Kirklees Together

Val Hollingworth has wiped off the chalk dust for the last time, stepping down after 25 years as a school governor.

Val has provided amazing service as a staff governor at Shepley First School and feels the training provided by Kirklees Council was key in building her confidence and supporting her in the role.

Becoming a school governor gives a fascinating insight into the world of education, as well as helping children and schools to develop. It also provides skills which can be valuable in your working life. Val found her time as a school governor to be incredibly rewarding.

She said:

“It’s a unique opportunity to be part of a team that positively impacts the educational journey of so many children.

“I took on duties for health and safety and finance and I enjoyed the responsibilities to scrutinise, discuss and work with the school management to ensure everything was in order.

“If you are interested in being a school governor, I would say just go for it. It only requires attendance at six meetings a year, which is not an onerous task.

“I have enjoyed my 25 years volunteering and I have found the biggest reward to be meeting with the children I supported long after they left school. I like to listen to their stories about where they are now, whether they are dentists, lawyers or in performing arts all over Europe. This makes it all worthwhile.”

Cllr Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet member for Education and Communities, said:

“I would like to thank Val for her many years of volunteering as a school governor at Shepley First School. Her service is a powerful demonstration of civic responsibility and the spirit of giving back.

“School governors are the people who can make a positive difference to children’s education by shaping the school environment, so every child has the opportunity to thrive. The everyman background that governors bring moulds our schools to be responsive to the communities in which they sit. Val has done this fantastically well.”

Could you follow Val’s inspirational example and support our schools?

Kirklees Council are always looking for new governors and provide full training ahead of being placed at a school. The Council value the work of Governors and recognise they are crucial to the ambitions of Our Kirklees Futures.

The School Governors page summarises the role and how to apply or contact the Governor Clerking Service by email kirklees.governors@kirklees.gov.uk or by calling 01484 225010.

Our Kirklees Futures

Putting schools at the heart of their communities is a key part of Our Kirklees Futures – our long term vision for learning across the district.

Our Kirklees Futures brings together the full range of education providers, plus wider partners, to ensure learners of all ages are equipped with vital skills for life.

For more information visit the Our Kirklees Futures web page.