The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
What do school governors do?
The governing body has a number of responsibilities, these include: promoting high standards of educational achievement, setting targets for pupils achievement, managing the schools budget, making sure that the curriculum for the school is broadly balanced, reporting to parents on examination results, appointing the head teacher & deputy head teacher.
What qualifications do governors need?
No particular qualifications or experience is needed. Governors bring a range of work & life skills to the benefit of the school. Schools serve their local community & it is important that the governing body reflects that community.
Realistically, how much time would be needed to properly do the work of a governor?
All governing bodies meet three times a year (once each term), usually the meetings last two hours. You would also need to spend some time reading the relevant papers, which could take an hour per meeting. To share the work, most governing bodies have committees which meet once a term to deal with areas such as, finance, curriculum, premises & staffing. Time taken is similar to the termly governors meetings, however you would generally only serve on one committee.
If you are a member of a staff selection, pupil exclusion or staff dismissal committee then a daytime meeting is sometimes needed.
To help you in your role as a governor, we recommend that you attend regular training courses which are offered by the council. These are in the evening and are free of charge.
What about time off work to be a governor?
Most governing body meetings are held during the evening. The law says that an employer must give an employee "reasonable" time off work for governor duties. Pay is at the employers discretion. We find that many employers actively encourage their staff to become governors, as the experience and skills they gain are useful in the work place.
How long do school governors serve in post?
School governors are appointments for four years.
I am not yet a governor but I would like to come to some governor training to find out more. Can I do this?
Yes, we have a range of courses, including information evenings to help you find out more about becoming a governor.
Do governors get involved as volunteer classroom assistants?
Yes, governors are encouraged to visit the school when it is working and to experience at first hand the life of the school. Governors often volunteer to hear children read. All visits are planned and agreed with the head teacher or class teacher.
Can a governor take complaints from parents to the governing body?
All schools have a complaints policy. A governor should initially refer a complaint from a parent to the school for resolution. If the parent is not satisfied with the way in which the school dealt with the matter, then it is passed to group of governors to review.
Do governors get paid?
No. Governors are able to claim expenses for travel and childcare during meetings.
Do nursery schools have governors?
Yes, all our schools have governing bodies.
Could governors find themselves liable for any financial commitments if the school runs out of money, and what about being sued by parents or staff?
No, all governing bodies and schools are insured for these liabilities.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
01753 875030
MyCouncil
Landmark Place
High Street, Slough
SL1 1JL, opposite
Slough Library
MyCouncil opening times.
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