Children and Young People’s Services The Bristol Governor

www.bristol-cyps.org.uk Issue 27 - AUTUMN 2008

Included in this edition: Dear Governor Colleagues ■ News and Updates: The Road to Outstanding ...... 2 I am delighted that the new school I am also pleased to report that year has enjoyed such a positive work to secure a strategic partner to Beckie Fleming ...... 3 start. The summer's test and exam deliver school improvement services No More KS3 Tests ...... 4 results are encouraging. Both is quickly moving forward after a New Vetting & Barring Scheme ...... 4 primary and secondary attendance short period of review. The name of ‘Virtual’ Headteacher for targets have been met for the first the project has been confirmed as Children in Care ...... 4 time, and exclusions have fallen ‘Excellence for All’, and the revised Diplomas in Bristol ...... 5 significantly. Thank you to all timescale for securing a strategic Roll of Honour for Governing Bodies ..6 governors for your hard work to partner is September 2009. The National Recognition for Clerks...... 6 secure these improvements. project board will be consulting with Healthy Schools updates ...... 7 One cannot fail to be excited, too, staff and stakeholders over the next 2-4 weeks to finalise the scope of Missing Message for Chairs? ...... 7 by the further transformation the contract. In relation to schools Diary of a School Governor...... 8 taking place in Bristol's secondary schools. Provision is now more this consultation will be largely Under Scrutiny ...... 9 diverse than ever with five new through the project’s reference Academies and a 0-16 Learning group, which includes headteachers ■ Recommended Agendas: Trust joining Bristol's family of and governors. I will keep governors Full Governing Body Meeting 2 schools this September. I would like informed as this work progresses. Autumn 2008 ...... 12 to extend a big welcome to all new Thank you again, for all your hard Full Governing Body Meeting 3 governors involved with these new work and commitment to the Spring 2009 ...... 13 ventures. children and young people of Bristol. Cabinet's approval on 25 Yours Sincerely, ■ Getting it right - Guidance September of the Primary Review Improved outcomes for children and proposals (with the exception of young people...... 10 three linked proposals) heralds an How well is your Governing Body equally exciting and ambitious Heather Tomlinson programme of investment across doing?...... 10 Strategic Director, Children, Young the primary sector. Clerking Matters...... 15 People & Skills. Don’t miss the next Clerks’ Network ..15 Working together and through the Changing the name of your school ....15 children’s trust partnership, we are Are you getting mail? ...... 16 also driving forward the broader Every Child Matters agenda. This year sees £3.2 million invested in ■ Training, Forums and Conferences prevention and early intervention Bristol Governors’ Forum ...... 16 services, and multi-agency referral Governor Training Programmes to panels fully in place across all ten December 2008 ...... 16-17 'localities'. Eight hundred Governor Training Programmes from professionals from a wide range of January to April 2009 ...... 17-19 services, including schools, are Addresses and websites ...... 20 trained to use the Common Assessment Framework and 53% of Bristol schools are already delivering the full Extended School core offer. Thank you to all governors for so positively engaging in these major developments.

BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST 1 The Road to Outstanding News and Updates

A 9am start on a Saturday?! Surely It's not all plain sailing, of course, not. Well, if you want to get to A review of the but we are moving in the right grips with being outstanding, it Bristol Governors’ direction and need to hold on to appears that early starts are that. For too long Bristol’s schools essential. How does it go? “The Conference 2008 have been marked out as being early bird catches the worm”? For Mayor Christopher Davies making bottom or near bottom of the “bird” read Bristol's committed the presentations. This was followed league tables and, therefore school governors and for “worm” by a minutes silence in memory of seemingly, hopeless. This must not read Outstanding Governing Beckie Fleming, of GDS, who died continue, and the results of Bodies, and, yes, I am sure that it so suddenly last month: a very 2007/2008 demonstrate that we are was worth it. poignant minute. Beckie will forever climbing out of the trough. The 2008 Bristol Governors’ Forum be in our hearts, and we all miss her As governors, we are always looking conference was the third in a trilogy very much. for ways to help our schools of conferences aimed at improving The main business began with Jan improve, and Malcolm Greenhalgh, the way governing bodies function Ormondroyd, the Chief Executive the keynote speaker for the day, and how they contribute to making officer of Bristol City Council giving took us on a long journey exploring an outstanding school. An her reflections on the city. Bristol is how me might achieve this. outstanding governing body must a great place to live and work, and Malcolm is an educational surely be the aim of all of us: if we we can forget this sometimes when consultant with many years are not aiming for the best, then we're getting bogged down in the experience of working with why turn up? But it's a lot easier to targets, policies, performance and governing bodies and his talk about being outstanding than attainments of our schools. Jan was presentation was packed with it is to actually get there. The very clear that education is challenges. He said at the outset conference was designed to fundamental to the success of the that he wasn't there to provide us recognise this and to help us all, city. We need to make sure that our with answers, but that he hoped even those who already are young people are prepared and to give us the right questions. outstanding. Remaining able to take their part in all our Each school is different, and it's outstanding can be just as futures. Then, as if to reinforce that impossible to provide a one-size-fits- challenging as getting there. being outstanding is possible, Airlie all solution. Complacency is a dangerous thing. Fife and Jackie Turner provided us One of Malcolm's main points was The day got underway with the with a great double act that the future is a foreign land, now traditional recognition of long summarising progress made this that we are trying to prepare our serving school governors, with Lord year in Bristol schools. young people for the unknown and

