School Visits
Visits help you build relationships with staff, see the school in action, and gather first-hand insight that reports alone cannot provide. All visits should have a clear, agreed purpose, whether that is a learning walk, monitoring a policy, or supporting your link governor role.
Learning Walks
A learning walk can be undertaken by any governor or trustee for a pre-agreed reason. They offer a chance to speak with staff and pupils, see the buildings and facilities, and get a sense of the school environment. A timetable should be agreed at the start of each academic year.
Afterwards, write a record of your visit and submit it to the Headteacher and Chair, before sending it to the Clerk for inclusion on the next agenda.
Link Governor Visits
We recommend at least one visit per year, and no more than one per term. Plan your visits at the start of the year so they connect to the priorities in the school development plan.
Setting the date
Agree all dates and timings in advance and keep a record on GovernorHub. The Headteacher can connect you with the right operational lead for your link area. Schedule your visit to ensure they are available.
Preparing
Use the visit template (see Useful Resources) to agree a plan with your operational lead in advance. Cover the focus of the visit, what you will do and see, who you will speak to, and what you want to achieve. Also agree practical details: who will meet you on arrival, dress code, mobile phone protocols, and how staff and pupils should address you.
On the day
Report to reception and sign in. Stick to the agreed plan. If you notice something worth exploring, note it for your next visit rather than getting sidetracked.
You are there in a supportive role, not an inspection one. Do not carry a clipboard. Only enter a classroom if agreed in advance, and remember your purpose is to understand school life, not judge teaching quality.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. If anything concerns you, tell the Headteacher straight away.
Afterwards
Write up your findings promptly using the report template and share with the Headteacher and Chair before uploading to GovernorHub. Do not name individual pupils or staff in your report, and direct any feedback to the Headteacher.
Dos and Don'ts
Do
- Agree the purpose of your visit with the Headteacher or senior leader
- Sort all practical details in advance
- Visit at different times of day
- Say thank you and give brief feedback before you leave
Don't
- Turn up unannounced for a formal visit
- Enter a classroom without prior arrangement and at least one week's notice
- Visit during assessment or exam periods without agreement
- Behave like an inspector or take copious notes
- Discuss observations with staff, parents or individual governors (other than the Chair) without permission
- Take photographs without the necessary permissions
