Who are the school governors and what do they do?

The Governing Body at Hillbrook is a small group consisting of parents, staff and representatives from the local community and Wandsworth Council. We currently have, for example, an ex-Headteacher of a primary school, a local solicitor and a local vicar representing the community as governors.   We meet at least once a term to discuss the running of the school.  This would include the standards of learning at the school, the use of resources and the overall direction and planning of the school. There are a number of sub-committees of governors that meet to discuss specific aspects of the school, such as the curriculm, standards of behaviour and finance, in more detail.  At Hillbrook governors are also assigned to a year group and visit the school on a regular basis to get to know the staff and children better, and to get a better understanding of the school's strenghts and weaknesses.

Governors are often described as needing to act as a 'critical friend' to the school.  This means that they need to be both supportive of the leadership of the school, but they must also challenge them so that weaknesses are identified and tackled, and so that standards of learning improve for all pupils. The govenor's role is primarily strategic and monitoring, and governors don't get involved in the day-to-day management of the school except where the established procedures for dealing with complaints, disciplinary or staffing issues have been exhausted.

Being a governor is challenging,interesting and fun.  We are always interested to hear from parents who are keen to help Hillbrook stay a great school.  If you would like to help, please leave your contact details in the school office and someone will get back to you.