What Does A Parent Governor Do At A School?

As a parent governor or trustee, your role is to bring a parental perspective to the issues discussed, not to speak on behalf of the parent body. This role is no different from other governors or trustees, and they work together strategically to make strategic decisions. Parent governors are elected as representatives of parents and carers of registered pupils in the school, holding the unique position of having a parental viewpoint of the school.

Parent governors develop a vision and strategy for the school, oversee financial performance, and ensure money is well spent. They are elected by parents of children at the school and must be able to stand for election and vote in a Parent Governor Election. The role of the Governing Body is to plan long-term for the school, ensure it is well-staffed and spends its budget wisely, and to help the school succeed.

Parent governors bring their wealth of experience and knowledge, contributing to the successful running of their child’s school. Being a parent governor is a “hands-on” role, and it is essential to separate one’s role as a parent with a child in the school and that of a parent governor. By using their perspective as a parent, they can help the governing body understand a parent’s viewpoint, support governors in making good decisions, and maintain a healthy relationship with other parents.

In conclusion, parent governors play a vital role in governing schools, providing a unique perspective on the school and its students. They should be aware of their role as a parent and learn to separate their role as a parent from their role as a parent.