Hampshire Governor Spring 2016

83% of INSIDE schools now rated Three-page outstanding or good report on schools Councillor Peter Edgar, Executive Member for Education, welcomes the latest Ofsted findings and pays tribute to the commitment and hard work of governors and mental

In recent years education sheer hard work in health in this country has seen the school communities, in greatest government- cooperation with heads, imposed changes since the teachers and parents, 1944 Act and, some means that virtually all Governors commentators claim, the children have the greatest changes for a opportunity to attend a can fulfil hundred years. Over the good local school. The years the Hampshire reforms, and now the Prevent County Council has always financial challenges, are implemented any imposed continuing apace and I Duty changes to education know that Hampshire policy with one aim and County Council will that is to improve the quality of education continue as a partner with central in our schools. government to deliver a first-class Winning the Hampshire’s approach has yet again education for Hampshire children. been successful, with 83% of our schools We have around 6,000 school governors battle for rated by Ofsted as good or outstanding. in Hampshire, and the continued success In fact the county was praised by Ofsted and the meeting of even greater financial better pupil in an annual report as one of two challenges cannot be achieved without authorities in the country that have the continuing full commitment of our 450 attendance interpreted the reforms in the right way, governing bodies. We will continue to by providing the right support, challenge support our governors in every way and intervention to its schools. possible and, in thanking them, I would School governors in Hampshire have like to wish them a continued enjoyable, Governor made an enormous contribution to this successful and satisfying leadership role success. Their commitment, support and in our school communities. awards

www.hants.gov.uk Briefing

Changes in Children’s Services

A note from Steve Crocker, new interim (Education and Inclusion). He has been Director of Children’s Services. working alongside John Clarke as John prepares for his retirement at the end of I would like to take this opportunity to March. In terms of children’s social care, outline the new senior management Stuart Ashley has been appointed interim structure for the Children’s Services Assistant Director of Children’s Services Department at Hampshire County (Children and Families), backfilling my Council. role. Hampshire’s former Director of We are going through a period of Children’s Services, John Coughlan, was significant change with regard to appointed Chief Executive of the County government policy relating to schools and Council in November. I was asked to step local authorities. There will be a White up to interim Director of Children’s Paper in the spring. We have already Services. Many of you will know me from done a significant amount of thinking my previous role as deputy director, about what this might mean and we will responsible for the Children and Families be getting into discussions with schools in branch. For those who don’t know me, I the coming few months. hope to have the opportunity to meet you Until then, I would like to thank you all over the coming months and I am pleased for your hard work and commitment. It that one of my first duties was to attend never goes unrecognised that you give the County Governor Forum. your time freely in the interests of Brian Pope has been appointed interim ensuring children and young people in Assistant Director of Children’s Services Hampshire enjoy a good education. The customer is still king

Hampshire Governor Services was satisfaction rating remained very high about the number of events delivered once again successful in its annual at 99%, with 54% of governing bodies there and this has been addressed. Customer Service Excellence (CSE) recording the top rating of ‘very Twenty per cent of those governing accreditation assessment. The service satisfied’. The returns also showed an bodies that responded said they did has now held a government-backed upward move in the satisfaction not know how to pursue a complaint. customer service excellence award for ratings in 21 out of the 32 assessment Our Suggestions, Complaints and 20 years. criteria compared to last year. Compliments policy is in the Training This year’s assessment again The criterion that had the highest Directory and on our website at: resulted in a 100% compliance rate in dissatisfaction rating at 9% was ‘How http://www3.hants.gov.uk/education/go all 57 performance criteria. The report far the training provision met the vernors/governorcontacts/gov- concluded that ‘Governor Services needs of governing bodies’. The main tellus.htm were found to have a deep issues continued to be centred on the The service would like to thank understanding of, and commitment to, availability of certain courses and the everyone who took the time to Customer Service Excellence. The location of training venues. complete the annual survey, engaged commitment was displayed from senior The service does review the number with the CSE assessor or contacted it management levels through to of events it delivers each year and the with suggestions, complaints and operations and front line staff.’ locations used for training. Over the compliments. All feedback is This assessment supported the last four years the planned centre- welcomed, reviewed and, where findings coming out of the 2015 Quality based programme has remained appropriate, used to inform ongoing of Service Survey which was reasonably consistent at about 130+ improvements. completed by 40% of the governing events per year. Gosport was one area BOB WEST bodies in Hampshire. The overall where governors had raised concerns Governor services co-ordinator Briefing

