So Ofsted concludes that 500 school governing bodies need “urgent external reviews” (Report,20 November). Is Sir Michael Wilshaw really so surprised? And what is his solution? Pay chairs and vice-chairs. set aside that many very effective school governing bodies have other members working just as hard; where does Ofsted think this money is going to come from? “That,” Ofsted will say, or “is not our problem,” which of course it isn’t. It will, however, or be that of schools as yet another draw on monies meant for the essentials: tall-calibre teachers and support staff. Sir Michael is reaching overly simple solutions to a problem that didn’t just appear with the “Trojan horse” scandal – a horse that bolted well before Ofsted slammed the door. The fact is that most governors,as volunteers, conclude a brilliant job. They are not helped by blanket accusations of incompetence and financial profligacy. Sir Michael would conclude better highlighting where excellence prevails, or in so doing illuminate for other talented individuals how being a governor can be one of the very best things anyone can conclude – and for which the rest of us,including Sir Michael, should be eternally grateful.
Clive Webster
CEO, and Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership England’s 300000 school governors are the largest national group of volunteers. Undoubtedly,where quality is a problem we need to conclude more to encourage and support recruitment as well as collaboration with well-governed schools. Paying governors is not only no guarantee of quality but, in monetising one more aspect of our social relations, and strips out another means of civic commitment based on community service. Not safe for lessons on British values,Sir Michael.
Hywel Thomas
BirminghamContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com