Caroline Thompson is chair of governors at Holbeach St Marks primary school near Spalding, Lincolnshire. She has been an LEA governor for 10 years, and chair for seven. A charity worker, she has three children and eight grandchildren.
What made you want to be a governor?
I was asked. I had always worked with children - I trained as a children’s nurse, and was involved with my children’s playgroups. I also have eight grandchildren.
Has the experience fulfiled your expectations?
Not recently. I feel they are asking too much of governors, whatever sort of employment background they have. I feel quite strongly about this. In particular I believe you need to be a trained teacher for monitoring and evaluation.
What dodon’t you like?
We have an enormous amount of literature both from the county and the DfES. It is very difficult to sort the wheat from the chaff and I don’t think any of them have learned the art of precis. What I do like is working with children.
Has the experience changed you?
Probably, but the past few years have changed me the wrong way, I wonder if the role of governors should be as it is at the moment.
What is the biggest, best or worst change you’ve seen during your time as a governor?
The worst is the bureaucracy and written work. There is less and less time for teaching. There is too much recording and assessment. staff know perfectly well how their children are getting on. One of the biggest changes is that many children and their families have huge problems. Parents are far more demanding and want their children to be completely looked after.
What does your family think of your commitment?
They think I’m mad. I am always left with the feeling that I am not doing enough.
If you could wave a wand, what would you wish for the school?
I would wish for larger numbers. They are increasing, but we have only 45 children on the roll. We are in a Victorian building and I would like a purpose-built new school.
And who or what would you make disappear?
Probably the Government. I would like to see schools being able to run themselves more completely. life would be a lot easier.
Who would be your ideal fantasy governor?
Someone who knows the village intimately. Incidentally, our next chair lives in the village!
Janet Prescott
