Becoming a parent governor
Each of our schools has its own Local Governing Body with two parent governors, and we welcome expressions of interest from new parent governors.
Current Parent Governor Elections
We are currently holding parent governor elections at a number of our schools - details will be sent out shortly. To nominate yourself please complete this form by Friday 6th October:
Parent Governor Nomination FormHear from our parent governors
"I have been Parent Governor at Crayford Academy for 2 years, I put myself forward for election as I am passionate about ensuring all students have access to quality education. As parent governor I believe I can represent the view of parents, support the school in improving communication and can contribute to school policy ensuring we meet the needs of students and parents. A parents voice is a huge benefit to the governing body and I feel proud to be part of a school that is looking to get the best from their students."
Linda, parent governor at Crayford Academy
"It gives me real appreciation of the challenges and competing priorities faced by the school's senior leadership team, while providing challenge and support to those leaders in a positive forum from a parent's perspective."
Stephen, parent governor at Hatcham Free School
What is a parent governor?
Local Governing Bodies play a vital role in the governance of our schools. They are accountable to the Trust Board, which sets the strategic direction for our Trust and all of its schools. Parent governors form part of the school’s Local Governing Body, which focuses on:
- Monitoring the quality of educational provision and the outcomes that children within the school achieve with a focus on safeguarding, special educational needs and supporting the most disadvantaged children.
- Ensuring the school is following the Trust’s vision and strategy; and
- Agreeing school policies and checking compliance with them
Parent governor posts are open to parents and carers of children within our school, from all backgrounds, all ethnicities and all sections of the school community. It is our goal to make the governance of our schools fully representative of the communities they serve and the wider society that we all live within. For that reason, we are particularly keen to encourage parents/carers from under-represented groups to stand for election.
What is expected of governors?
Governors act in the interests of the school and the children it serves, not as a representative of the parent body. Governors must commit to participating fully for the whole of their term of office, which will be for four years or until all their children have left the school. The role of a governor is carried out both in local board meetings and outside:
- The governing body meets four times a year, in addition to an annual conference.
- Governors formally visit the school at least once per year and ideally more often.
- Governors sit on appeals panels considering exclusions, complaints and staffing matters.
Regular and ongoing training is provided for all governors to support them to carry out the role effectively. Governors are not expected to be instant experts in education and together, the Trust, the School and established governors will support new governors to succeed in their role.
Expressing an interest
If you would like to express an interest in becoming a parent governor, please complete the form below:
