Thought about becoming a parent governor? If you have the skills, interest and commitment for this rewarding role then we would love to hear from you!

                       10th September 2020

Dear Parent/Carer,

PARENT GOVERNOR ELECTION

I am writing to invite you to stand for election as a parent governor, or nominate another parent to do so. In our school we have provision for 4 parent governors and there is currently 1 vacancy.

The governing body, with the headteacher, has overall responsibility for the running of the school. Governing bodies have three core strategic functions:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction

• Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the performance management of staff

•  Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent

No special qualifications are needed and the most important thing is to have a keen interest in the school and be prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work. However, we would particularly welcome nominations from parents with experience of Human Resources and organisational leadership. Training is available for all governors and this governing body has an expectation that those new to being a governor attend free induction training.

The enclosed sheet summarises the circumstances under which someone cannot serve as a governor. In addition, parents/carers who have paid employment in the school for 500 or more hours per academic year or who are elected members of the Local Authority are not eligible to stand in these elections. Nominations must be from parents or carers with children at the school on the day that nominations close.

If you would like to stand for election please complete the enclosed nomination form and return it to the school no later than 25/09/2020 You may also include a short personal statement to support your nomination, which should be no longer than 250 words. Self-nominations will be accepted, but if you are nominating another parent please seek their prior consent.

If there are more nominations than vacancies the election will be by secret ballot. If that is necessary voting papers will be sent to all parents together with details of the ballot procedure.

Should you have any queries about the role of parent governor or wish to discuss it further, please email clerk@princeofwales.dorset.sch.uk

Yours faithfully,

Mr Thomas Easterbrook

Clerk to the Governing Body