School Governor

About the role

Watling View is an age 2-19 maintained special school in St Albans, in the county of Hertfordshire. The school caters for up to 107 pupils, with a wide range of complex and profound learning difficulties. These include severe autism, complex medical conditions, physical and mobility difficulties, as well as severe developmental delay. Watling View is a special place to be.  At the core of what we do is to develop individual's communication and independence.  We achieve this by following highly personalised approaches to the curriculum and using a total communication approach to promoting and developing communication.

This is an exciting time for Watling View School. The last three years have seen significant progress with the development of the school site, individualised teaching and learning plans and creating space for staff learning and reflection. The school has successfully navigated hugely challenging circumstances while improving the educational progress of our students, developing a strong reputation for supporting their wellbeing and creating a place where everyone can develop and thrive.

Watling View’s Governing Body is made up of people from all walks of life and many come to us through a variety of routes and with a range of different backgrounds, skills and experiences; but we are all volunteers who work together for the benefit of the school.

What are we looking for?

We currently have two vacancies for new co-opted governors and would be delighted to hear from anyone who generally has:

• an interest in the performance of the school
• an open and enquiring mind, with the confidence to ask questions and join in debate
• the ability to work well with others
• time to spare

We welcome applications from everyone but are particularly interested in applications from those with one of the following backgrounds:

• insight and experience of teaching and learning, including quality assurance;
• professional skills and experience within education, safeguarding and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND);
• expertise in HR matters; or
• the appropriate skills and knowledge or enthusiasm to join the team as the Vice Chair of Governors and in time to take on the Chair of Governors role.

What can we offer?

• A chance to develop skills in strategic management
• The opportunity to work with our team of governors and staff in improving outcomes
• A sense of achievement in making a difference to our school and the pleasure of helping students reach their potential

To support governors, everyone has access to further training to help build on existing skills or to develop new ones.

What is the Governing Body’s Role?

The Governing Body of our school plays a key role in:

• setting targets for raising standards of educational achievement
• monitoring progress towards meeting these targets
• supporting and challenging the performance of the headteacher
• deciding policy and future development plans

As well as attending meetings governors are also asked to look at specific areas of the School’s work in more detail.

Application

If you match the above description, you may be the right person to become a Governor at Watling View School. We welcome applications from all sections of the community but particularly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups.

Watling View School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (“DBS”) check and section 128 check.

If you are interested, please send an e-mail to Jonathan Yeates, Chair of Governors, at jonathan.yeates@watlingview.herts.sch.uk  stating (i) your Name; (ii) your Contact Details (e-mail and preferred telephone number) and (iii) a short statement outlining the reasons for you application and background (preferably no longer than 350 words).

Alternatively, for an informal discussion prior to submitting a response, please feel free to contact myself.

The deadline for applications is Friday 25th October 2024.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to meet with Jonathan Yeates, Chair of Governors and Andy Scott, Headteacher.