The Essential Governor course covers the strategic, monitoring and accountability roles. The DfES has provided national training material for induction and our Leas courses are based on this.
The course presents a broad outline of roles and responsibilities of governors, and explores the ways in which governors and governing bodies carry out their work. Consideration will be given to relevant legislation and the national and local issues that make up the framework within which governors must work.
These can be taken in any order, at any time and you have the choice of morning or evening sessions, although it is suggested that new governors attend Session 1: The Strategic Role as an introductory session.
Here is what is covered:
· The Strategic Role
o Explain the main purpose of governing bodies;
o Differentiate the three key roles of governors
o Identify the key elements of the strategic role
o Define the powers and duties of governing bodies
· The Monitoring Role
o Explain the role of the critical friend
o Distinguish between monitoring and evaluation, including the governors� role in both
o Appreciate the variety of information available
o Identify ways to ensure that governors� visits to school are productive
· The Accountability Role
o Explain why, how and to whom schools are accountable
o Identify the ways in which the headteacher reports to the governing body
o Define the governing body�s accountability to stakeholders
o Identify good practice in the production of annual reports and prospectuses
Following on from the above is the stage 2 Induction Programme which addresses Committees in Practice and gives an outline of the legal responsibilities and duties of governing bodies, covering Personnel, Curriculum & Pupil Support and Resources & Premises. This series is intended for new or recently appointed and elected governors, they build on the general introduction provided previously.
The courses will also discuss practical ways in which these duties can be carried out. Particular attention will be given to strategies most likely to help raise achievement in the school. These courses can be taken one at a time and in any order, so governors can choose the topics that are of most relevance to them.
Here is what is covered:
· Personnel Gives you an introduction into the governing body�s personnel responsibilities including an examination of policies and procedures required of schools and the role of governors in matters such as pay policies, staff discipline, ill-health and retirement, competency and grievances.
· Curriculum & Pupil Support Gives you an introduction into the governing body�s curriculum and pupil support responsibilities including school development planning, pupil discipline, inclusion and special educational needs.
· Resources & Premises Gives you an introduction into the governing body�s resource and premises responsibilities including how schools� get their funding, the different roles of governors and school management staff, the role of asset management planning and health & safety. |