Education secretary Nicky Morgan announced on Thursday that the role of parent governors is to be scrapped in what is considered as a “schools shakeup”.
In the education white paper, focus will be placed on appointing professionals with the “right skills” to governing bodies rather than the value that parents have as stakeholders. Some fear it is a move towards privatisation and disregards the voices of the school community.
One former parent governor said: “After 12 years, I feel like an expert governor, but it would not have happened if I hadn’t had the opportunity to be elected as a parent governor. There aren’t enough ready-made skilled governors – we have to grow our own and plan for succession, just as we do with school leaders.”
If you are a parent governor or have previously held a position as one we would like to hear what you think of the proposed plans. How do you think schools will be affected without parent governors? Why do you think the role is important?
You can share your experiences by filling in the form below. We will include some of your contributions in our ongoing reporting.
So we will have (I) privatized schools run by (ii) self-appointed 'representatives' but with the 'right skills' (who decides that?) of (iii) private organisations/businesses for all children in this country? Yeh really democracy - the final nail in the coffin of education as a public service and community based.