Schools: Parent Governors - Question

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 2:44 pm on 26 April 2016.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Baroness Sharp of Guildford Baroness Sharp of Guildford Liberal Democrat 2:44, 26 April 2016

I thank the Minister for his reply. I recognise that the Government are anxious to establish skills-based governing boards, but does he not recognise how incongruous it is that as the Government are to some extent discouraging parents from sitting on the governing boards of ordinary schools, they are at the same time extolling the role of parents in setting up free schools? Does he not also recognise that many parents like myself started as parent governors and learned through that experience and training the skills of critical analysis and leadership which allowed them to provide leadership within their communities, often going on later to stand as councillors and perhaps even Members of Parliament?