Role of the Local Governing Body: 
From overseeing what your children learn in class to making sure that building projects are delivered, governors are at the heart of our school’s journey. Governors work together to support the school to ensure that the pupils are able to achieve to the best of their ability. A successful and effective LGB will:

  • Monitor implementation of the school development plan and school finances effectively
  • Act as a critical friend, developing a strong and supportive relationship with the Principal
  • Not be involved in the day-to-day management of the school
  • Consult and respond to the views and concerns of parents and pupils
  • Be knowledgeable about the school
  • Use the skills of all members.

 
All governors are expected to attend LGB meetings, which are held four times a year in school. In addition, you might be expected to join a committee or take on a ‘link’ role to understand a particular area of the school’s activity, such as how it keeps children safe, provides for children with special educational needs and disabilities, or manages the school’s finances.
 
Expectations of Parent Governors
 
As a governor, you will need to commit time to prepare for and attend LGB meetings, to take a share of tasks within the LGB and to take part in training.  You will also be expected to visit the school as a governor – this can be a very different experience to visiting as a parent! As a Parent Governor:

  • You will bring your parental perspective to the LGB and, through your children, you will have first-hand experience of the curriculum.
  • You are helping to ensure that the school meets the needs of all its pupils, not representing individual parents or their concerns.
  • Other parents may approach you with to concerns but you should not become personally involved in individual concerns, as this may jeopardise formal procedures. You should guide parents about appropriate lines of action and procedures.
  • You do not need to express opinions or vote in a particular way because you have been pressed to do so by other parents.
  • You are not there to promote the interests of your own children but of all children.
  • Objectivity is essential.

 Like all Ark governors, you will need to be loyal to the decisions made by the LGB and respect the confidentiality – even if you personally voted against a decision you must support the decision making process and take responsibility for the outcome.
 
The appointment process:
All parents, carers and guardians of children at the school are eligible to be candidates.  If you would like to be considered, please complete the online form at http://arkonline.tfaforms.net/2 by the relevant deadline. If you would like any support completing this online form or would like to use a computer in school to complete it, please contact the school office. Please make sure that when you complete the form, you add your personal statement in support of your nomination.  Applications will be considered by the Head of Governance in consultation with the Chair and Principal of the school and are likely to include a meeting with each candidate. Like all Ark governors, the parent governor will be formally appointed by the Head of Governance.