2 BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST Children and Young People’s Services

that we owe it to them to be outstanding if we want them to be What should we focus on? outstanding as well. As Malcolm put Looking at recent Ofsted reports, it: Shift Happens. We need to be the most commonly identified ready for it. areas for improvement in the Asking questions is right and proper, quality of governance are: but sometimes there is a need to pin ■ New governor induction down some solutions and the processes afternoon sessions we designed for ■ Appropriate challenge and this purpose. A range of half a dozen support – the Chair governors led a range of short /Headteacher relationship workshops looking at aspects of ■ Involvement with school outstanding governing bodies, using leaders in monitoring and examples, tools and a great deal of evaluation processes

focused conversation to get people News and Updates ■ Effectiveness of committees thinking how it could happen for in tackling strategic priorities their school. There is never enough time to do it all of course, and the Does your governing body need workshops were over way too soon, to focus on any of these staging but they were valuable starting The venue, BAWA centre, was posts on the road to outstanding? terrific and thanks to Governor Paul points for further work, deeper If you do, contact the Governor Francis for helping the Governor reflection and stronger action. Development Service to find out Development Service (GDS) to Getting to outstanding and staying arrange for its use. The GDS, with more about what training and there is by its nature a continuous the organisational skills and tireless support is available. process. A single conference, even commitment of Ana Tsoucalas, Miss the conference? one as good as this, is never the end made sure that the day ran of it. It wasn't even the beginning. It smoothly and effectively. Thanks to Don’t panic! The materials used was a staging post along the way, an them all, and also to Adrian Smith, on the day are available on the opportunity to sit down and think, a member of the Bristol Governors GDS website at www.bristol- reflect, share and observe how we Forum, who worked closely with cyps.org.uk/services/gds/conferen each of us strive to contribute to GDS to plan the day. ce-08. As it turned out, there were no school life in order to make our These include Malcolm worms but there were danish schools places where young people Greenhalgh’s presentation and a can prepare for a long and effective pastries and a great lunch. I know which I prefer. number of other papers designed life. The day may have been long, to support the development of Simon Bale, Governor, St. Mary but it was certainly worth it. an outstanding governing body. Redcliffe & Temple CE VA Secondary

Beckie’s colleagues in GDS would Beckie Fleming like to thank everyone who has sent such kind condolences. As you can As many of you will already be imagine, we have received many, aware, Beckie Fleming from the many messages, so we hope you will Governor Development Service forgive us for not acknowledging died suddenly and unexpectedly them all individually. on 4 September. This tragic news was a massive shock to us all. The overwhelming theme throughout is the high regard in As the GDS Training Co-ordinator, which Beckie was held by all who Beckie became very well known and met her, and the lasting impression respected amongst Bristol she made even on those who met governors. She supported many her only once. She made that governing bodies with her very impression not only with the shock knowledgeable and professional of her hair colour and outrageous advice and guidance, and high laugh, but also with the warmth of quality training sessions. her personality and the passion and sense of fun she brought to her She was also a much loved and work and her commitment to the admired Chair of Governors at Holy children of Bristol. We will all miss Cross Catholic Primary School and Beckie dearly. Parent Governor at St Bernadette's Catholic Secondary School. BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST 3 No more KS3 Tests Secretary of State Ed Balls has national expectations at the end of announced that children will no primary school, with effective one- longer be required to sit end of to-one tuition and catch-up Key Stage 3 tests, with effect learning. The government will from 2009. ensure that teachers have the right training and support to help every Teacher assessment will be carried child make good progress and that out and reported as normal in 2009 every parent receives regular reports and the National Assessment on their child’s progress in Years 7, 8 Agency will provide Key Stage 3 test and 9. papers to any schools that wish to use them, alongside the existing Government will be held to account optional tests for Years 7 and 8. for progress at a national level by the end of the year and the the introduction of an externally For future years, the government government would welcome your marked test of a sample of pupils. will introduce a more flexible system views. of assessment, with a strong focus To allow for a properly rounded For further details of the reasons on progression and teacher view of both primary and secondary these changes are being made and assessment in the critical early years schools’ performance, Ed Balls also comments on the future of Key News and Updates of secondary education. The announced the intention to replace Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 tests, see intention is to strengthen the focus the School Profile with a new School Ed Balls’ letter of 14 October at in Years 7 and 8 on the progress of Report Card. Detailed proposals for www.teachernet.gov.uk. those children who did not reach consultation will be set out before New Vetting & Barring Scheme Recent legislation created a new A CRB check provides a fuller picture your school’s HR Adviser (general scheme, and a public body, to of a person’s criminal history and queries), and CYPS Health and support safer recruitment. allows employers to make informed Safety (Risk assessments). decisions as to whether that person www.ncsl.org.uk/managing_your_s This will have a major impact on is suitable for a particular role or chool/safer-recruitment recruitment and monitoring position. It is envisaged that the practices for people working or existing statutory requirements for www.isa-gov.org.uk. volunteering with children. From CRB Enhanced Disclosures will still apply. October 2009, the new Vetting and ‘Virtual’ Headteacher Barring Scheme (VBS) will replace Look out for messages about the current schemes including: List 99 new scheme in future newsletters for Children in Care and Disqualification Orders. Under and governor bulletins. In the Pippa John has recently been the VBS, the Independent meantime, schools should continue appointed to the new post of Safeguarding Authority (ISA) will with current pre-employment head teacher for children in care. take the decisions on barring checks. A reminder that Safer unsuitable people from working Recruitment Training for schools is This post is part of the CYPS plan or volunteering with vulnerable available on-line from the National to deliver on the government’s groups. College of School Leadership (NCSL). Care Matters agenda. Pippa will take a lead on developing A check will only show if a person is Every headteacher has been sent a password to access the training. systems and structures to improve ISA-registered, which means the ISA the attainment and achievement has found no known reason why the The training is intended for headteachers and chairs of of children in care and hold us all applicant should not work with to account as Corporate Parents. children or vulnerable adults. It also governors. It takes about four to five hours to complete on-line. We also welcome Sue Cox as the means that the ISA will review their new Head of the Education of status if any new information There is also a short (uncertificated) version of the training which can Children Looked After Service becomes available. It does not check who will be leading on the direct for malpractice or all criminal be accessed on the NCSL site without a password. educational support and advice convictions, and therefore for children in care. registration with the ISA does not Support for all Saver Recruitment Contact: Pippa John 0117 92 24779 guarantee that a person has no matters is available from the CRB or: [email protected] criminal history. team (CRB checks and re-checks),

4 BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST Children and Young People’s Services Diplomas in Bristol Much to celebrate, much to do!