How to fulfil the New-look Prevent Duty website

Schools’ role in preventing young people schools and childcare providers in terms You may have noticed that a new-look from being drawn into terrorism is now of four general themes: Governor Services website has been enshrined in law. This responsibility was ◆ risk assessment; recently launched. The site has been transferred from the police to local ◆ working in partnership; redeveloped, following feedback from authorities under the Counter Terrorism ◆ staff training; governors, to be task-based and easier and Security Act 2015. Guidance is set ◆ IT policies. to navigate. It is also in a new template out in The Prevent Duty for Schools, It refers to the importance of Prevent which is ‘responsive’ so that it works published by the DfE last June. awareness training to equip staff to on mobile and tablet devices. To fulfil the Prevent Duty, it is essential identify children at risk of being drawn into This is the completion of the first that staff are able to identify children who terrorism and to challenge extremist phase of the redevelopment which has may be vulnerable to radicalisation, and ideas. The Home Office has developed a included the public pages on the site. know what to do when they are identified. core training product for this purpose – We have started on the next phase This is part of wider safeguarding duties. Workshop to Raise Awareness of Prevent which is to redevelop the governor, Schools can also build pupils’ resilience to (WRAP). clerk and DTG intranet to improve the radicalisation by promoting fundamental Schools should ensure that children are customer experience. We have been British values and enabling them to safe from terrorist and extremist material undertaking an extensive review challenge extremist views. when accessing the internet in schools. programme of the current web pages The Prevent Duty is not intended to stop More generally, schools have an to ensure all the information is up-to- pupils debating controversial issues. On important role to play in equipping date and relevant whilst also the contrary, schools should provide a children and young people to stay safe broadening the content. Over the safe space in which children, young online, both in school and outside. coming weeks, all the intranet pages people and staff can understand the risks Schools are already expected to will be moved to the new responsive associated with terrorism and develop the promote the spiritual, moral, social and template to improve the functionality. knowledge and skills to challenge cultural development of pupils and, within Finally, we have been giving much extremist arguments. this, fundamental British values. Advice on thought to the navigation of the site to Ofsted’s revised inspection framework, promoting fundamental British values in ensure governors can find the which came into effect in September, schools is available. Personal, social and information they need quickly. makes specific reference to the need to health education and citizenship can be There is no change to governor, clerk have safeguarding arrangements to an effective means of providing pupils or DTG logins, so you will still be able promote pupils’ welfare and prevent with time to explore sensitive or to access the website in the same way radicalisation and extremism. controversial issues. as before. However, if you have some The statutory guidance on the Prevent Currently, governors and teachers can pages saved as ‘favourites’, as work Duty summarises the requirements on access Prevent training for schools which progresses, you may find that these no sets the WRAP training within a context longer work and will need to be and seeks a whole-school approach to resaved. addressing this important element of The link to the new site is: safeguarding. http://www3.hants.gov.uk/education/go GLYN WRIGHT vernors.htm County inspector/adviser for personal We very much hope that you find the development learning new website easy to navigate. We would of course welcome any feedback you have particularly around broadening the content of the site. SARAH SPELLER Governor services co-ordinator Briefing

New code of conduct Funding arms schools to fight reform on against pupil absence agenda

