Release Date:  17-Jun-2008

Bristol needs more disabled school governors

Bristol City Council is looking for people with disabilities to join school governing bodies, it announced today.

Currently only two per cent of governors (40 people) have disabilities, but disabled people  make up 18% per cent of the population in Bristol.  The council has organised two special training sessions to encourage more people to come forward.

Peter Hammond, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Cohesion and Raising Attainment, said:

"Schools really value having a broad mix of experience and talent on their governing bodies and this includes people with disabilities.  Governors act as positive role models for pupils and being a governor is a great way to give something back to your local community.  You don't need to be a parent, just able to give up to eight hours a month to help your local school.

"We're also looking for people with disabilities to join inclusion steering groups to work with parents, staff and pupils on equality schemes or access plans."

Governor at  Broomhill Infants School, Mark Williams, said:

"I have found being a governor very rewarding and empowering. It has given me a real voice in the development of inclusion."

School governors make decisions on policies, appointing staff, agreeing budgets and setting curriculums.  Governors commit between six and eight hours a month on attending meetings, preparatory reading, training and following-up on agreed actions.

Background

1. The sessions will be held on Thursday, 19 June, 6-8pm, at The Woodward Centre, Fishponds, or Wednesday, 25 June, 10.30am-12.30pm, at The Southville Centre.  Anyone wishing to attend should contact Louise Bale, 0117 9031396, louise.bale@bristol.gov.uk 

2. The sessions are being organised by the Disability Equality Forum in association with Children and Young People's Services Governor Development Service. The aim is for people with disabilities to find out more about becoming a school governor, or joining a school's Inclusion Steering Group. 

Author:   Julia Walton

For all media enquiries relating to this press release, please contact Corporate Communications on 0117 922 2650.

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