Wendy Plummer is a parent governor at Outwood Ledger Lane primary school in Wakefield which has beacon status for management and special needs provision, and Outwood Grange College. She is 43 and has two sons aged 10 and 17.
What made you want to be a governor?
We had moved around the country and I had always been on parent-teacher associations. My medical background is in psychiatry and I can see how some people are at a disadvantage from the start.
Has the experience fulfilled your expectations?
Yes, there is a lot more to it than people think.
What dodon’t you like?
I really enjoy it. But sometimes governors get left behind. A policy might get decided in the school, and by the time it has gone to the students’
forum, managers and teachers, things get changed.
Has the job changed you?
It has given me more confidence. I also have more trust that education is doing its best.
What is the biggest change?
Inclusion. The primary has many children with needs and they are respected by the other pupils. In the high school we have a really successful scheme where pupils follow a reintegration programme after temporary exclusion or problems.
What does your family think?
My husband’s a manager so appreciates the issues. The children are very proud. But if there is a small problem like no soap in the toilets, they say to their friends, mum can fix it.
Where does it fit into your life?
I am on several committees in both schools. I put in about 25 to 30 hours a year in the primary and 80 to 100 for the secondary.
Wish for the school?
To help every child succeed.
What would you banish?
Constant government change of mind.
Your fantasy governor?
David Beckham. He’s a very respected person and has young children himself.