I have recently taken up a seconded green light to run a Diploma course. position with Bristol CYPS as a The same goes for 2009. “Diploma Champion”. Sounds good, The reason is simple: we have to doesn't it?! Actually, I feel very apply to deliver these Diplomas, privileged to be given the capacity and pass a rigorous “gateway” and time to help move 14-19 evaluation process. education in Bristol forward. However, much has happened over Part of my role is to keep governors the past twelve months to get the

in Bristol informed of local and ball rolling. A truly excellent team News and Updates national developments, and to act of subject leaders and specialist Marius Frank as a kind of “personal trainer” or teachers have been pulled together, “lifestyle coach” for any governors from a variety of schools, colleges If you were unable to attend the who have been saddled with 14-19 and training providers, to develop Diploma Briefing Session Marius curriculum responsibilities in their Bristol Diplomas from the ground delivered on 10 November, do schools. up. Thanks must be extended to contact the Governor One of my first duties has been to Headteachers and Principals, who, Development Service. If sufficient attend the annual “Progress Check” at the eleventh hour, have agreed governors are interested we will meeting with officers from GOSW to teachers being seconded to these look at running another session. (Government Office of the South roles. Links with local employers, West), together with lead managers already good in many cases, are By the end of November, we have from CYPS, LSC and Connexions. being developed so that they can an important deadline to hit: we What struck me was the level of play an active role in the Diploma will submit 9 bids to run Diplomas in interrogation regarding Diploma experience. Our rebuilding the city, starting in September 2010. progress, and the accountability for programme is in full swing, Much to celebrate: much to do! delivery that was being demanded guaranteeing outstanding physical If you need to know anything in by government. I came away with provision to deliver the courses. particular about the new 14-19 the inescapable conclusion that Systems and procedures to ensure curriculum, want to be pointed in Diplomas are regarded as the high quality and impartial the right direction for sources of flagship curriculum innovation for information, advice and guidance information and guidance, or need the first part of the 21st Century, for young people have already been your anxieties soothed and your and that nothing will be allowed to developed, agreed, and are now blood pressure lowered, email the stand in the way of statutory roll- being tested. And a professional Governors Diploma Helpline Service out by 2013. training and development plan is at [email protected] ! This may seem a daunting task, being formulated, so that our Marius Frank because, as of September 2008, no teachers will be ready when the Diplomas arrive. Headteacher school in Bristol has been given the Bedminster Down School

BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST 5 ROLL OF HONOUR FOR THOSE GOVERNING New Style BODIES SHOWING NO VACANCIES* Agenda Briefings AIR BALLOON HILL SOUTHVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL INFANTS SCHOOL Two very successful ‘Agenda SPEEDWELL NURSERY SCHOOL Briefings’ have now been held. ASHLEY DOWN JUNIOR SCHOOL ST.ANNE'S PARK PRIMARY Every school is encouraged to BEGBROOK PRIMARY SCHOOL SCHOOL send a representative to these BRISLINGTON ENTERPRISE ST. BEDE'S CATHOLIC COLLEGE new-style meetings. They focus COLLEGE ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC on the ‘essential’ elements of BRISTOL GATEWAY SCHOOL SECONDARY SCHOOL each term’s governing body agendas, to ensure that all CHESTER PARK INFANT SCHOOL ST.JOHN'S C.E.V.C. PRIMARY governing bodies have the SCHOOL CHESTER PARK JUNIOR SCHOOL support they need to meet ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY CHRIST CHURCH C.E. V.C. their statutory responsibilities. SCHOOL PRIMARY SCHOOL The meetings are held at ST. MARY REDCLIFFE & TEMPLE COLSTON'S PRIMARY SCHOOL The Pavilion, an excellent, CE VA SECONDARY SCHOOL central venue in Bristol’s COMPASS POINT:SOUTH ST ST. MARY REDCLIFFE C.E. V.C. SCHOOL & CHILDRENS CENTRE Harbourside, Meeting packs News and Updates PRIMARY SCHOOL are sent to all chairs of governors GAY ELMS PRIMARY SCHOOL ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC in advance, and include briefing ILMINSTER AVENUE SPECIALIST PRIMARY SCHOOL papers on all key agenda items. NURSERY SCHOOL VICTORIA PARK COMMUNITY This ensures there is plenty of LUCKWELL PRIMARY SCHOOL INFANT SCHOOL time on the night for questions and discussion. OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY VICTORIA PARK COMMUNITY CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL JUNIOR SCHOOL The remaining dates for this year are; PARSON STREET PRIMARY WAYCROFT PRIMARY SCHOOL SCHOOL 21 January 2009 Congratulations to all these governing bodies for achieving 6 May 2009 or maintaining a full complement of governors. All Briefings are from 6-8pm at The Pavilion, Harbourside. *at 23 October 2008

Across all Bristol maintained schools becoming a school governor, please there are vacancies for around 75 ask to pass on their name to us at Don’t forget! community governors. Even if your GDS, and we will contact them for a If you have parent governor or staff own governing body has no suitable friendly chat about the role. governor vacancies on your governing vacancies, there may be a school not body, now is the time to hold In Term 2, we will be contacting far away who would welcome an elections in your school, so all posts governing bodies with a significant interested, enthusiastic new member. are filled before Christmas. number of community governor So if you know of anyone – colleague, vacancies to offer support with friend, family – who might be recruitment strategies. interested in finding out more about

National Recognition for Clerks The National Governors’ Association for Governance. The NGA Awards If your Clerk is outstanding, or if you Clerks’ Award is a prestigious award recognise the huge commitment know of such a Clerk, then please that has been offered bi-annually made to schools by governors and take the time to submit a nomination. since 2003; the award has done much governing bodies. The NGA is pleased Nomination forms should be to raise the profile of governing body that the Department for Children, submitted to NGA by 5 December clerks. The 2009 Clerks’ Award will be Schools and Families has also 2008. part of an expanded NGA Awards recognised that commitment with www.nga.org.uk event which will encompass awards financial support for the 2009 Awards.

