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Orleans Primary School is a happy and nurturing Primary School situated in the heart of the St Margarets community. We are looking for a Governor to join our Governing Body. This is a voluntary role where you will be part of a friendly and supportive team of governors (and staff) who contribute to the continued growth of the school. We support the strategic direction of the school, providing advice and challenge to assist the school in its aim to create a happy and healthy environment for all children to flourish. Our school motto is ‘A love of learning, for life, for all’ and that applies to our governors too. We are looking for dedicated people who care about improving education. Applications from those with a range of skills and expertise will be welcomed and full training and support will be provided, some of it remotely or online. To complement the current governing body skill set we would also particularly welcome those with experience or skills sets in education / public sector, governance, audit, compliance, legal, communications & financial management. We are also looking for individuals committed to their development as a governor and who may be interested in growing into chairing duties in the future. Responsibilities include: • Assisting the school in developing and monitoring its School Development Plan and strategic prioirties • Supporting and challenging the Head teacher and senior leadership of the school • Approving key school policies • Monitoring and evaluating the work of the school • Leading at least one statutory area (usually one of the school’s development priorities) • Strategic management of the budget • Ensuring the health and safety of pupils and staff • Ensuring all children have access to a broad and balanced curriculum • Adhering to the school governing body Code of Conduct • Acting as a ‘critical friend’ to the school, get to know the school: its needs, strengths and areas for development • Respect all governing body decisions and to support them in public Expected tasks and time commitments include: • Prepare for, attend, and contribute to meetings of the FGB and at least 1 sub-committee (Finance & Premises, Personnel, Community and Children or Quality and Standards): o 4 full governing body meetings per annum, usually held on a Wednesday evening, lasting approximately 2 hours. o 3 sub-committees meetings (1 per term) that take place before or during the school day, lasting approximately 1.5- 2 hours. • Planning and conducting termly visits to the school to monitor key priorities from the school development plan in action, writing up and reporting back to the board on the findings of the visits. (Visits are held during school hours) • Reviewing reports and policies in preparation for meetings • Commit to your ongoing development as a governor o Attending required induction training in safeguarding, understanding the role and skills of governance and training in key areas to support you in your assigned monitoring responsibilities and committee membership. o On an ongoing basis complete at least one training course per year and ideally more (may be virtual or in person, usually in the evening) and keep up to date with developments in the education sector. • Regular communication and collaboration with others in the governing board & volunteering for additional work that comes up as needed (e.g. presenting at class transition meetings, supporting recruitment and induction of new governors and senior school leaders, participating in panels, attending school events) • Taking on chair or vice chair roles of sub-committees or FGB
Applications from those with a range of skills and expertise will be welcomed and full training and support will be provided, some of it remotely or online. To complement the current governing body skill set we would also particularly welcome those with education or governance experience. To be effective in the role you will: Have an interest in education, schools and young people Be able to listen to other people's views, to discuss them and make a decision Be prepared to use your skills and experience for the benefit of the school Be willing to support the decisions the governing body takes Have time to play your part in the governing body’s work Be willing to learn.
You will be a valued part of our welcoming, inclusive and friendly governing board. Our school motto is ‘A love of learning, for life, for all’ and that applies to our governors too. The role is perfect for those looking to apply leadership skills, give back to society and enhance children’s futures.
Around 10 hours per month during school term time.
