Marsden Infant & Nursery School

Who can be a Governor?

We are keen to attract people in the community who can bring energy, experience and fresh ideas to our school.  Sometimes those who would make very good governors may be put off because they think you need to be an expert.  Not so - interest, enthusiasm and commitment are much more important.

Governors bring a range of experience and interests from many walks of life.  They need to work closely with others to make good decisions, and to make sure their decisions are followed up.  It helps to be a good listener - you will stand a much better chance of understanding how the school operates.  You certainly don't need to be a parent to have the makings of a good governor.  Retired people and those involved in the local business community have much to offer.  If you've never thought of putting yourself forward, but believe schools should give children the best start, ask yourself the following questions.
If you would like more information about being a governor, please contact the Head Teacher or Chair of Governors

What is a Governing Body?

Governors work together as a team called the governing body.  Every school must have a governing body.  The membership will vary according to the type of school.  The governing body has some discretion of the numbers and type of governors.

Our school governing body comprises of 12 members.

4 parent governors. Parent governors are elected by parents at the school.

3 community governors. Community and controlled schools have at least one community governor who is appointed by other members of the governing body. These governors represent the community in business and local interest.

2 Local Authority governors. The Local Education Authority appointed governors represent the balance of political groups within the council. However, should these places not be taken by the political groups the governing body is then free to nominate its own candidates for the Local Education Authority to sanction. 

1 teacher governor. Teacher governors are elected by the teaching staff. 

1 staff governor. Staff governors are elected by the non-teaching staff

The head teacher is entitled to be a staff governor without an election

Usually a governor is appointed for a period of four years but may subsequently be eligible for re-appointment or re-election.

What do Governors do?

Governors are responsible for making sure the school provides a good quality education.  Raising educational standards in school is now a key priority.  This has the best chance of happening when there are high expectations of what pupils can achieve.

Governors also promote effective ways of teaching and learning when setting the school aims and policies.  They do this together with the head teacher, who is responsible for the day to day management of the school.

The Governing Body has three main roles:

1. To provide a strategic view - helping to decide the School’s strategy for improvements;
2. To act as a critical friend - supporting the staff but asking challenging questions and pressing for improvement;
3. To ensure accountability - monitoring and evaluating the School’s effectiveness.