Visiting the school and the link governor

Governors have a responsibility to monitor and evaluate the progress of their school. This can be done through a variety of methods including reports from the headteacher and senior staff, analysis of statistical data and perhaps, most importantly, through first hand observation and talking with staff.

It is not always easy for every governor to set aside time to visit school during a working day, but the importance of visits by a representative number of governors cannot be understated.

For such visits to be positive and supportive, they must be planned in a way that enhances the governing body’s understanding of an aspect of the school’s work. Therefore, it is important that a protocol for visiting the school is agreed and observed between the governors and the headteacher. Also, care should be taken not to place any additional unnecessary workload on staff.

It may be that visits to school are related to governors’ special responsibilities i.e. literacy or special educational needs. The attached booklet also aims to help you undertake your role as a ‘link’ governor. I hope you find it useful.

In addition, a pro forma for recording observations when visiting a school and a general code of conduct for governors are attached.

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