Each of the 20,000 schools in the UK has a governing body who are an integral part of the school's major decision making processes, the results of which directly affect our children. For this reason it is essential that governors make clear and informed decisions in order to implement the best educational framework for young people.

Contents include: Introduction: Quick Start Guide Strategic leadership and how governors provide it Good governance: the importance of self-evaluation and effective policies Governor visits to the school Holding the head teacher and leadership team to account Ofsted: inspections and governors Appointing a new head teacher

I am delighted Tim has provided us with this brilliant little book: itmay be a little book but don't be fooled. This book is mighty big inexperience and wisdom - between each invaluable line of practicaladvice, you can be sure the words come from a practitioner whoknows his stuff, who can be trusted unequivocally; who puts thechild (or learner) first.Alison Stewart, parent governor and chair This is a book which should be in the hands of all school governorsand head teachers. It would be invaluable to someone new to therole, but experienced governors and heads will find much here toguide best practice.Tim's experience as a head teacher and consultant shines throughthese pages. It is unpatronising and littered with practical advice, together with nice touches of humour. The quick-start guide andglossary, together with the appendices, are very helpful, but the meatis in the book's six chapters. These cover strategic leadership, selfevaluationand policies, governors' visits to school, holding the headteacher and leadership team to account, Ofsted inspections and, lastbut not least, a guide to appointing a new head teacher.Each chapter starts with a summary of what it sets out to cover andthen swiftly gets down to business. In words it is economical withoutbeing too truncated and is probably best suited to being read inbite-sized chunks. There are practical suggestions for activitiesthroughout which would help chairs and head teachers to work withthe governing body to build the team and strengthen the skills andconfidence of individual governors.The narrative is particularly strong on exemplars, providing suggestedformats for a range of tasks from recording meetings toplanning school visits. The emphasis on getting the right questionsasked in the right way is a real strength. However, this book is notjust a collection of tips and suggestions: it