Steve Gullick (guest speaker) ASSIGNMENT

On the 6^th Feb 2012, Steve Gullick a previous Head Master came in to give us a lecture on Governors. Mr.Gullick explained that there are 23,000 Governors in Wales today. The majority are white, middle-aged and belong to a middle-class family.

     There are four types of Governing bodies:

·         The abdicators – these tend to believe that you should leave the work to the professionals such as the Head.

·         The adversaries – these visit the school often and keep a very close eye on all aspects of the school.

·         The supporters club – these offer advice and support the head.

·         The partners – these are the best Governors, they share everything good and bad by working in partnership with the head and staff.

Governors have many roles. The must meet up adleast 3 times a year to discuss results and plans for the school. The governing body is usually made up of parents of pupils, LEA (local education authority), teachers, other staff, community and the Head. A major duty the group have, is to employ staff. Governors interview employees and decide as a group who they will take on. They also decide whether or not to exclude pupils. The Governors approve the school budget, the more pupils in the school the money coming in. Mr.Gullick told us from experience that the Head Teachers cannot stop inspectors or Governors from coming into the school at any time. After explaining his perceptions on Governors, Mr.Gullick gave us a hand sheet with more in depth details. I now know that Governors:

1.    Conduct the school to promote high standards of educational achievement

2.    Set appropriate school targets for pupil achievement at Key Stage 2, 3 and 4

3.    Managing the schools budget – this includes staff pay

4.    Making sure that the National Curriculum is being taught

5.    Participating in the appointment of the head teacher and deputy head teachers and other staff and regulating staff conduct and discipline

6.    Finally drawing up an action plan after an inspection.

Mr.Gullick then gave us real world examples of Government Statements that he had heard.

“I expect local authorities to participate in consortia arrangements, including shared consortium services, or suffer financial penalties.”

Leighton Andrews, Written Welsh Government statement, 2^nd Feb 2011.

Mr.Gullick explained to us the contact between the school governors and the teaching staff. The only way both will meet each other is through job interviews, informal visits to schools and celebrations such as school concerts and productions. Some staff will see Governors at governing body meetings and staff disciplinary meetings. This means Governors have seen evidence of poor teaching, therefore will arrange training courses to progress.

     I thoroughly enjoyed Steve Gullicks talk on Governors, as my mum was a Governor in my Primary it is interesting to see exactly what they did and what they have achieved at my time in the school.