Being a school governor is demanding but rewarding and a good way of putting something into your local community.

School governing bodies are responsible for working strategically with the school in ensuring a good quality education. Together with the headteacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management, they set the school's aims and policies as well as carrying out a number of other important duties.

These include:

• how the school's budget is spent,
• the appointing and dismissing of staff,
• hearing appeals and grievances,
• forming policy on the school's curriculum and collective worship,
• pupils' behavior and discipline.

If you were to become a school governor you would, depending on the size of the school, be one of between 9 and 21 people making up the governing body. Advice, support and training in carrying out the role is given by the Local Authority (LA).

The term of office for a school governor is normally four years and you would be expected to attend at least one meeting per term. Most governors find they usually attend meetings or visit school 3 or 4 times each term.