School attendance is at the heart of the rigorous consultation and a pilot Difficult financial times lie ahead, whole school improvement agenda. programme with a number of primary and which makes the role of governing Attendance impacts on the life chances of secondary schools last summer. All bodies – in securing value for money children and young people not only during headteachers were invited to county and ensuring schools’ spend is their time of compulsory education but briefings on the new code of conduct and contained within funding available – also in relation to their adult life and their training has been provided in its use and ever more important. contribution to society. application. The code gives headteachers There is now general acceptance, All absence may have an impact on the the power to pursue legal measures for and acknowledgment from the DfE, pupil. Research shows that pupils who are non-attendance and the legal infra- that the next few years are going to be not in school are among the most structure to support this. challenging for schools because of a vulnerable and those most easily drawn Although this has increased the amount combination of real-terms budget cuts into crime. of administration surrounding the and rising costs. In primary schools with an average of monitoring and tracking of attendance in The funding settlement from the DfE more than 12 days absence, fewer than some schools, it has provided real for Hampshire schools was confirmed 52% of 11-year-olds achieve level 4 or leverage to challenge parents who in December and as expected was above in English and mathematics condone poor attendance and provided a broadly cash flat; therefore inflationary compared to 84% of pupils where the mechanism whereby schools can be seen pressures will need to be contained. average absence is less than 6 days. to be actively seeking solutions to School budgets need to meet both All schools should have a clear focus improve absence rates and ensure pupils financial and educational needs – a around the attendance picture at their are in class learning. balance that has to be achieved with school and work proactively with parents The code of conduct will be reviewed in equal accountability for both. There is who are condoning the poor attendance the summer term 2016 and further a range of support available from for pupils. guidance provided to headteachers and HIAS, EPS, EFS and Governor How are we supporting schools to governing bodies in the autumn. Services. improve attendance and reduce absence? Governor training events around We expect the DfE to consult shortly In response to updated DfE guidance in attendance are available to help on the future of all aspects of schools November 2013, Hampshire Children’s governors understand their roles and funding. Its stated aim is to create a Services reviewed and updated its own responsibilities in this area. fairer approach, with an additional code of conduct. This was released to HELEN FENTON £390m allocated in 2015/16 to the local schools in September 2015 following Inspector/adviser, behaviour and attendance authorities it views as least fairly funded. Hampshire is one of the lowest-funded local authorities and, Hampshire school absence rates due to its high level of delegation to schools, did not receive any of the Overall Authorised Unauthorised Persistent additional funding made available. We Primary 3.6 3.1 0.5 1.2 have joined the f40 group which represents the lowest-funded Secondary 5.1 4.1 1.1 4.0 education authorities in , which will allow us to highlight Hampshire’s position and, perhaps, achieve positive change. ANDREW MINALL Head of Education Financial Services Mental health Special report: page 1

Hampshire Governor reports on an important initiative to promote mental health and wellbeing in schools. AcSEED started in Hampshire and is now active in 11 counties, thanks to the efforts of Charlotte Gatherer and her colleagues. Introducing AcSEED: a service by young people for young people

AcSEED grew out of Young Minds, a drawing on experience from the Healthy national mental health charity for young Schools programme. They established people. Young Minds ran a programme links with the NHS’s Child and Adult called Very Important Kids, one of whose Mental Health Services. George tasks was to write a manifesto for change Hollingbery, the MP for Meon Valley, in mental health services. Charlotte endorsed their aims. Gatherer was a young volunteer on that They identified eight areas as a basis project. She is now a leading light in for accreditation, including adopting AcSEED. policies, parental engagement, training One of the most striking aspects of and governing body and senior leadership mental health and wellbeing in education, support. Charlotte found, was the huge variation The first Hampshire schools to sign up between schools, with support for to AcSEED were Horndean and children and young people ranging from Applemore, both technology colleges. excellent to almost non-existent. One of Since then the programme has the telltale signs of the problem was that mushroomed and is making an impact in there was a lack of recognition, even for 11 counties. The accreditation process schools that were doing well. Without leads to the AcSEED award, which is a encouragement, scrutiny and a system of quality assurance mark presented to accreditation, schools were unable to schools that have made a substantial measure their achievements and what effort to support emotional wellbeing and they needed to do. mental health. Charlotte said: ’One in 10 young people Charlotte Gatherer helped to write Charlotte explained the accreditation has a diagnosable mental health a manifesto for change in mental process. ‘A school submits a self- problem. Three children in any class may health services. completed assessment, which is then have self-harmed. Eating disorders and reviewed by a panel of AcSEED depression are also very common. For assessors, who are young adults with three-quarters of adults with mental experience in mental health. The health difficulties, these started in the assessors will ask for more information if early teens and onwards. We have the needed, and will ratify the award unless chance to intervene early to stop these the self-assessment does not meet the problems escalating. Yet because of the criteria, in which case they will identify stigma attached to mental health, a lot of First AcSEED specific areas that need further attention.’ young people don’t get attention until award goes to AcSEED as yet has no official funding they land in hospital.’ but is applying for grants. It is a low-cost Charlotte and AcSEED colleagues in Horndean operation and assessors are volunteers. Hampshire got enthusiastic backing The organisation hopes to attain within the County Council. Glyn Wright, Technology charitable status. county inspector/adviser for personal College For more information about AcSEED, go development learning, helped them to to www.acseed.org or email develop a whole-school approach, – next page [email protected] Mental health Special report: page 2

