VACANCY FOR A GOVERNOR

AT NEWTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL

the village school in the heart of the city

 

Embracing Excellence, Celebrating Diversity, Nurturing Individuality

 

We currently have a vacancy for a governor.

Being part of a school governing body can be a rewarding experience. As a school governor you are a member of a team working collectively for the good of the school.

 

What is the role of a Governing Body?

• to ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• to hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
• to oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure its money is well spent

 

What qualities are needed in a school governor?

• enthusiasm, commitment and an interest in education
• being willing to question, analyse and learn

You don’t need teaching experience, but it’s useful to bring skills from other areas of your life. You will also develop skills as you work as a governor and attend training.

 

 

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN BEING A GOVERNOR?

There are four main elements:

1. Meetings: we have two Full Governing Board Meetings a term and one training meeting. These take place on Thursday evenings, starting at 5.00 pm and lasting no more than two hours.
2. Reading: there is quite a lot to read before each meeting. You will be sent the Minutes of previous meetings, Agenda papers for discussion, and materials relating to current issues: for example, new assessment arrangements; how to involve parents; updated Governance handbooks.
3. Visiting the school: this is to find out how well the school is providing for its children and managing its resources. Some visits will be linked to the School Development Plan; other visits will be linked to our statutory monitoring duties, for example: keeping children safe; financial management; standards in learning and teaching. Pairs of Governors hold portfolios for each of the statutory areas.
4. Training: we are encouraged to attend training regularly, starting with a one-day induction course for new governors. There are also other evening or day courses on such topics as finance, understanding data, the primary curriculum and so on.

Most governors are now co-opted (become a governor by invitation). If you decide you would like to be a governor, you should write a short piece about yourself, including the names of two referees, saying something about the skills you would bring to the governing body and any relevant experience you have. The governors will then consider your suitability. If appointed, your appointment would be subject to a successful DBS safeguarding check.

Please let us know if you are interested in joining the governing body. For more information, you can contact Jill Mather, the Chair of Governors, by emailing: newtowngovernors@gmail.com

 

If you would like to become a governor, please send us your pen portrait (about 300 words, please) and the names of two referees.