Members of Arnold Hill Governing Body
School Governing Bodies
Arnold Hill has a governing body which comprises members of the local community, parents, teachers, staff and representatives of the Local Education Authority. Governing Bodies of Church Schools (Voluntary Aided and Voluntary Controlled) are also represented by the church authority.
When vacancies arise for parent governors, information is circulated via "pupil post" and to be eligible to be nominated as a parent governor, a person must have a child registered at the school. The term of office for governors is for four years and a parent governor can, if he / she so chooses, serve the full term of office even if his / her child is no longer a pupil at that school.
Governing Bodies are required by law to meet at least once a term but can meet more frequently in order to discuss specific matters.
Further information regarding governing bodies can be obtained from the Governors Support Unit at the Lifelong Learning Department Headquarters.
Who are School Governors?
Every school has its own governing body which is be responsible for the overall management of the school. The actual size of the governing body depends on the size of the school; the membership is determined by law, and each is made up of different types of governors. They may include some or all of the following:
Parent elected by the parents of children currently attending the school - Such governors must have a child at the school at the time of the election.
Teacher - members of the school's teaching staff, elected by the teachers.
Staff - members of the non-teaching staff, elected by the non-teaching staff.
LEA - appointed by the Local Education Authority. Typically, these governors possess a specific and useful skill or are known for their community work and interest in education.
Headteacher - is a school governor has the right to attend all meetings of the governing body.
Co-opted - appointed by the governing body, these governors may possess particular skills or come from a specific group within society such as the business community. An additional co-opted governor representing the minor authority is included in primary schools governing bodies.
What Qualifications do Governors Need?
There are no formal qualifications needed to become a school governor. The one essential requirement is an interest in, and commitment to, the education of children. Governors have to be over 18 years of age and the term of office is four years.
Governors are ordinary people, drawn from many areas of society. They need to be able to devote time to getting to know the school well and to be active and available in their support for it. Having common sense and a desire to serve the community are also important.
Normally no one may be a governor of more than two governing bodies.
What is expected of a Governor?
Time
- Attend a meeting of the full governing body at least once a term.
- Attend committee meetings as required.
- Read reports and background papers prior to meetings.
- Attend the annual meeting of parents.
- Attend other occasions such as concerts, open evenings, sports day.
Commitment
- Show an interest in children and their education and participate in many of the school's activities.
- Attend governors' meetings.
- Readiness to accept responsibility.
- Get to know the staff, the pupils and their work.
- Offer support and expertise.
- Knowledge
- Follow educational news and debates.
- Attend training sessions.
Skills
- Work co-operatively and creatively with others.
- Use personal qualities and expertise in the interest of the school, its pupils and teachers.