Headteacher Julie Summerfield – pictured with Horndean Technology College staff and Bob Bedford (right), chair of governors – holds the college’s AcSEED certificate.

measures to achieve this. Key staff in this special assembly is held to explain how context are Deidre herself, who has pupils can access all the relevant college No taboos responsibility for safeguarding, SEN and services. These include peer mentors, inclusion, and Joanna Skeet, an (students assigned to other students and emotional literacy support assistant with trained in active listening) and learning here, says training in educational psychology and mentors (staff who have undergone a 10- counselling. week training programme). Joanna is based in a support room at Ofsted’s current framework has a focus Horndean the college, to which any student holding on pupil behaviour and welfare, in which a blue card – a kind of internal school safeguarding practices and mental health College passport issued to students with mental form a large element. When inspectors health problems – can go for help and visited Horndean, says Deidre, they were refuge from stress. Agreements are also particularly interested in attendance in place with some parents that students figures, numbers of referrals to child Horndean Technology College believes can go home during school hours, and mental health services, the outcomes of in bringing wellbeing issues out into the there are arrangements to refer students referrals, robust systems including record open, which means identifying and to agencies such as the NHS’s Child and keeping, and case studies to show how addressing students’ mental health Adolescent Mental Health Service. the school has made a difference. difficulties: self-harm, anxiety, depression, At the extreme end of the mental health Deidre and Joanna believe that eating disorders, phobias, autistic spectrum, including risk of suicide, the wellbeing issues loom larger today than spectrum disorders and more. ‘There are school is very conscious of the need to formerly. ‘There are lots of different no subjects that are taboo,’ says deputy conduct risk assessments and put health factors such as the influence of head Deidre Hurn. plans in place for individuals, says Deidre. technology and reduced social The school, the first to be accredited by But mental health is seen as a whole interaction,’ says Joanna. Attachments AcSEED, has introduced a range of school issue, rather than affecting a between parents and children are not minority. ‘The focus is on fostering being nurtured sufficiently, leading to resilience, a positive mindset, helping childhood insecurity, and undermining students cope with challenges, and trust, empathy and self-belief. ‘All the seeing failure as a positive part of statistics show poor mental health is on learning,’ says Deidre. All teachers are the increase in the general population.’ trained to spot signs of stress, such as And all the more reason for governing when students become withdrawn or bodies and senior leadership teams to quiet, and to send them to Joanna. address the issues with determination, In Mental Health Awareness Week, a she believes.

Mental health case history – next page Mental health Special report: page 3

‘I can talk about my worries and know someone actually cares’

A personal account by a current year 11 student at Horndean Technology College who started getting panic attacks three years ago.

Panic attacks are scary at the best of times but if you’re having one for the first time you have absolutely no idea what’s going on. I remember fearing I was having a heart “attack. Bearing in mind I was about 13 at the time, a heart attack was very unlikely, but I was confused and had no idea what to do so. In 2013/14 I just plodded along, coping with the odd panic attack. I was doing great and I would say I was quite independent. Everything seemed to close friend’s house. still get panic attacks and am very change in 2015: everyday things were A month or so into year 11, I had to anxious fairly regularly, I now actually making me anxious and I would get very leave a class that I really struggled with know what to do and how to calm myself, worked up. I started having very regular as I was having a panic attack. A teacher which is down to Mrs Skeet. It is attacks in different situations and places. was running an errand and approached important for schools to have someone At this point I still had no idea what to do me, made sure I was OK and then took like her, who any student can talk to about when having a panic attack other than me to see the schools counsellor/adviser, anything. trying to breathe. I would have an attack Mrs Skeet. Going into her room was very Not only does my school have a room at the silliest thing, like going round to a scary as I had never spoken to anyone for students to work/relax in when the about such a thing before. We went into a pressures of school, home life or anything different room so I didn’t have to deal with else get too much, but there are also a other people, and as soon as we started couple of other rooms next door, which speaking I relaxed. She was a motherly are used to talk in private; some students figure. I explained to her what was going like to eat in there if they have allergies or on and all my fears of her not caring or eating disorders and to just sit and calm my anxiety and panic attacks not being down in. Considering this time last year I important melted away. She reassured me would never have gone to see Mrs Skeet that many people experience the same as I was too scared, I can now not only thing, and I managed to calm down. I was talk to her about my worries but also have given a blue card which meant, if I felt a chat about anything and know that she really anxious or like I was going to have actually cares. a panic attack, I could go to her room to It is very important that schools are relax/calm down or just talk to her. We mental health aware, in order to help then agreed on a day to have a students who have problems. My school counselling session. is very mental health aware, and Fast forward and I feel like I no longer this is a massive weight off our need counselling sessions. Although I do shoulders.’ ” Recruitment