6 BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST Children and Young People’s Services

A new way of handling Healthy Schools parents’ complaints The Children’s Plan committed Update the Government to look at ways of improving the current arrangements for parents’ complaints. The consultation invites comments on handling parents’ complaints to their child’s school, including those which concern bullying. The DCSF is asking for views on ways to improve: handling of complaints

at school level; the place of News and Updates mediation services to resolve disagreements early on; and Healthy Schools Plus them until the next financial year possible new arrangements to when more funds will be available. We are pleased to announce that consider complaints that cannot Healthy Schools Plus is now being Secondly, in the near future we will be resolved at school level. launched with all Bristol schools be writing to all other schools with www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations with Healthy School status, along Healthy School status to offer with other authorities in the funding for supply cover for 1:1 Deadline for responses Southwest. support and a place on one of the 21 November 2008. Healthy Schools Plus has two Healthy Schools Training Courses. components to ensure we continue We will also be contacting the few to provide a service to all schools remaining schools without Healthy RAISE-online delayed and funding is available for both. School status. As a result of the national Firstly, all schools with Healthy Every Child Matters Survey problems this year with the Schools Status and more than 15% marking of SAT papers, long Free School Meal Entitlement are Thank you to everyone who delays are expected in the release being asked put a bid in for £2,000 completed the first Every Child of 2008 RAISE-online reports. It over the next 15 months Matters Survey. Individual school may be early spring before the demonstrating how they would reports will sent to headteachers reports go live rather than the tailor the next phase of their and chairs of governors as soon as usual autumn date. We have Healthy Schools work to focus on possible. They contain a range of priorities in the school community therefore cancelled our RAISE- information about children’s health online training planned for 26 and Bristol. In the first instance we behaviours and will help give an November. The next governor have funding to take 25 schools in overview of your school and health- training session on understanding the first cohort. related areas you may wish to develop. and using pupil data is on 28 If we are oversubscribed, we will January. See page 18 for full negotiate with schools that are not Contact: Carol Watson, 0117 90 02291 details. selected about how best to support or: [email protected]

Missing Messages for Chairs? Are you a Chair of Governors? If you still a number of Chairs not accessing are, do you access your dedicated their accounts. If you have not yet Local Authority email account? Since made the most of this opportunity, September 2007, CYPS has used this it is very quick and easy to set up. facility to distribute many important You can set up your mail-box to messages including information divert chairs of governors emails about your School Improvement direct to your own work or home Partner visits. email account. Feedback from many Chairs has If you need help accessing your been very positive but recent account contact the Governor monitoring has shown that there are Development Service.

BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST 7 Diary of a new School Governor

New governor Rae Gingell has to offer. I left my first Full kindly agreed to let us reproduce Governing Body meeting feeling extracts from the diary she is tired but assured I can be of service keeping about her experiences as a to a group of people dedicated to new governor. Rae is disabled and sustaining and improving the life of volunteered to become a governor two hundred and fifty’ish school after attending a ‘taster’ session children. run by the Governor Development As I carted back the huge tomes of Service and Equalities Team to rules, duties and responsibilities of attract more disabled people to the Governors in Bristol the heavens

role.

opened and I was absolutely ✐ drenched by the time I got home! Beginning 30 June 2008 I decided that in winter I will use a Today I received a call from Lorraine taxi to and from the meetings.

(chair of governors) asking me to I must pluck up the courage to ask

attend the next governor meeting ✐ if my taxi fares can be paid for as a at Hillfields Primary School on 10 July 2008 matter of reasonable access.

News and Updates 10 July. First meeting as prospective Having got dry and armed with a Setting it right - Guidance It appears that the Governors are all Community Governor started at cup of tea I thought over what had relatively new – so I can begin my 2pm. It was time then to introduce happened. I realised none of the career as a new governor with myself to the other Governors – in other governors except the Chair people who are still learning the hope that they would find me and Head had introduced themselves. This makes me feel less acceptable to join the governing themselves to me. I decided I would daunted somehow as I had visions I body. I described my experience and make this point at the next meeting.

would need to run to catch up with skills and why I wanted to get what a Governor does. involved as a disabled governor. ✐ 15 July 2008 Then I was asked to leave the room The Head of Hillfields School, Piers, I met up with the teacher who looks whilst all present decided on is going to show me round the after children with special whether or not to offer me a

school before the meeting. I can’t educational needs and equal access

chance to work with them. wait to get started! for disabled children and another ✐ Thankfully, I did not have to wait governor who is disabled. We had 7 July 2008 too long before I was warmly an open discussion on how best to I spent some time looking at welcomed into the fold. Then the operate inclusion policy for any Hillfields Primary School website. work of the body started. After two disabled students. I was told that There have been problems with the hours, which seemed to pass physical access assessment had been school in the past – but the Ofsted surprisingly quickly, my first foray done – with the insight of a young reports lately have shown huge into a school governing body was disabled student who scoured the improvements across the board. I over. Before I left I was introduced school pointing out what he have been familiarising myself with to the teacher responsible for thought needed to be changed. children with special educational current standards, exams etc which All in all I think this meeting with needs. As Co Chair of the Disability schools are expected to achieve – it the school and a governor was Equality Forum and a disabled strikes me the children are educated extremely productive.

in such a way that stress and person I will attend a meeting with

this teacher and another Governor nervousness are issues to be ✐ aware of. who is disabled on 15 July to Early August 2008 address what needs to be done to Well I managed to resist taking one I also looked on BCC website to foster inclusion for disabled children catch up on LEA and BCC standards of the two Governor folders with in the school. And also to be sure me on holiday! I figured I could read – all of which Hillfields seem to be the school has complied with the on top of at the moment. through the materials on my return requirements of the Disability – there is so much to learn and I Discrimination Acts. I have no realise I cannot learn it all at once. concerns about this meeting I am greatly looking forward to a because disability related issues and couple of governor training sessions the policy for inclusive education are due to be held sometime soon at very familiar to me and I have lots the school.

