Position: Parent governor at Salisbury secondary school in the London borough of Enfield

Q If you had David Blunkett’s budget what would your priority be?

A I’d spend money doing research into good teaching practice, in particular what motivates children. On the basis of that, I’d ensure that every teacher knew about inspirational approaches. Every child should have the opportunity to be inspired by good teachers.

Q If you had a blank cheque for your own school what would you buy?

A A number of children at our schoolspeak English as a second language. I’d set up homework clubs to help them. These would involve interpreters and plenty of computers with individualised programmes. And I’d make sure that all staff get the training they need to use the computers.

Q What treat would you buy yourself?

A I’d take actor Laurence Fishburne out to dinner every time a child who started off shakily got an A to C grade in their GCSEs.

Maureen McTaggart was talking to Reva Klein. If you’d like to publish a shopping list for education please e-mail friday@tes.co.uk.