School Governor (co-opted)

About the role

Would you like to make a valuable contribution to local children’s education, opportunities and futures? If yes, please read on as we are looking to appoint a new co-opted governor at Harvey Road School!

About our school:

Harvey Road is a single form entry primary school with integrated nursery and wraparound care in Croxley Green, Hertfordshire. We prioritise providing a safe, enjoyable and inclusive environment, and children from all backgrounds thrive here. Our academic results demonstrate that for several years our school has been one of the highest performing in the country. Yet life at Harvey Road is about much more than academic achievement: we have an extensive ‘Enriched Curriculum’ programme and aim to provide a broad and balanced experience for all children: children’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.

Join us to make a difference

We are seeking a new co-opted governor to join our diverse and multi-skilled board, and play a vital role in supporting our ongoing development and progression.

Our recent Ofsted inspection graded the school Outstanding in all areas, but we know that we still have opportunities to improve; for example, our 2023/24 School Development Plan includes a focus on several aspects of Quality of Education, and we are constantly responding and adapting to a changing world: demographic changes mean the school’s catchment is widening; like many schools, our cohort of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is growing; and the societal pressures facing our children are ever-evolving. You’ll also join the team at a time of change: our Headteacher is retiring this year after 19 years in post, and we have recently appointed a successor from September 2024.

What does a Governor do?

Being a governor is a vital role, and you'll play a central role in shaping the school's future. The governing board provides strategic leadership and accountability in a school. It has three key functions:

• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent
• Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils
• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction

Being a school governor is a challenging but hugely rewarding role. It will give you the chance to make a real difference to young people, give something back to the local community and use and develop your skills in a board-level environment. You will also be joining the largest volunteer force in the country; there are over a quarter of a million volunteers governing state funded schools in England.

What do we expect from you?

• Attendance and preparation (reviewing documents) for 7-10 meetings per year, held in evenings (with virtual attendance possible on occasion)
• Come into school 2-3 times per year during the school day to meet with staff and pupils, with a focus on a particular topic of interest
• Attend 1-2 evening online training courses per year,
• Enthusiasm and engagement in driving forward our school!

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, and no prior educational experience is necessary: our supportive board offers a comprehensive training and support package to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to contribute to sustaining and improving our school performance.

Please do contact us if you have any questions or to find out more. We would love to show you around our wonderful school and to tell you more about our plans.

To apply for this role, please send a short email outlining your interest, background and what you would bring to the role to the Clerk to the Governing Body (nicola.boichat@harveyroad.herts.sch.uk).

We look forward to hearing from you!

Doug Hull
Chair of Governors

Harvey Road School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check as well as other pre-appointment checks as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2023)