Does your governing body have vacancies?

Records show numerous governor vacancies across Hampshire. If your governing body has vacancies, there are various strategies that can be used to fill them. One of the first things to consider is whether your board is the right size. The Governance Handbook An interview or detailed discussion should take place with each prospective candidate (https://www.gov.uk/government/publicatio for a place on the board. ns/governance-handbook) says boards ‘should be tightly focused and no larger than they need to be to have all the guidelines on the Governor Services organisations, such as local businesses, necessary skills to carry out their website on the election of parent and staff colleges, the local functions effectively … Smaller boards governors. Where governors are elected, volunteer bureau or Chamber of are more likely to be cohesive and every effort should be made to inform the Commerce. Others have advertised in the dynamic, and able to act more decisively. electorate about the role of a governor school or local community newsletter, put Boards cannot afford to carry and the specific skills the board requires up posters or leaflet dropped in their local passengers.’ and the extent to which candidates area. The cases where this has been If a board is functioning well despite possess these. most successful have been when having vacancies, it could consider There are two national agencies that can governance boards have been clear in reconstituting to a smaller number of help boards find suitable governors. their recruitment literature regarding the places. There is a prescribed process Boards will need to register their skills, attributes and level of commitment that will need to be followed. Governor vacancies directly with the organisation. they are looking for. Services can provide advice and support. SGOSS School Governors One Stop To help ensure that the right people are The primary consideration for the board Shop (https://www.sgoss.org.uk/) is a selected, an interview or detailed in the appointment and election of new charity that offers expertise in governor discussion should take place with each governors should be acquiring the skills recruitment. This service is free and it is prospective candidate, with references and experience it needs. It should straightforward to register your vacancies (oral or written) taken as necessary and therefore develop a skills-based set of online. Inspiring the Future – Governors appropriate. This task is usually criteria for governor selection and (http://www.inspiringthefuture.org/inspiring undertaken by the chair. recruitment. The word skills can be -governors/) is a major new alliance which The key to success for any governing interpreted to include personal attributes, brings together a wide range of body is being able to recruit and develop qualities and capabilities, such as the organisations including the DfE. Again, the right people who can work effectively ability and willingness to learn and the service is free. with each other and with school leaders. develop new skills. There are also various strategies that Following the above good practice should Each of the various categories of governance boards can use to organise help you to achieve this goal. governor has its own eligibility criteria and recruitment themselves. Several boards SARAH SPELLER means of appointment. There are have had success in contacting local Governor services co-ordinator Clerks development

‘Clerking goes way beyond simply taking the minutes’