8 BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST

Children and Young People’s Services

✐ ✐ Beginning of September side down! I am hoping there are Annual Governors more comfortable chairs at the next Conference 27 September The papers and agenda for my first meeting – one with a high back Governor Committee meeting would be perfect. I do wonder I have much to say about this event. arrived today, along with a sheaf of whether there are other Governors But I will end now as I want to send papers with information on all the of my senior years whose bodies this diary to be edited and included policies of the school regarding creak a bit who might appreciate a in the Governor Newsletter educational attainment. I aim to be comfortable chair. magazine. sure I am on top of the brief before I attend as I don’t want to let the Thank you for sharing your diary with us Rae.

It is great to hear the enthusiasm meetings are accessible and contact the Governor with which Rae has embraced comfortable for everyone? Development Service and we may Getting it right - Guidance the role of governor and her

be able to help. News and Updates commitment to getting trained As a disabled person, Rae has been up and doing lots of background able to bring her own insight and Contact: GDS 0117 90 31396 reading. personal experience to the or: [email protected] It is worth noting the comments governing body on inclusion and she makes about her discomfort access issues. Is there anyone on at the meeting. your governing body that can Is there more that could be done to make sure your governing body bring this perspective? If not, do Under Scrutiny My name is Judith Thomas and I am hear complex reports from Senior Executive Committee for further a parent governor at St Philips Officers of Bristol City Council about examination. Marsh Nursery School. a variety of issues from attainment These meetings have proved in our schools to Young Carers. I have been a governor for over 2 extremely interesting. I am pleased years and recently, following a I have now attended four of these to be a member of this Commission nomination process, I joined the meetings and I must admit they to see how the local authority Children’s & Young Persons Scrutiny have been very daunting. works. As a parent of a young Commission as a co-optee. A A City Council meeting is full of child in the primary sector and as Scrutiny Commission is part of bureaucratic language and a a governor myself, I feel it is the complex process of local more formal process than any important to have some governance. It is a statutory body, other Governor meeting I have representatives from the community which provides checks and counter- attended. The paperwork itself is at large on these bodies. I look balance to the decisions made by about an inch thick to read before forward to reporting further in the Executive Committee of Bristol the meeting! future editions of the Governor City Council. Newsletter. However the last two meetings have The Commission is not a decision been dominated by the Primary making body but more of an Review. It must be stated that these ‘advice-shop’, to hold the Executive meetings are open to the public. to account, to monitor performance At the last meeting we had and to review and develop policy. representatives from the Primary Its focus is also to check that the Schools who have been threatened Council’s services and policies meet with closure speak directly to the the needs of the community and meeting. They had the opportunity achieve agreed performance targets. to ask questions to Councillors and The Children’s Commission is made Senior Officers about the review and up of local Councillors and Statutory to present petitions. The post- Co-optees. These include consultation report of the review representatives from Governors was discussed in detail and, as and Church Schools. The meeting reported in the local press, some issues were sent back to the BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST 9 Improved outcomes for children and young people

The following report from Executive Member Peter Hammond highlights the many improvements in outcomes and services for children and young people in Bristol this year.

I am pleased to present this report Maths and English top priority tracking of poor attenders at Getting it right - Guidance focusing on the key areas for transition between years 6 and 7 is A 3.5% increase in pupils achieving improvement that are highlighted proving to be especially effective. 5 A*-C GCSE grades with English as ‘top priorities’ in the Children and and maths is also encouraging. Fixed-term exclusions dropped Young People’s Plan. However, too many primary and I am pleased to report that fixed- Excellence for all secondary schools remain below the term exclusions have dropped government’s floor targets for Bristol’s very top priority is significantly in primary and English and Maths (65% in primary, improving educational attainment. secondary schools. The multi-agency 30% in secondary), and improving We all recognise that Bristol has a Exclusions Task and Finish Group attainment in these subjects has to long way to go to achieve its vision significantly raised awareness of the be the top collective priority for all of educational excellence for all. priority to reduce exclusions. Better schools this year. In relation to However, there is much to feel reporting and tracking of patterns of targeted groups it is encouraging to encouraged by in this year’s results. exclusion have led to earlier see some improvement in the intervention. The number of young It’s good to see that all the standards achieved by children in people with fixed term exclusions in Foundation Stage outcomes have care and care leavers; all the special schools, however, remains a improved, with the exception of indicators are up with the exception concern, and agencies are working Social Development and writing. of English Level 5+ at Key Stage 3. closely with the schools concerned to This provides a stronger baseline However, we clearly have much urgently address the causes. The for schools to build upon. more to do to secure the best number of permanent exclusions has Key Stage Improvements outcomes for this group of learners. reduced in secondary and special I will also take a keen interest in the schools, but has increased from 1 to 8 Almost all the Key Stage 1 indicators improvements achieved by BME in primary schools. It is most have improved, with the exception pupils and groups when the data is encouraging that fixed-term of Maths Level 2+, and Level 4 has available. exclusions of children in care improved in both English and Maths dropped significantly, and only one in Key Stage 2. Key Stage 3 results Attendance targets achieved child in care was permanently are still incomplete, but Key Stage 4 For the first time, Bristol has excluded (by a non-Bristol school) in & 5 results are particularly achieved its attendance targets in 2007-08. This represents real encouraging. The 7% increase in primary and secondary schools. The progress. pupils achieving 5 A*-C GCSE grades number of young people with Strategic partnerships puts Bristol, for the first time, above persistent absence in secondary increase capacity the FFTD benchmark (progress in schools continues to fall, and 8 line with the top 25% of schools out of 10 targeted schools have Strategic partnerships with external nationally). This represents a 19% made good progress. Action to agencies are proving effective in increase since 2004, which is a improve the attendance of children securing improved educational significant achievement. in care and some BME groups is outcomes. Partnerships with the having a clear impact. Improved National College of School

