Nishan Wijeratine
Please click on the question to view Nishan's answers.
Q1 - Why do you feel it is important to get involved in education and what persuaded you to become a governor?
After living in my town (Witham) for nearly four years, I felt part of the community. I wanted to give something back and make a difference. Children are our future and I believe good parenting and quality schooling will maintain the UK’s economy, health and society in years and decades to come. I want to play a role in witnessing and experiencing local children realise their dreams and ambitions while developing into young, confident adults. Each and every individual regardless of age, race, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation has a duty and role in guiding children through life.
Q2 - Please describe the type of school you are in e.g. primary, secondary, fresh-start, special measures etc. Please also describe your first impressions and how you were welcomed
Howbridge Junior School is a wonderful school to be a governor. Upon entering the school on my introductory tour of the premises, I was greeted by happy, smiley faces. The school prides itself on having polite, enthusiastic pupils who enhance the community they live in – my community.
Q3 - How long do you spend on governor duties each month and how often do you attend meetings?
During my 27 months as a governor, I have attended each and every single meeting for which I have been expected to be present at. I am a member of the curriculum and personnel committees (two of the three that exist) as well as a being a member of the full governing body.
Q4 - Have you received any training? If so, how have you found it and how flexible is it?
I have not received any training, but this is not through poor availability or accessibility; rather my inability to fulfil any of the council-run courses to date due to work and personal commitments. I will continue to look to assess if any future ones are viable.
Q5 - What challenges have you faced and how do you feel your skills from the world of work have helped you as a school governor?
I have faced few challenges owing to the general flexibility of my profession which enables me to attend meetings, events and performances. My policing and media skills have helped the school devise policy, educate children (and teachers) on crime prevention, stranger danger and law enforcement, as well as promoting the regular good news stories from the school’s events and pupils in the local media. This has enhanced the profile of the school in the local community and to parents slightly further a field.
Q6 - Please describe the benefits that you gain, as an individual, from being a school governor?
As an operational member of the police service, it has been an education for me to gain children’s views on policing activity which directly affects them as well as being able to educate them on various aspects of policing which apply to them at their respective ages. I find them and the teachers extremely receptive to my inputs. I have also learnt more about teaching – a career which has always fascinated me. In addition, I have made many friends who are not only teachers, fellow governors, children or parents, but also neighbours in my community.
