CAROLYN Yaghooby is a governor at West Twyford primary school in Ealing, London. She was co-opted in February so is still finding her way. She is site manager at the school and has three children aged 17, 16 and nine years, the youngest of whom goes to her school.
What made you want to be a governor?
I didn’t. I was nagged into it by the headteacher.
Has the experience fulfilled your expectations?
I have been to quite a few meetings already. It takes a while to understand what happens, but at least I’ve had a chance to get a good feel of what’s going on.
What do you like and what don’t you like?
I have been a member of the
PTA at the school, but I am not used to this sort of meeting. I find it incredibly different, and very formal.
And of course the issues are far more important than at the meetings I used to attend, it’s not just a question of discussing whether we’re going to hol another cake sale.
Has the experience changed you?
Not yet.
What do your family think of your commitment?
They’re not bothered about it at all. They don’t bat an eyelid.
Where does governing fit into your life?
Well, I don’t leave the school, since I live on the site, so I just walk across for the governors’ meetings. It’s apparently just another extension of my normal life! But because of my job as site manager I’ll be interested in funds for continuous improvement and health and safety issues.
If you could wave a wand, what would you wish for the school?
More money, definitely.
And who or what would you make disappear?
Interfering government and all the people who haven’t got a clue about putting all these things into practice.
Who would be your ideal fantasy governor?
The actor Robin Williams has got
a great sense of humour, and you need it.
