Governorship & Volunteering at SJF

15th Sep 2024

Volunteering at SJF

Sincere thanks to all those who have stepped forward from both our parish and school communities. We are in desperate need of more volunteers as we try to keep up with increasing demands and expectations. Can you help?

Reading Volunteers

We are desperate for more reading volunteers. The commitment does not have to be big and we can be flexible with timings. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer or more information (0114 2485009)

Swimming Volunteers

Please contact us (0114 2485009 or enquiries@st-johnfisher.org) if you can support school staff escorting Y4 pupils to and from swimming lessons on Wednesday afternoons in Terms 1 and 2.

Wildlife Area Volunteers

if you would like to support us with the development and maintenance of our new wildlife area and new planting around school. Please contact us (0114 2485009 or enquiries@st-johnfisher.org).

Governorship

Last summer I explained that our Governors are key to supporting the ethos and strategic direction of our special school community, which is now as part of the St Clare Catholic Multi-Academy Trust. It is a time of extreme challenge for all schools because of historic funding issues and an overstretched citywide SEND provision. I asked you consider, seriously, stepping up for your school when the call came. Here is the call…

Why become a Parent Governor?

Governors have an important part to play in helping schools to run effectively. They work as part of a team with the Headteacher and school staff to help provide a happy, safe and thriving learning environment and an excellent education for all the children.

As a Parent Governor, you will understand parents’ views and have first-hand knowledge of how the school is run. You will have the opportunity to work toward improving the school experience not only for your own child but for those in years to come.

This voluntary role can be challenging but it is extremely rewarding and is a great way to build on your personal and professional skills. You will be supported in the role through a programme of training and mentoring allowing you to use your knowledge and experience to the full extent.

What will you do?

You will work as part of the Local Academy Committee (LAC) to develop the school’s vision and priorities, review educational performance, and make strategic decisions. You will receive reports from the senior leaders and will be expected to be able to question, challenge and/or support decisions.

Governor meetings are held nine times a year and you will also be encouraged to undertake school visits focused on school priorities or areas such as SEND, safeguarding and Health and Safety. Visiting the school as a governor can be a quite different experience to visiting as a parent.

Parent Governors are representative parents rather than representatives of parents. You will not be expected to gather the views of other parents and take them to Governors’ meetings or to personally become involved in individual concerns. Instead, you will present a balanced and impartial view, based on the benefits for all children.

What are we looking for?

We need enthusiastic and committed parents from a variety of backgrounds. You do not need leadership or education experience; just a desire to give back to the school and its community and a proactive approach to becoming involved as a member of a team. We are seeking individuals from as many different backgrounds as possible to fully reflect the community the school serves; everyone has something to offer.

Next steps…

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Dan Beever, our Chair of Governors, by email d.beever@st-johnfisher.org or speak to colleagues in the school office or the Headteacher/Deputy Headteacher.

Please click this link to access/download all the relevant forms. Thank you.

Safeguarding & Volunteering – including Governorship

All volunteers will be subject to all the appropriate safeguarding checks in order to comply fully with every requirement of KCSIE 2024. Thank you.