligible to stand (and you do not have to resign if your child leaves during your term of office).
If you are still interested after reading all the above, I would encourage you to consider putting yourself forward as a candidate. If you would like to speak with me about the role I can also be contacted via the school office. .
If you do wish to put yourself forward then you need to complete a nomination form, which can be collected from school or delivered.
Election Process
If there are more than three candidates an election will be held and this will take place. More details will follow on this.
I hope this is helpful in helping you decide whether or not you wish to stand as a Parent Governor in order to play your part in helping Nettlesworth Primary not only to retain its very high standards but to be part of the school’s development.
If you are interested in this vacancy, please can you let us know by Friday 11th February 2022.
Yours sincerely,
Donna Lee
Head Teacher