At the start of the autumn term 2014, the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) Clerks’ Development Programme was launched nationally. The programme had been developed after a National Governors' Association conference in 2013, at which Lord Nash, parliamentary undersecretary of state for schools, commented: ‘Professional boards also need professional support. Which means clerking that goes way beyond simply taking down the minutes.’ Hampshire Governor Services had a significant input to the development of the programme as a strategic partner with the South Eastern Leadership Trust (SELT) and had a licence to deliver the programme. We ran a successful pilot programme for a small group of clerks in autumn 2014 and over the past year have started a further four programmes, with more than 80 clerks signing up. We Clerk training includes face to face sessions. would like to congratulate the 20 clerks who have completed the programme to activities and undertaking online learning. suggestions and I’ve increased my date and have received their certificate. Cheryl Martin, a local authority clerk, knowledge on governing body functions Georgina Goodman, clerk to Hatherden says: “The NCTL Clerks’ Development and procedures.” Church of England , Programme enabled me to take the time Clerks completing the programme have explains: ‘The programme has taught me to get to know my governing body: the the opportunity to further develop their a great deal. Having not clerked before, way it works, their strengths and where I skills, demonstrating their competence and not worked in a school environment could support them further. The and effective practice, through completion before, the role felt completely foreign. I programme rapidly increased my skills of The Accredited Clerk (TAC) programme have come a very long way, I am a more and knowledge in governing body matters which was developed in Hampshire. To confident clerk and I am continuing to and highlighted areas where I needed to date more than 1,000 clerks have grow my competency. My knowledge of ask further questions. I quickly became completed the programme across the the school working culture, education familiar with the regulations and the country, and there are currently 30 local legislation and the role of the governing variety of sources of information available. authorities using the programme. body has definitely improved, and I have I was able to highlight areas of To find out more about becoming a clerk, improved my minuting skills. I am able to development and share suggestions of training or accreditation, please access make a valuable contribution to the good practice with my governing body.’ the clerking pages on the Governor effectiveness of the governing body.’ Chantelle Robinson, another local Services website. The training includes face-to-face authority clerk, agrees: ‘I have gained SARAH HICKS sessions, completing school-based confidence to put forward best practice Governor services co-ordinator First person

I’m Naomi and I’m passionate about EMTAS. This is my day

A day in the life of Naomi Gibbons, for newly arrived children with English operations manager, EMTAS, and the as an additional language was admin team: invaluable. So here we still are – even more passionate thanks to the great In 1992, what is now the Ethnic support we have received from Minority and Traveller Achievement Hampshire schools and Hampshire Service (but was then called the County Council. Bilingual Learners Support Service) I myself have progressed from a was created as a five-year project. resources technician to become the This suited me well as I intended to operations manager, managing five make a move to the West Country admin officers and the EMTAS HR, when the project came to an end. finance and staff deployment The government grant was cut by functions. On a personal note, I did 50% in the first few months and we fulfil my dream of moving to the West fought hard for the survival of a Country. I live in Somerset and have a service we were passionate about. By hugely enjoyable 1 hour 45 minute the time the five years came to an end, commute down the A303 from Ilminster it was clear that the work carried out (although I work from home for half the by local authorities to provide support time).

I arrive at our office in Dame Mary Fagan House, assistants. They complete profile reports for the children they 7.30Basingstoke, and have a quiet half-hour to read and support, followed by further in-class sessions. We also work respond to emails. Today, a member of staff is having problems closely with parents. accessing Hantsnet from home which necessitates urgent attention and a call to IT support. Also, I have been chasing I spend the rest of the morning answering queries payment from a school in London for training we have provided. 10.30from staff, often IT or pay-related. I also have a I add a follow-up phone call to them to my task list. report from Michelle, our team leader, to format, as well as data to collate for our Service Development Plan and a budget My admin officer, Gill, arrives. Gill is responsible for analysis to prepare for tomorrow’s team managers’ meeting. 8.00collating the details of all the children referred to our service. In September, our busiest month, she receives up to I have a meeting to discuss progress of a 100 referrals a week and last year we had a total of 1,074 pupils 12.30feedback questionnaire that two of the admin speaking 64 different languages. We have a quick catch-up team, Mirella and Lizzie, are preparing for schools. meeting; she has received a phone call from a Traveller parent who has concerns over her daughter’s school attendance. Gill I prepare the fortnightly report for the team managers has passed this to the Traveller team manager. 1.30which monitors the numbers of referrals we have received and provides data on how well we are performing I meet my finance officer, to discuss traded services against our service level agreement, and I also have a quick 8.30income. Although we receive funding through discussion with Julie, our resources manager, about updating the schools’ delegated budget to support maintained schools in resources page on our website. Finally, I get around to making Hampshire, we also sell packages to academies and other local the phone call to the school in London. authorities. We are currently rolling out an e-learning package. I check that there are no other emails that have I have a meeting with Kamaljit, the bilingual assistant 4.30come in which need my attention and then I drive off 9.30manager, to discuss deployment of our 30 bilingual into the sunset after another very enjoyable day with EMTAS. Vulnerable children