10 BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST Children and Young People’s Services

Leadership (NCSL), London of 16-18 year olds in learning at had had an alcoholic drink (more Challenge, Qualifications & March 2008 is up compared to 2007. than just a sip) in the last 7 days. I Curriculum Council (QCA) and other am also concerned that The local authorities have significantly 26 Children’s Centres are designated National Child Measurement increased the capacity of schools to in line with government targets, and Programme shows that 19.4% of improve. their effectiveness is clearly Year 6 children (age 10-11 years) evidenced through OFSTED were obese in Bristol in 2007-08. I Secondary School Transformation inspection reports. These centres am encouraged, however, that the One cannot fail to notice the are leading the way in developing National Support Team for transformation taking place across fully integrated childhood services, Childhood Obesity were impressed secondary schools; the result of a and are playing a lead role in by the multi-agency strategies in wide range of strategic partnerships. transforming the way we work place to reduce obesity in the city. Seven Academies (two from the to support children and families. The Healthy Schools programme, in independent sector) and a 0-16 Trust particular, continues to build on its Looking beyond our schools, multi- Getting it right - Guidance pathfinder are operational from this Beacon Status. agency working arrangements are September. Three of the four continuing to develop to improve Slow improvement addressed Building Schools for the Future (BSF) prevention and early intervention. schools are open and simply 2006 saw a 2.6% reduction in the From September, multi-agency stunning in their design, and the Teenage Pregnancy rate compared panels have been in place including funding is secured to complete the to the 1998 baseline. While this in the most deprived communities transformation of every single figure compares well to some core of Bristol. 53% of schools are Bristol secondary school. At the cities, Bristol remains one of 22 local delivering the full ‘Extended Core same time, partnership working authority areas with static or Offer’; above the national with DCSF and the Academies Unit increasing rates. The slow pace of percentage. has secured a reduction in secondary improvement in reducing teenage surplus places to below 10%. The Significant progress in conceptions is being addressed by BSF Primary Strategy for Change sets Preventing Offending integrating youth support to out an equally ambitious targeted individuals and groups in Significant progress has been made partnership programme to secure a ‘hotspot’ areas, and by improving all in preventing offending and similar transformation in primary young people’s access to sexual reducing re-offending by children schools. health services, advice and guidance. and young people and first time Strong 14-19 Partnerships offending rates have improved. Children entering care a priority Significant investment has led to Vocational and work-related Reducing the number of children improved access to child and learning opportunities are entering care is a partnership and adolescent mental health services expanding rapidly, driven by a corporate priority. Bristol had 666 (CAMHS) with increased access to strong 14-19 strategic partnership. children in care as of 31 March 2008. services for 16-17 year olds and Schools, colleges and work-based The 2007 figure was 10% below the children with learning difficulties, providers are collaborating ‘core cities’ average but 3% above and better service integration is effectively through three 14-19 Area our statistical neighbours. leading to improvements in Partnerships, and the impact of Comparisons are unlikely to have reducing harm from substance these developments is evident in the improved in 2008 but services misuse, including illicit drugs and growing number of young people in targeted on children on the edge of alcohol misuse. Despite these education, employment and training care are in place and having a improvements, I am concerned that and improved Key Stage 4 positive impact. These strategies are the latest survey of 1171 primary attainment. This September saw the expanding in 2008-09. school children (age 8-11 yrs old) introduction of more than 30 new shows a worrying trend among Peter Hammond BTEC programmes, many as primary pupils around alcohol use: partnership courses. The percentage Executive Member, Raising 15% of 8-11 yr olds stated that they Achievement and Cohesion How well is your Governing Body doing? A self review tool has been The questionnaire was originally This self review tool provides a produced to support governing developed for use with the simple yet thorough method of bodies in evaluating their own Consultant Governor Programme. fulfiling this recommendation. effectiveness and identifying areas However we strongly recommend Contact: Ian Caskie that need developing or improving. that all governing bodies undertake Tel: 0117 9031396 A copy was included in the October a regular review of their or: [email protected],uk edition of the Governor Bulletin effectiveness as part of the schools which is available on our website at self evaluation cycle. www.bristol-cyps.org.uk/services/gds. BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST 11 Full Governing Body Meeting 2 – Autumn 2008

MUST/SHOULD HAVE MUST/SHOULD HAVE

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest Clerk’s report Membership ■ Progress on recent appointments/elections Head’s Report – Preferably written (tabled in advance) – giving information, contextualisation, and offering ■ Welcome to new governors and confirmation of recommendations for action if appropriate and likely induction arrangements to include some of the following: ■ Update on forthcoming vacancies, and timescales for ■ Pupil progress (inc. underperforming groups) recruiting to these posts ■ Pupils attitudes, values and personal development ■ Identification of key actions to support recruitment (including attendance, exclusion and other pupil data) Correspondence ■ Effectiveness of teaching and learning (including ■ Specific to school staff development activities and other staffing data) ■ LA monthly bulletin / termly newsletter ■ Curriculum provision – including extra-curricular ■ DCSF information activities, visits and visitors, accommodation and Minutes of last meeting resources ■ Approval of minutes ■ Guidance care and support for pupils including racist Recommended Agendas incidents, attendance and exclusions data ■ Matters arising ■ Partnership with parents, other schools and the Apologies for absence community ■ Developments in leadership, management and COULD HAVE governance including budgetary position Report from curriculum committee on: Performance Management ■ Analysis of 2008 pupil performance data and what it ■ Ensure performance management arrangements are tells us about our school in place to review and complete HT performance ■ Recommendations and lead on debate on end of key review by end of term 2 stage targets and implications for future work ■ Receive annual report from headteacher on implementation of school’s performance Report from Finance Committee on: management policy for staff, and ensure priorities ■ are reflected in school improvement plan. (Template Progress towards achievement of Financial report published in September 2008 Governor Management Standard in Schools (FMSIS) if not Bulletin) already in place, and priorities for action ■ Key changes introduced to provision to address the identified needs of our pupils. Policies ■ Review impact of Behaviour/Discipline Policy Report from Staffing Committee on: ■ Receive report from SEN Governor on ■ implementation/impact of SEN policy on pupils with SEN Implementation of Pay Policy (for all staff excluding Headteacher) ■ Quality of teaching and impact/plans for continuing Standards and Achievement Professional Development ■ Receive report on standards achieved and progress made in 2008 as supported by pupil data if not reported on in term 1 (NB RAISEonline reports delayed Report from Premises Committee on: this year- see p7). Ensure that improvement plans build ■ Priorities and possible implications for the term on strengths and address identified weaknesses. (health, safety and welfare update)

