Governor Vacancy: Walker Primary School

Can you help make a positive difference to the children at your local primary school by joining us as a School Governor?
The purpose of the Governing Body is to make a positive difference to the children at Walker Primary School. We do this by setting the strategic direction of the school, its vision, ethos and values. We hold the Headteacher to account for the improving performance of the school and it’s pupils. At a strategic level, we oversee how financial and people resources are used at the school and ensure these are being focused on school improvement.
The position is voluntary and unpaid, but highly rewarding. The Governing Body meets at least once every term for two hours. Governors are also members of at least one of our three committees that meet for one and a half hours each term. Each governor is also a ‘link’ to a key area of the curriculum and makes regular visits to the school. Typically, Governors will devote a minimum of ten to twelve hours every term (approximately 36 hours a year) reading documents, attending meetings and making visits to the school. You can find out more about what being a school governor involves on the National Governor Association’s website :
http://www.nga.org.uk/Be-a-Governor.aspx
The Governing Body of Walker Primary School is made up of eleven individuals who serve for fixed terms of office. Four are parent governors, elected by parents; one governor is elected by members of staff; one governor is appointed by the Local Authority and four governors are co-opted by the Governing Body. The Headteacher is also a member of the Governing Body.
We currently have a vacancy for a Co-opted Governor. Co-opted Governors are people who, in the opinion of the Governing Body, have the skills required to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school.
 
Governors act at a strategic level and do not get involved in the day to day leadership at the school, as this is delegated to the Headteacher; so to be an effective Governor it is not necessary to have detailed knowledge of the education sector; nor do you need to be a parent or carer of primary school aged children.
The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate common sense, great teamwork, a passion for improving our school and a commitment to the role. They may also have particular skills in one or more of the following specialist areas, although this is not essential;

• School improvement, education policy and practice
• Special educational needs
• Building and premises related issues and project management
• Information technology
• Finance and budget planning and business management
• Staffing, recruitment, transformational change and personnel management

As a community school without religious affiliation, we are keen to ensure that the composition of the Governing Body reflects the diversity of our school community. In order to plan effectively, we aim to select an applicant for our immediate vacancy, but may also identify candidates who might be approached to fill future vacancies, should they arise. Training and support will be available to help the successful candidate understand and fulfill their role as a Governor at Walker Primary School.
If you feel you can help us as a Co-opted Governor, or know someone else who might, please download an application from here. Alternatively you can contact the school office for an application pack, which should be completed and returned to the school office by 9am on Tuesday 3rd May 2016.
If we receive more than one application, a panel of three governors will assess each application and determine which best matches the skills required to enhance the work of the Governing Body. The panel may decide to hold informal interviews with shortlisted candidates – and a timescale for this will be determined following receipt of applications.
If you would like to discuss any aspects of the role before submitting your application, please contact the school office and leave your contact details and I will be happy to call you for an informal chat.
We look forward to your application!