GOVERNORS from schools across Darlington are being invited to discuss their experiences at a meeting next week.

The meeting will be held from 6.15pm to 7.45pm on Monday (February 2) in the meeting room at the Dolphin Centre and is open to all governors from schools maintained by the local authority, as well as schools that have become academies.

Organised by Councillor Cyndi Hughes, cabinet member for children and young people, the meeting will include a presentation from Darlington’s Parent Carer Forum, an update from Darlington Partnership and a discussion on the workloads faced by teachers and assistants, and sickness through stress.

Cllr Hughes said: “I believe governors need to meet to share information and experience and to develop an understanding of the bigger, wider educational picture in our borough.

“This hopefully helps governors to be in a better position to challenge and support their school leaders and those who make decisions that affect their schools and the children who attend them.

"The meetings I convene for governors are informal and provide an opportunity for lively discussion, networking and the sharing of information and experience. If you’re a governor, I’d like to extend a personal invitation to you to come along.”

The meetings are held on a quarterly basis and also offer information on upcoming events and educational activities.