We have a parent governor vacancy which we need to fill as soon as possible. Chopwell Primary has always aimed for a partnership with parents which undoubtedly brings great benefits to the children. One of the most significant ways you can help in promoting this aim is to volunteer to be a parent governor.

The governing body's main tasks are:

• to ensure that the school has a clear vision, ethos and strategic direction;
• to hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils;
• to oversee the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

Parent governors are welcomed as valued members of the team and play a vital role in ensuring the governing body is aware of the views of parents and the local community. We feel sure that there are parents prepared to take on this important role and give their time and commitment to helping us to continue to improve the school's performance.

Training and support will be available to help you develop into the role. This will include in-house mentoring and support as well as access to external governor training from Gateshead Council.

Our governing body expects governors to:

• attend termly meetings of the full governing body,
• be a member of appropriate committees and attend termly committee meetings,
• visit the school formally for monitoring purposes at least twice a year,
• work with the Head Teacher, school staff and governors to provide the best for our pupils,
• commit to attend training courses to aid you in being an effective governor.

If you feel you can help please ask the school office for a nomination form which will need to be returned to the school by the closing date on Monday 11^th February.

Please note that if successfully elected, the School Governance (Constitution and Federations) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 states that “Where a governor is elected or appointed on or after 1st April 2016 and does not hold an enhanced criminal record certificate, the governing body must apply for such a certificate in respect of that governor within 21 days after his or her appointment or election”. Failure to apply for a DBS check within 21 days will result in disqualification and removal from the governing body.

If there are more nominations than vacancies, we will hold a ballot on 28.2.19, and all parents would be sent a voting paper.