What We Do
Statutory provisions require local authorities to hold elections for Parent Governor Representatives (PGRs) to participate in the discussion of educational matters, to represent the parent voice.
Cambridgeshire has three PGR posts: two for parent governors from the nursery, primary and special school sectors and one for parent governors from the secondary sector. Cambridgeshire PGRs have seats on the Children and Young People's Services (CYPS) Scrutiny Committee, where they have the same rights to speak and vote as County Councillors. They may also be appointed to Policy Development Groups advising Cabinet on educational issues. PGRs serve a four year term of office.
PGRs receive training and support for their role from the County Council's Democratic Services Team and also from Children and Young People's Services (CYPS) including input from Cambridgeshire Governor Services.
The Role of the Parent Governor Representative
The following description of the role of Parent Governor Representatives is adapted from 'Guidance for Parent Governor Representatives' provided by the Department for Education (DfE):
- act as a non-political voice for parents in the area; presenting to the local authority the main educational issues which concern parents and pupils in schools maintained by the authority
- liaise with the other Parent Governor Representatives on the Children and Young People's Services Scrutiny Committee
- attend and contribute to the committee(s) to which they have been appointed
- establish good relations with other members and officers
- feedback the local authority’s discussions of and decisions on education to parents
- abide by the local authority’s rules on committee procedure (Standing Orders)
- act with due propriety according to standards laid down for conduct in local government.