School Improvement (Target setting) Report from Governors: ■ Receive information and debate processes school ■ Outcomes of visits to school, and implications uses to determine individual pupil targets, class for governance targets, cohort targets and end of key stage targets ■ Outcomes of training and implications for ■ Set challenging but achievable targets for 2010 future work ■ Identification of training opportunities in line with identified priorities

12 BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST Children and Young People’s Services

Full Governing Body Meeting 3 – Spring 2009

MUST/SHOULD HAVE MUST/SHOULD HAVE

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest Minutes of last meeting: ■ Approval of minutes Head’s Report – Preferably written (tabled in advance) ■ Matters arising – giving information, contextualisation, and offering recommendations for action if appropriate and likely Apologies for absence to include some of the following:

■ Pupils progress (including under achieving groups) Recommended Agendas see also ‘Standards and Achievement’ below. COULD HAVE ■ Pupils’ attitudes, values and personal developments (including attendance, exclusion and other pupil Report from Curriculum committee on: data) ■ Policy update/adoption ■ Effectiveness of teaching and learning (including staff development activities and other staffing data) ■ Monitoring reports if appropriate ■ Curriculum provision – including extra-curricular ■ Review of curriculum plans/models for 2009/10 activities, visits and visitors, accommodation and resources Report from Finance committee on: ■ Guidance, care and support for pupils including racist ■ Progress towards achievement of Financial incidents and attendance and exclusion data Management Standard in Schools (FMSIS) if not ■ Partnership with parents, other schools and the already in community ■ Expenditure against predicted spend and predicted ■ 3 Developments in leadership, management and ⁄4 year outturn for current financial year governance including budgetary position ■ Initial budget discussion for 2009/2010 to include: - outline implications of a possible shortfall / surplus School Improvement ■ Receive reports on implementation and impact of - decision on which LA or other services to purchase current School Improvement priorities - implications of implementation of curriculum plans ■ Identify priorities for action, and ensure appropriate and possible staffing models for 2009/10 support is in place to achieve identified outcomes ■ Review of charging & remissions policy ■ Discuss provisional priorities for 2009/10

Report from Premises committee on: Standards and Achievement ■ Priorities and possible implications for the term ■ Receive report from governor with responsibility for (health, safety and welfare update) Children in Care on provision and monitoring of progress. Discuss future steps to improve outcomes ■ Progress of current work, and future priorities for this vulnerable group ■ Receive report on progress of pupil cohorts towards Report from Staffing committees: cohort targets, and ensure appropriate support and ■ Possible staffing models for 2009/10 challenge to enable these groups to make the required progress Report from Governors: ■ Outcomes of visits to school, and implications Clerk’s report for governance Membership ■ Outcomes of training and implications for ■ Progress on recent appointments/elections future work ■ Welcome to new governors and confirmation of ■ Identification of training opportunities in line induction arrangements with identified priorities ■ Update on forthcoming vacancies, and timescales for recruiting to these posts ■ Identification of key actions to support recruitment Correspondence ■ Specific to school ■ LA monthly bulletin/termly newsletter ■ DCSF information

BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST 13 Clerking Matters... Changing the Have you completed our three part name of your training programme for clerks? school? We are aware that many Bristol Have you completed our three part training programme for clerks? schools are considering changing Here are the dates and times of the next three sessions in this rolling their names, for example where a programme. These sessions can be attended in any order. children’s centre is opening at the school. Module 1 The role of the clerk Southville Centre Wednesday 9.30-12 in managing meetings 12 November noon BEWARE…the name you are using for your school may not be the one Module 2 Role of the clerk in Create Centre Monday 9.30-12 legally defined on your Instrument supporting good Cumberland 18 March noon of Government. governance Basin In September, a copy of each school’s current Instrument of Government was sent to all Clerks. The Instrument of Government is the legal Don’t miss the next document which sets out the Getting it right - Guidance composition of the governing body Clerks’ Network and defines the name of the school. The correct statutory process must be Tuesday 27 January, 7.00pm-9.30pm at the followed to decide a new name, Pavilion, Harbourside. before it starts being used on school We are delighted with how the Clerks' signs, headed notepaper, sweatshirts etc! Network is developing to help you keep up to date as well as providing a forum for ■ The governing body must raising issues with the local authority. But formally review the Instrument of don’t take our word for it! Here are just Government at a full governing body meeting; the review must some of the positive comments we received be included as an item on the after the last session: agenda for the meeting. ‘It was a great Network meeting take. I’ve been doing this work for ■ The decision to adopt the new yesterday - Thanks so much. It nothing so I am very glad I came to name must be by unanimous vote was the first one I have been to the session!’ of all the governors on the but found it really interesting so These informal sessions are also a governing body and the meeting it won't be the last! ‘ great opportunity to share good must of course be quorate. ‘I would just like to say how practice and meet with other clerks. Remember, Associate Members invaluable I felt attending my An agenda will be circulated by e- cannot vote at full governing first Clerks networking meeting mail. Please join us if you can! We body meetings. was this morning. I certainly are always keen to receive any ■ Any governors not present must learnt a lot from it and will suggestions for content of future have sent in their proxy vote in definitely try to get to future network briefings. advance of the meeting. The meetings. It was great to speak to To make a booking for the Clerks proxy vote gives the Chair of the other clerks and learn from them Training or Network session please meeting the authority to vote on too.’ contact Governor Development the absent governor’s behalf, ‘Speaking to other clerks at the Service to book a place. according to the governor’s network yesterday I realised that wishes. To make a booking for the Clerks I shouldn’t be doing all the ■ The governing body must also Training or Network session contact: paperwork for parent elections or decide at what future date the clerking extra meetings without Governor Development Service, new Instrument of Government talking to the chair and head 0117 903 1396 comes into effect, which is when about how I am going to be paid [email protected] the new name can start being for the time these extra duties used.

