Governor Development Programme

 "The Controlled Schools’ Support Council (CSSC) invites Governors of controlled schools to participate in development sessions regarding ethos in controlled schools.

CSSC development modules in the 2024/25 academic year, aim to support Governors of controlled schools as they contribute to school ethos.

Each session will focus on a unique aspect of ethos in controlled schools as described below. The Modules are virtual events and Governors of controlled schools can choose to attend as many as they wish.”

Governors and Ethos Three (Supporting Whole School Resilience) This Module considers how Trauma Informed Approaches support the resilience of children and young people. The importance of relationships and the presence of an emotionally available adult is explored as well as the impact of PACE approaches in supporting children and young people (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy). Governors are encouraged to consider how a culture of safety and support can be provided for staff thus supporting the emotional health wellbeing and resilience of the adults who work with pupils. 

Duration: 45 Minutes

Delivery: Online session

Date: Tuesday 18 February 2025 (7.00 - 7.45pm)  registration open - book here.

Pre-recorded videos below for viewing:

Governors and Ethos (CSSC Ethos Self-Evaluation Toolkit) considers the importance of school ethos and provides an overview of the CSSC Self Evaluation Ethos Toolkit and how it can contribute to ethos development. The link between ethos, vision, mission and values is also considered and the impact of a positive school ethos is explored.

Duration: 20 Minutes
Delivery: Online Pre-Recorded session 

Governors and Ethos (Ethos in controlled schools) examines the role of Governors in establishing a clearly defined ethos statement for the school and considers the responsibilities of Governors in maintaining the school’s ethos by examining key relationships within the school community and how these can be fostered and developed.  

Duration: 20 Minutes
Delivery: Online Pre-Recorded session 

Governors and Ethos (supports Governors in understanding how developing a trauma sensitive approach to practice can enhance a school’s ethos) explores the impact of adverse childhood experiences on children and young people’s ability to regulate, how children will present in the classroom and considers how schools can provide experiences which support our children and young people. Governors will also be encouraged to consider support to enhance staff wellbeing and will be signposted to a number of resources and development opportunities to support these efforts.

Duration: 49 Minutes
Delivery: Online Pre-Recorded session 

Governor and Ethos (Coaching Ethos) discover how adopting a coaching approach can enhance school governance and support your school’s ethos. 
In this session, we explore the principles of coaching and their practical application for governors, covering how to:
•    Contribute to a coaching culture that empowers staff and students.
•    Apply coaching skills to both formal and informal conversations.
•    Align coaching practices with your school’s values to strengthen relationships and foster growth.
This session provides actionable insights to help your school create a supportive, reflective and collaborative environment.
Duration: 14 Minutes
Delivery:  Online Pre-Recorded session

Do you want to know more about what's involved? Watch some of the below videos to give you an idea of what was covered in governor development sessions. 

Bobby Thompson, Chair of Governors at Ballyclare Nursery School, in conversation with CSSC Schools' Support Officer Tracey Woods, discusses the importance of the relationship between the Chair and the Principal in developing and strengthening school ethos.

Maeve Maxwell, Chair of Governors at Roddensvale School, in conversation with Schools' Support Officer Tracey Woods, discusses the impact that parent governors can have on developing and strengthening a school ethos.

Chris Dorrian, Chair of Governors at Silverstream PS, in conversation with Schools' Support Officer Tracey Woods, discusses the importance of relationships and trust in developing and strengthening a school ethos.

Diane Rathfield, Chair of Governors at Limavady High School, in conversation with School Support Officer Derek Harkness, discusses the importance of ‘openness’ in helping governors to support the school leadership team as they develop and strengthen the school ethos.