Key aspects of the role include:

• ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction, including setting the school’s aims and values;
• holding the head teacher to account for the educational performance of the school, its pupils and the performance management of staff;
• overseeing the financial performance of the school, making sure its budget is well spent;
• responsibility for some staff appointments, including the appointment of the head teacher.

Governors are not managers, so are not involved in the day-to-day running of the school, and do not interfere with its management, which is the remit of the head teacher. They are not inspectors either, and it is not their role to assess the quality of the teaching.

Governors act as a “critical friend”, working with the head teacher in a supportive, positive relationship while challenging her to demonstrate that the school:

• has an ethos of continuous improvement;
• is striving for excellence;
• has an expectation that all our children will achieve the very highest of standards and the best outcomes of which they are capable;
• values the uniqueness of each child and nurtures them emotionally and spiritually. t or method of teaching.

Parent governors bring a special contribution to the work of the governors. Their insight as parents is an important component in an effective and well-balanced governing body. Parent governors share a collective responsibility with other governors as a body and thereby help to shape the future of the school. Although specialist knowledge or relevant experience in financing or accounting, premises management, HR or communication is useful, no specific qualifications are needed. Training for all governors is ongoing through the Diocese of Westminster and Haringey. For new governors specific induction training is available as well as the support of fellow governors.

The governing body and school staff have a responsibility to avoid any conflict between business and personal interests and the interests of the school. To help put this duty into practice and to meet legal requirements, all maintained schools keep a register of interests. The register will ensure that the personal interests of governors and associate members do not unfairly prejudice, influence or conflict with school’s decision-making processes.