"I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts and insights regarding my journey as a staff governor at Peckover.

My decision to become a governor was driven by a desire to make a positive impact on our school community, alongside contributing to the education of our children. Many individuals are motivated by a personal connection to the school — as I am, becoming a staff governor offered a wonderful opportunity to use my skills, knowledge and experience to support the school’s development.

What I have found most rewarding about being a governor is witnessing the consistent improvements within the school. Seeing the positive impact and the efforts of a dedicated staff and all the stakeholders has on the lives and on the academic achievements of our children, is genuinely sometimes overwhelming! Being part of such a dedicated team is one of the most gratifying aspects of this role. At Peckover, the staff have given the children so many real life experiences that have enhanced their wellbeing and life skills.

On a personal and professional level, my experiences as a governor have significantly impacted my growth as an educator. The role has enhanced my thinking and teamwork skills.  It has also provided me with a deeper understanding of the education system and its many challenges we face now and in the future.

One of my proudest moments as a governor has been witnessing our school achieve significant milestones, such as the successful implementation of new initiatives for writing - that is already after only a half-term, proving of great benefit to the children. It is opening their imaginations and encouraging them to express this through their narratives. Seeing our children grow academically and personally is a source of immense pride. At Peckover, the wellbeing of our children and the wider family is paramount to the success that we all see.

For those considering becoming a governor, I encourage you to commit fully to the role and be prepared to dedicate the necessary time. Engaging in training sessions is essential, as is maintaining an open mind and actively participating in meetings, being prepared to challenge senior leadership and subject leads. Building connections with fellow governors, staff and children can also provide invaluable insight, advice and support".

- Trace Lee, Staff Governor

 

"My name is Sarah Dodkin and I am honoured to be the SEN Governor for Peckover Primary School. 

I have 2 sons who spent their primary education journey at Peckover and 1 son who is in Year 5 at the moment. All 3 boys have absolutely loved school and any hurdles they have come across have been crossed with support, empowerment and empathy, and we truly believe they are the children they are, thanks to their school staff. 2 of my sons have additional needs. These include severe sight impairment and early childhood dementia and even though this was a new learning curve for us all, the staff and school provided an amazing education with high expectations, unique provision and pure dedication. Our third son has needed pastoral support, strength and the important element of life which is a normal childhood with equal expectations to his peers, whilst understanding that he is a young carer. The balance was easily found by Peckover and he had a fantastic educational journey and is thriving at secondary school using all of the academic and personal tools given to him by the staff at Peckover. Finally, as parents, we have been supported through our children losing their sight, being diagnosed with a life-limiting and degenerative condition, our child learning about their siblings' condition and navigating this path of being a SEN parent. We have been supported with information, time, care, knowledge, and the reassurance that we are going through this as a team, which is more powerful than anyone will ever understand.

So, as you can see, I have a lot to thank Peckover school for, and that is where my decision to become a governor came from. With me and my husband both working full time, we were unable to support in a practical sense of volunteering or helping on trips etc and so this was a way of being able to give back.

The most rewarding part of being a governor is seeing how the school supports all children, both with SEN needs and without, and how every child is an individual with their own educational journey. Peckover staff support children to become the best they can be and give them every opportunity to experience the world of childhood on both an academic and personal level. Spending time with the incredible SEN team has been nothing but incredible and the work they do and the passion they show is amazing. 

Being part of the governing body has opened my eyes to how much is done in the background and how much more complex running a school is! I have worked in a school for the past 22 years, but you never really know how much work goes into running an outstanding school. The Peckover team are constantly questioning themselves and their practise to ensure they provide the best standard of care and education they can for not only their students but for their families and the wider community. They do this while becoming part of a more extensive academy and holding onto those core values that have always made Peckover, well, Peckover. They push themselves as professionals to be the top of their game, they remain available and approachable to both children and families and they support each other in so many ways.

For anyone considering becoming part of Peckover in any way, do it, you won't look back. Spending time with people that have been part of the school for many years is nothing but heartwarming and insightful, and you will find that most people have been involved for many years, because once you are part of Peckover, that's it, you are hooked. 

Days like governor's days and school performances are the most rewarding and incredible opportunities. So much work goes into each and every performance and every child is made to feel like a star, empowering them to be brave, try something new, be the best they can be. Whether that be the main part or part of an ensemble, each and every child is the star and is encouraged to feel confident in their role. Governor days give the unique opportunity to see the working cogs of the school in action, to watch the staff working as a team, the children engaging in learning and the school running as a well-oiled machine producing magic as it goes. The staff are always happy and enthusiastic to answer questions and show off their class's achievements and the children are always so very happy and lost in learning. What more could you want?

I feel very lucky that Peckover school is part of our family's journey and that I am able to be part of the team in some small way and will endeavour to support and champion our school for many years to come".

- Sarah Dodkin, Parent Governor