Education CommitteeWritten evidence submitted by Withycombe Raleigh C of E Primary School
Consider:
existing role of governing bodies;
implications of recent Government policy developments in education for them; and
recruitment, reward and responsibilities.
Evidence on:
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the purpose, roles and responsibilities of school governing bodies, within the wider context of school governance and leadership |
Increasing role of GB over last five years Consultation over federations increasing over last two years (including WRPS) |
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the implications of recent policy developments for governing bodies and their roles |
Implications from consultations on pupil premiums, structure of school leadership |
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recruiting and developing governors, including the quality of current training provision, and any challenges facing recruitment |
At WRPS there have been elections for parent governors in the last two years. At each election there were several parents who put themselves forward. In Devon there is a range of training opportunities made available for governors, new and more experienced, so that they are able to fulfil their role. Is there a challenge facing recruitment in terms of recruiting suitable governors with experiences, knowledge and skills that will contribute towards the effectiveness of the governing body? |
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the structure and membership of governing bodies, including the balance between representation and skills |
Increasing responsibilities and therefore accountabilities of GB’s impacts upon the necessity of a high level of skills base for governors; an increased understanding/awareness of a children centred, yet business focussed approach to leadership and management |
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the effectiveness and accountability of governing bodies |
As above |
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whether new arrangements are required for the remuneration of governors |
Governors act voluntarily because they have an interest in the school. To pay governors would completely change the nature of the role. |
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the relationships between governing bodies and other partners, like LA’s, school leaders, and unions |
It has always been important to maintain a good relationship with other partners/LA’s. Strength in this is ever more important as the complexity for GB’s increases; buying power for services is more effective in greater numbers. |
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whether changes should be made to current models of governance. |
An appreciation of the responsibilities/accountabilities would be helpful for GB’s. A clear structure for communications of changes to policy necessary. |