The virtual school: an additional safeguard for children in care

Lisa Marie Smith, deputy headteacher providers with key information and be identifiable so confidentiality must of the Hampshire virtual school for resources. There are specific pages for remain through the report. children in care, explains its role in senior leaders and governors, including a supporting vulnerable children. list of questions that governors might find The annual corporate school visit useful in ascertaining how effective their One key aspect of our work is undertaking The virtual school school is at supporting its children in care. a corporate visit to all schools and The educational attainment of looked- Please visit our website for more detail academies where Hampshire children in after children continues to be http://www3.hants.gov.uk/cic-virtual- care are on roll. All schools and considerably worse than that of others. To school/schoolsandotherproviders/vs- academies can expect as a minimum one help bring about improvement, since seniorleaders.htm visit per year either from the virtual school September 2014 local authorities have If you have a suggestion for other team or incorporated into an existing LLP been required appoint a virtual school information to be placed on our website, or school improvement manager visit. Any headteacher, who may be supported by a please contact us at our shared inbox further follow-up visits will then be agreed team. The virtual school approach is to which is [email protected] with the school according to need and the work with looked-after children as if they number of looked-after children on roll. were in a single school, liaising with the How the virtual school can support schools they attend. Specifically our role school self-evaluation Education policy for children in care within Hampshire County Council is to: Hampshire’s virtual school has devised a Since September the virtual school has ◆ ensure schools receive training, school self-evaluation template that can been working jointly with both social care guidance and support; support designated teachers and school and foster carers to revise our education ◆ track and monitor each pupil's leadership teams in undertaking this task. policy for children in care. The draft of this progress; We are currently trialling this document to is now complete and ready for ◆ put in place support or targeted and see if schools find it useful. To date the consultation during the spring term. The personalised interventions where needed; template has been shared at designated final version will be shared with governors ◆ share effective practice with teacher network meetings and through via schools communication and our colleagues. our attached inspectors when undertaking website in summer 2016. a corporate school visit. If your school How Hampshire’s virtual school can would like a copy, please contact us at Governor e-learning support governors [email protected] We are currently working with Governor We offer information, advice, support and Services to create an e-learning course training around the specific needs of The annual report for governors for school governors on children in care. children in care; and specifically what If a school has children on roll who are This is entitled Promoting the Educational schools can do to best support children to looked-after, the designated teacher Achievement for Children in Care: reach their potential. We are currently should prepare a report for governors Guidance for Governors. Governors will redesigning and reconstructing our virtual related to their current performance. This be able to access this e-learning from the school website. The first section to be report is no longer a statutory requirement end of March via the Governor Services built is to support schools and education but is deemed good practice. No child can intranet. Award winners 1

Councillor Peter Edgar with some of the award winners Employers back governors’ efforts

