Become A Governor in Islington
Thank you for your interest in becoming a school governor in Islington, and
I am pleased to attach some background information.
There are 45 primary, 3 special, 3 nursery and 9 secondary schools in
Islington, and we have about 1000 governors in all. If you become one of our
governors, you will have the opportunity to ensure that Islington schools help
their pupils to achieve to the best of their abilities.
CEA@Islington, who took over the running of services to schools from April
2000, are determined to ensure that educational standards continue to improve,
and that strong support is offered to those members of the community who wish
to offer their time, energy and goodwill by volunteering to become governors.
There are many rewards to taking on this role, and we do hope that you will
consider it very carefully and will apply.
An on-line application form is also attached, which we should be grateful if
you would complete and return to us. A copy of a leaflet on becoming a school
governor is also attached. The information we are seeking from you will help
us to match you up with a school which needs someone with your particular
skills and interests. Please ensure that you let us know about any particular
experience or interest you may have, paid or unpaid, which would help you in
this role. If appointed, the term of office will be four years in the first
instance, and you will be invited to become either a community governor
(someone who represents the broader local or business community and who is
appointed directly by the governing body on which they serve) or an LEA
governor (someone appointed to a governing body by the Council). There are
separate arrangements for appointing parent and staff governors to individual
schools.
Please note that prior to being appointed you may not be contacted for your
approval of placement, as we use the information you supply on application to
match you as closely as possible with current vacancies that most need your
skills or experience; but you may find that the school will contact you and
invite you to visit.
Once appointed, all governors are invited to attend training, initially about
becoming a governor, and about the role and responsibilities which go with
this; and later on, about more detailed aspects of the work of governing
bodies in which you may have a particular interest, such as literacy or
special educational needs. You will also be invited to briefing meetings at
the start of each term, to be informed about current issues and the work of
the governing body in that period. The training and briefing sessions are run
either at the Barnsbury Complex, in Offord Road N1, or at the school.
Governing bodies are required to meet 3 times a year, although some meet more
often and there will also be additional meetings for committees. Governing
Body meetings normally take place in the evening.
Please read the leaflets attached which gives further details. We hope very
much that you will be interested in applying to be a governor of one of our
schools, and we look forward therefore to hearing from you.