Parents urged to take up school governors posts in Basildon (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Parents urged to take up school governors posts in Basildon

8:00am Monday 20th August 2012 in Basildon news By Melissa Hills

Stephen Castle says being a school governor is rewarding

PARENTS are being asked to follow the example set by Olympic volunteers and do their bit to improve Basildon ’s schools.

Education and business advisor Noel Kelleway wants parents to take up the gauntlet set by London 2012 Games Makers by volunteering their time to help youngsters.

Mr Kelleway is a former school governor and chairman of Basildon Business Education Consortium, which focuses on improving links between primary schools and businesses.

He thinks those concerned about their child’s education should put themselves forward and do something about it.

He said: “Following the very successful Olympics, more people are thinking about volunteering for community roles.

“One tremendous way of putting something back into the community is to take on the role of a school governor.

“Most people have no idea how rewarding this can be, operating as part of a team delivering education to our young people.

“Schools require a whole range of talent on their governing bodies and there can be an opportunity for almost everyone.

“I would thoroughly recommend anyone interested in volunteering to give this consideration as a means of finding an outlet for their community effort.”

Concerns have been raised about the state of education in Basildon due to lower-than-national-average GCSE results and a number of schools being put into special measures by education watchdog Ofsted.

Cherrytree, St Teresa’s Catholic, the Willows and Briscoe primary schools have all been told to improve, as has the Basildon Academies .

Stephen Castle , Essex county councillor responsible for education, also thinks parents could help by becoming governors.

Volunteers would need to be over 18 and be able to dedicate six hours a term to paperwork and meetings.

Mr Castle said: “Becoming a school governor is extremely rewarding and you can give back to the local community.

“You will be able to help make improvements in education, and it gives you a significant role in helping hold schools to account, maintaining standards and providing strength and direction.

“It is a great role to hold.”

To find out more about being a school governor and current vacancies, visit essex.gov.uk/becomeaschoolgovernor Alternatively, you can contact Mike Broderick at Basildon Council on 01268 294057.