One of the longest serving school governors in Kirklees has stepped down after 25 years. And now she wants to encourage other volunteers to consider becoming a school governor too.

Val Hollingworth was a governor at Shepley First School and was also the school’s business manager.

Val said: “I have found my time as a school governor to be incredibly rewarding. 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.”

 

 

Clr Amanda Pinnock

 

Clr 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.”

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 long-term vision for learning across the district.

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

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.