Dundonald Primary School

Governors

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Instrument of Government Code of Conduct for the Governing Body


What do Governors do?

 School governors work to plan the strategic direction of the school, oversee budgets and support and challenge the Headteacher. As part of the governing body, governors at Dundonald Primary School play a vital role in helping schools run efficiently and effectively to give children and best education possible.

A school with a strong governing body is better equipped to make important decisions that affect the education they provide for their pupils. 

School governors have three core functions:

  • Planning the strategic direction of the school
  • Overseeing financial performance of the school and ensuring money is well spent
  • Holding the Headteacher and/or Senior Leadership Team to account. 

The governor role is strategic rather than operational. Governors do not get involved with the day to day running of a school, but support and challenge the leadership team to drive school improvement. 

Governors are recruited according to the skills required; Dundonald's governing body also has staff on board. 

Why is it important for a school to have a strong Governing Body?

Headteachers are experts at what they do, but they do not always have experience in other key areas like HR, law or finance. Governors with a background in different areas can support their school in a number of ways, from assessinf the premises, joining disciplinary panels to finding new suppliers. 

The Headteacher focuses on the operational side of running a school, and governors are there to support with the strategic decisions. A strong board means that strategic decisions can be properly considered, leading to improved outcomes both financially and for the children's education.  

Who can volunteer as a School Governor?

You do not need to be a parent/carer to become a school governor. While parents/carers and those with educational experience make great governors, neither are requirements to volunteer. Many schools also want an outside perspective and rely on those with business acumen to bring challenge to the board. 

If you are interested in becoming a governor at Dundonald Primary School, the governors would love to hear from you. Please let the Chair of Governors or Clerk to the Governors know via the school office. Alternatively you can send an email to governors@dundonald.merton.sch.uk. Thank you.