Is anyone a parent governor?

**Hello Kitty** · 30-09-2010, 07:40am

Not a parent governor but an LA appointed governor at a different school to the one G attends. Been one for coming up to two years. Red puts it well. My experience is it depends very much on each individual school. Sorry for quick reply, getting ready for work!!

**Chell** · 18-04-2012, 04:59pm

I've been asked today if I will consider becoming a parent governor. I was told it involves attending 4 meetings a year but I want to know what else before I agree to it.

I know this is an old thread but wondered what peoples thoughts are.

**Adelelee** · 18-04-2012, 05:54pm

Hi Chell, well after me starting this thread (and as usual forgetting to come back to it

) I have now been a governor for about 18 months and I love it

We have to attend meetings about 6 times a year. I have however recently been involved in a sub-committee which (for about 8 weeks) took up a LOT of my time. However I volunteered for it and I knew it would be hard going.

I love having the input in the school and knowing that I am helping make decisions that affect the children.

I would go for it if I were you

**RedVelvet** · 18-04-2012, 07:43pm

Hi, I've been a governor for 4 years now and am currently chair. It is very worthwhile and in the most part I enjoy it, we have a great school. It can take more time that you initially thought, but sometimes you just have to say 'no I can't do that this week'.

I am currently deciding if I should stay on for another 4 years, the only downside for me is that is a tricky balance between being a parent and a governor. Sometimes I wish I actually had a 'Parent' hat so teachers knew today I am just concerned about my child. I know that some see me as governor first and parent second - this is not at all how I see myself!

Hope it works out well for you.

**Chell** · 18-04-2012, 08:58pm

Originally Posted by RedVelvet

I am currently deciding if I should stay on for another 4 years, the only downside for me is that is a tricky balance between being a parent and a governor. Sometimes I wish I actually had a 'Parent' hat so teachers knew today I am just concerned about my child. I know that some see me as governor first and parent second - this is not at all how I see myself!

Hope it works out well for you.

If I did take on the role then I don't think it would be until Sept. I was approached today by the person who is a community governer and asked if I would consider it.

I've just read a conversation on Facebook and one parent mentions writing to the governers ASAP. I'm not sure how I would deal with that type of parent if I was confronted in the play ground. I tend to be quite laid back with regards to the school. I see other parents getting so worked up about what seems petty things to me. I think it is a good school. I only have minor complaints like being told on a Friday that they need a costume by the Monday.

Others seem to be always moaning and on the teachers backs.

**RedVelvet** · 18-04-2012, 09:34pm

I just tell them if they have an issue to raise speak to the class teacher, if that isn't enough the head. It's never needed more than that but the next step would be a letter to governors. I have to say I hear a lot less gossip than I used to. But that's no bad thing!

**Adelelee** · 19-04-2012, 04:15pm

Originally Posted by RedVelvet

I just tell them if they have an issue to raise speak to the class teacher, if that isn't enough the head. It's never needed more than that but the next step would be a letter to governors. I have to say I hear a lot less gossip than I used to. But that's no bad thing!

Totally agree with this. I have not had any issues with parents approaching me directly, apart from one but she was a friend outside the school and just asked for advice rather than having a go iyswim.

xx

**Abbie** · 20-04-2012, 01:42pm

DH is a school governor and really loves it.

He's been doing it for nearly 2 years and it really depends on how the school uses the governing body as to how much you'd get involved and how much time it'd take.

Our Head expects the governing body to be really involved in all parts of the school life so it's way more than 4 meetings a year, it also depends if you get involved in a certain aspect of it. Our body is broken down into subcomittees and DH is in charge of the safeguarding area, plus a monthly full meeting, plus our LEA expects governors to do training

He was in school for 2 full days while the Ofsted inspection was going on, he had to go in earlier for "half an hour" as our Head is interviewing new teachers today - 3 hours later and he's still there

, they like governors to accompany them on school trips and sit in on the weekly School Council meetings, etc, etc.

Our old school was literally, 4 meetings a year and the governors were more hands off

As for issues with parents, he's had nothing. There are a couple of parents who are hostile to the governors and believe they only do it so their kids get special favours but apart from that, no one has ever approached him with complaints, if they did he'd just refer them to the head or inform them of the correct procedures.

**Chell** · 20-04-2012, 08:51pm

I spoke to one of the Mums who is standing down. She says she has found it to be more involved than she thought it would be. She struggles with the meetings as her husband works away.

She said that they like Governors to spend time at school but I've already said that I can't right now. I childmind from 9.30-4.30 so can't be at school in the day at present.

Do you think it would effect any chances of applying for a TA position at the school either positively or negatively?

**Chell** · 01-10-2012, 09:52pm

The two vacancies at our school have been advertised now. I spoke to the new head teacher about the positions today.

I can't do day time meetings or training as I am self employed. If I have time off then I am not paid. The head was vague about whether this made it possible or not. I left feeling a bit confused. She said to apply I need to write a little bit about myself and why I think I would be suitable to be a governor. I have no idea what to write. Last time there was only two people interested in two positions so no voting was needed. This time I have a feeling there may be at least two other Mums applying.