Dear Parents and Carers
My lad is just coming to the end of Year 7 and much to his displeasure I have just joined the Governing body of his school. I was also a Governor at his primary school and saw him several times on school visits. Of course, back then he quite liked it, as opposed to now where he is utterly embarrassed by everything I say, do, and even my existence. However, I really enjoy the role as my relationship with his school is so different to that with Myton. I live close to the secondary school he attends and I am part of the community it serves. Therefore, when it comes to establishing a vision for what this school wants to achieve with their kids, I feel I have something to offer both in terms of establishing their vision but also in holding school leaders to account for delivery.
At Myton, this is exactly what I like from our Governors. I love this school, have worked here for 12 years, 7 as Head, and enjoy the company of every child who has come through our gates. But I don’t live here and whilst I think I have an understanding of the community, I know the Governors are best placed to keep me true to the vision they have developed for our school. In an ideal world we would have Governors who represent all parts of our school community; geographically, socio-economically, ethnically and professionally. Together, we work as a group to set the vision for Myton School and establish how Governors can measure success – Governors govern outcomes rather than process so what information is needed for Governors to know whether our outcomes are right? Most often this is the data and reports we present, but it also includes student, staff and parent panels, learning walks around the school, observations and participation in school events. The role is both interesting and rewarding. However, our Governing body has shrunk somewhat recently and we need some new recruits. I need Governors with the investment in Myton School that comes from being part of this community and in most (but not all) cases having children here. My leadership team and I enjoy the support and the challenge we have from Governors and every meeting helps keep us true to our vision, which is the most important role of Governors. Governors have been key in every step of getting our new building underway, in developing our future plans for the site and most excitingly, joined us to have six school dinners in one day as we went out to tender for a new catering company: the role offers any number of opportunities or professional development.
A letter has gone out to all parents today from myself and Mike Oldridge, Chair of Governors, to invite expressions of interest from parents and members of our school community to be a Governor. I hope there are plenty of you out there who will take the time to consider this. As I mentioned, I need Governors who understand what this community needs and therefore how Myton can shape a bright future for all who live here. This is exactly what I hope I can do to provide support in my lad’s school – that and six more school dinners.
Best wishes
Andy Perry
Head Teacher