Hampshire County Council has thanked The governors, their schools and the Havant Borough Council; Sarah Barton, 25 companies for encouraging and sup- employers they nominated for awards are: St Alban’s C of E Primary, the University porting their staff to volunteer as school of Portsmouth; Tracy Stevens, Ashley governors and making it possible for Bruce Newlands, The Vyne Community Junior, and Laura Ahern, Calmore Junior, them to carry out their duties. School, AWE plc; Effie Grant, Cliddesden the University of Southampton; Chris The businesses received their Governor Primary, Rhema Textile Services Ltd; Paul Faulkner, Talavera Infant, AQA Education Services Employer Awards at an event in Kelly, The Hurst Community College, Ltd; Robert Hart, Talavera Infant, Aviva Winchester, from the County Council’s Sony Europe Ltd; James Stewart, Bordon plc; Jason Murdoch, The Wavell, Head- Executive Member for Education, Coun- Infant, the Royal Air Force Station Odi- quarters Royal Army Physical Training cillor Peter Edgar. He commented: ‘With- ham; Robert Gardner, Fair Oak Infant, Corps and the Army School of Physical out their employer’s encouragement and Tesco Stores Ltd; Gina Peters, Fair Oak Training in Aldershot; Kenneth Bamford, flexibility, many governors would not be Junior, Dutton Gregory LLP; Diana Bel- Marlborough Infant, the Royal Military able to take on governor duties and lamy, Lakeside, HMRC; Steve Higgins, Police, Service Police Crime Bureau in schools would miss out on the varied Redlands Primary, BAE Systems Maritime ; Karen Brierley, the Federation skills and perspectives they provide. Services; Andrew Marshall, Ranvilles Jun- of Belle Vue Infant and Newport Junior, Employers also benefit from the skills that ior, SSE; Geoff Fawcett, Baycroft, and Department of Work and Pensions (Job- governors can bring back into their work- Andrew Johnson, Peel Common Junior, centre Plus in Chippenham). John place, through their experiences as well Turbocam International; Stephen Peach, Howard, Grateley Primary and Kevin as the extensive training that is provided Lee-on-the-Solent Junior, and Alistair Gib- Bowman, Army Headquarters (Ministry of by Governor Services. son, St John the Baptist Primary, Waltham Defence) in Andover; Alie Paxton, Knights ‘I am particularly encouraged by the real Chase, National Air Traffic Services Ltd; Enham Junior, Matthew Main, Roman mix of industries and enterprises receiv- Ian Clark, Grange Junior, Aadvark Sup- Way and Yvonne Remnant, Endeavour ing this award – ranging from large plies Ltd; Deryn Martin, Alverstoke C of E Primary (Discovery Federation), Simply- national organisations to small, family-run (Aided) Junior, the Skills Funding Agency; health; Toby Guest, Federation of Amp- businesses – who are each making a Jackie Harper, Westfields Junior, Deloitte field and John Keble C of E Primaries, conscious effort to support and help their LLP; James Owen Lewis, Calthorpe Park, Bayer PLC; Jane Stewart, Hatherden local communities.’ Quadriga Health & Safety Ltd; Shero- Church of England Primary, First Invest- Employers receiving awards mi Macken, Hook Junior, Bas- ments Real Estate Management Ltd; Toby say supporting governors rais- ingstoke College of Technolo- Guest, federation of Ampfield and John es their profile, as well as gy; Derek Goff, Fairfield Keble Primaries, Bayer plc; Russell Miller, developing the skills Infant, Serocor Upham C of E (Aided) Primary, Vail and confidence of Solutions Ltd; Williams LLP; Alison Clark, Swanmore their staff. Tim Pointer, Mill College, and Ray Oakley, Heathfield Spe- Rythe Junior, cial, Hampshire County Council. Award winners 2

Don Allen Award for 22 governors

Award winners honoured at a presentation in Winchester by Councillor Peter Edgar

Governors from across Hampshire have Chawton Church of England Primary Infant and Junior Schools; Diane received awards for their outstanding School; Paula Deverill, Harrow Way Conway, Netley Abbey Infant School; service by Hampshire County Council. Community School; Rebecca Burbidge, Peter Higgs, The Mark Way School, A total of 22 governors received the Harrow Way Community School; Ralph Wallop Primary School and Romsey Don Allen Award. Many of them attended Harmer, Manor Field Junior School; Primary School; Gordon Fillis, Foxhills a special celebratory event held recently, Roger Walters, Sherborne St John Junior School; Eira Greenwood, Purbrook to thank them in person for their Church of England Primary School; Sylvia Park School; Andrew Turk, Denmead dedication to supporting schools. Vine, Brighton Hill Community School; Junior School, , The awards were renamed in memory Tony Camfield, ; Morelands Primary School; David Wright, of Don Allen Award in 2005 after the Richard Elliot, Manor Infant Sun Hill Infant School; Dominic Hiscock, death of the former executive member School; Dame Elizabeth Anson, St Bede Church of England Primary for education, who had introduced them. Rowledge Church of England (Controlled) School; Jeremy Brecknell, The Westgate The award winners were: Maria Primary School; Roy Lee, Harrison School; John Mason, The Mountbatten Fordyce, St Mary's Bentworth Church of Primary School and Cams Hill School; School; Robin Gray, The Connaught England Primary School; William Wilde, Andrew Goodall, Federation of Riders School, Samuel Cody Specialist Sports College and Cove School.

Hampshire Governor is published by Hampshire County Council Children’s Services Department at www.hants.gov.uk/education/governors Paper copies can be supplied on request to Governor Services, Elizabeth II Court North, Winchester SO23 8UG. Tel 01962 845846. Edited and produced by WordWright, Fareham. Views expressed do not necessarily coincide with those of the County Council.