Dear Parent/Carer
Election of Parent Governor
I am writing to invite you to consider standing for election as a parent governor on the Local Governing Body for Rushden Academy or to nominate another parent to do so. We currently have a vacancy for 1 parent governor.
The Tove Learning Trust Board of Trustees, together with the Principal of Rushden Academy, has overall responsibility for the running of the Academy. The Board of Trustees delegates certain powers and functions to the Local Governing Body. These are set out in the Trust’s Scheme of Delegation and Terms of Reference which are available to view on the Tove Learning Trust website.
As a parent governor, you will work with the board to make sure it effectively carries out the duties required to run the Academy. You will also play a vital role in bringing a parental perspective to the governing board, but you are not there to speak ‘on behalf’ of the parent body.
To be a parent governor you should have:
- A strong commitment to the role and to improving outcomes for children
- Good inter-personal skills, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and develop new skills
The governing body works together as a group, meeting at least once a term. If you are thinking of standing as a governor, remember that you will need to attend a minimum of three meetings a year, plus committee meetings during the term.
As a governor, you will normally hold office for a period of four years, even if your child leaves the school during this time. You can, however, resign from the governing body at any time.
No special qualifications are needed and the most important thing is to have a keen interest in the Academy and be prepared to play an active part in the local governing body’s work. Training is available for all local governors and the Board of Trustees has an expectation that those new to being a local governing body member, attend free induction training. A Job Description outlining the role is attached to this letter.
The attached sheet summarises the circumstances under which someone cannot serve as a local governor. Nominations must be from parents, or individuals, exercising parental responsibility of a child at the Academy.
If you would like to stand for election or nominate another parent, please complete the attached nomination form and either:
- Place in an envelope and give this to the Reception Team at Rushden Academy, for the attention of Mrs D Pilcher.
- Send your completed application form, via email, to:
Please note: if you are nominating a parent you must obtain their consent prior to their nomination.
You may also include a short personal statement to support your nomination, which should be no longer than 250 words. The statement should only include biographical information, your reasons for wanting to be a parent governor and the contribution you believe you can make to the local governing body.
If there are more nominations than vacancies the election will be by secret ballot. If that is necessary, voting papers will be sent to all parents together with details of the ballot procedure.
I do hope you will consider standing as a governor yourself or nominating someone else. If you would like more information about being a governor please let me know.
Yours faithfully
Mr Tim Foster
Chair of Governors
