Education CommitteeWritten evidence submitted by Canning Street Primary School Governing Body
1. the purpose, roles and responsibilities of school governing bodies, within the wider context of school governance and leadership
The key roles of governors, as I understand them are to provide a strategic view, act as a critical friend, and ensure accountability of the school. When it works well, these things can be done effectively by governing bodies. It seems totally sensible that this governing body is made up of staff, parents and other local people.
The role of Governors is strategic. We should not get involved in the minutiae of the school but OFSTED questions us on the minute details so we have to get involved with the minutiae. We should remain as strategic and challenging friend to the school.
Gov Bodies do not need to change their remit, roles and resp.
The expectations of the roles and responsibilities of governing bodies are huge and for lay people to confidently hold schools to account is a very big ask.
2. the implications of recent policy developments for governing bodies and their roles
Implications are too much, too quickly. Not enough time for anyone to assimilate all the changes. Many governors g=have other jobs and do not have time to attend training courses.
The changing educational landscape is not a stabilising influence at all.
3. recruiting and developing governors, including the quality of current training provision, and any challenges facing recruitment
Recruiting governors must always be hard, but having gone to some training only last weekend, I was very impressed with the standard of the training given. Good training like what I experienced last weekend is essential for governors.
Recruiting can be difficult because not a lot of people are interested or have the time and they often think it is too complicated. Many parents only get involved because they often want to look after their own children and are not always concerned about the school as a whole.
Recruitment needs trained Gov Mentors.
Training is readily available for governors from the LA and online but there is a big time commitment required if governors are to be truly kept up to date with developments.
4. the structure and membership of governing bodies, including the balance between representation and skills
GBs need to have a range of people on them representing different groups linked to the school. To have people knowledgeable about education and able to hold senior leaders to account can only benefit the pupils at the school.
5. the effectiveness and accountability of governing bodies
Governing bodies can be effective if they know their roles well, are able to give time to the school appropriately, and have the necessary skills and passion to go with their time commitment. It is hard to achieve all of the above, but not impossible.
6. whether new arrangements are required for the remuneration of governors
I think that governing should be voluntary.
Remuneration should not come from a School Budget.
Due to the huge responsibilities governors have, especially Chairs and Vice Chairs there should be some form of Honoraria BUT not at the expense of the school finances.
Given the time commitment for chairs of governors in particular some sort of standard allowance could be considered. The quality of chairs of governors varies greatly and if there was to be remuneration there would also need to be some form of check on the quality of chairmanship.
7. the relationships between governing bodies and other partners, including local authorities, Academy sponsors and trusts, school leaders, and unions
8. whether changes should be made to current models of governance.
NO.
Current models of Governance provide consistency, no changes!
I think to have at least 1 non staff member who is knowledgeable about education would be helpful. If not someone who has worked in education then someone who is confident enough to hold senior leaders to account.