14 BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST Children and Young People’s Services

■ The Clerk to governors must Bristol Governors’ Forum then notify GDS in writing of the governing body’s decisions, Are you interested in helping to drive forward the new and we will prepare the new strategy of the Bristol Governors’ Forum? Do you believe Instrument of Government to be legally authorised. There you can support schools and the Local Authority in raising should be enough time attainment levels of Bristol children? allowed for this process before the date the Instrument comes We are keen that every school in Meetings this year will take place on: into effect. Bristol is represented at the Forum. Does your school have a named Thursday 11 December 2008 This may all sound rather representative? A full agenda is Thursday 5 February 2009 Training, Forums and Conferences bureaucratic but help is at issued to the Chair or nominated Thursday 12 March 2009 hand. If you are about to forum representative at each school Thursday 14 May 2009 consider changing your school’s approximately a week before each name, or if you think you have meeting. Thursday 2 July 2009 already, but may not have followed the correct procedure If you have any queries please contact the clerk, Ana Tsoucalas, c/o please get in contact with GDS. Governor Development Service, Sooner rather than later! Tel: 0117 9031254, email: [email protected] You can also visit the Bristol Governors Forum website on – Situations http://www.bristol-cyps.org.uk/services/gds/forum.html Vacant... There are a number of schools in Bristol looking for clerks at the moment. If you would be All meetings are held at 7.15pm, venues to be confirmed. interested in taking on another role please contact the Governor Development Service and we will let you know which schools in your area may have a vacancy. We would also be pleased to hear Governor Training from you if you would be willing to provide short term Programme cover where the school’s own clerk is unavailable. A summary of the remaining training courses running in the Autumn Terms is set out overleaf, and full details of our Spring programme are listed on the following pages. If you need Are you getting advice on which course to choose, please your mail? contact us. Making a booking: For some time now we have To reserve a place on any of our Cancellation Policy: been using a group e-mail to training courses please telephone or send messages,bulletins etc out If, for any reason, you are unable to email the Governor Development to clerks. This seems to be attend a training session you have Service or complete and return the working well but if you are not booked please let the Governor booking form which can be found receiving regular communication Development Service know as soon at: www.bristol-cyps.org.uk/services/ from us through this route as possible so that your place can be gds/pdf/training-applic.pdf please contact us….it may be cancelled at no charge. There is no charge for that the e-mail address we have centrally based training for Non-attendance without prior for you is incorrect or out governors from subscribing schools. notice will mean your school incurs of date. a £30 charge. Non-subscribing schools are charged £53 per governor for half-day/twilight Contact: GDS 0117 90 31396 or evening courses and £105 per or: [email protected] person for full day courses BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST 15 Governor Training Programme to December 2008

Course title Level This course will cover… Venue Date Time

ESSENTIAL COURSES FOR CHAIRS/VICE-CHAIRS OF GOVERNORS

Taking the Chair: 2 Chairing governing body meetings Gatehouse Centre Thursday 7.00pm - Module 1 effectively: New Chairs, Vice-Chairs Hartcliffe 13/11/08 9.30pm and Chairs of Committees particularly welcome.

ESSENTIAL COURSES FOR NEW GOVERNORS

Roles & 2 The role of the governing body in Create Centre Tuesday 7.00pm - Responsibilities: setting the strategic direction of the Cumberland 18/11/08 9.30pm Strategic Direction school, including School Basin Development Planning, target setting and the characteristics of an effective school. Roles & 2 The role of the governing body in Create Centre Tuesday 7.00pm - Responsibilities: being a critical friend, including Cumberland Basin 9/12/08 9.30pm Support and monitoring and evaluation and Challenge using school data to inform improvement. Roles & 2 The governors' role in ensuring Council House Saturday 9.30am -

Training, Forums and Conferences Training, Responsibilities: accountability, strategic planning, College Green 6/12/08 3.30pm Condensed all day and supporting and challenging session school performance. This 3 in 1 course has been condensed and governors should expect an intensive session.

ESSENTIAL COURSES FOR ALL GOVERNORS

RAISE online - CANCELLED – see page 7

ESSENTIAL COURSES FOR LINK GOVERNORS/GOVERNORS SERVING ON COMMITTEES

Financial 3 Governors' responsibilities in BAWA Monday 9.30am - Management achieving the Financial Filton 24/11/08 12noon Standard Management Standard. Compulsory for all schools, especially those identified for accreditation this year. Exclusions 2 The role of the governing body in BAWA Friday 9.30am - *NOTE CHANGE OF reviewing pupil exclusion. Filton 28/11/08 12 noon DATE AND VENUE* Headteachers and Clerks particularly welcome.

The Role of the 2 An introduction to the roles and BAWA Monday 9.30am - Health & Safety and responsibilities of the governor Filton 10/11/08 12 noon Well-being Governor responsible for health, safety and well-being in school

Special Educational 2 An introduction to the role of the Withywood Thursday 9.30am - Needs Special Educational Needs Community Centre 13/11/08 12 noon Governor.

SPECIALIST COURSES

Setting up a Parent 2 Interested in setting up a Parent Council House Thursday 9.30am - Council Council? A Parent Council is a College Green 4/12/08 12 noon body of parents, representing all parents, run by the parents with the support of the school. They can provide an excellent forum to come together, share ideas and put forward their views to the governing body.

16 BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST Children and Young People’s Services

Course title Level This course will cover… Venue Date Time

The governors role in 2 This session will look at what is Council House Thursday 7.00pm - promoting community meant by community cohesion and College Green 20/11/08 9.30pm cohesion the role of governors in ensuring that their school is effective in its contribution.

ESSENTIAL TRAINING FOR CLERKS TO GOVERNORS

National Training 1 The role of the clerk in managing Southville Centre Wednesday 9.30am - Programme for Clerks: meetings 12/11/08 12 noon Training, Forums and Conferences Module 1

Governor Training Programme from January to April 2009

Course title Level This course will cover… Venue Date Time

ESSENTIAL COURSES FOR CHAIRS/VICE-CHAIRS OF GOVERNORS

Agenda Briefings for N/A Strategic briefing and input from LA Pavilion, Wednesday 6.00pm - Governors officers on national and local Harbourside 21/1/09 8.00pm priorities which inform forthcoming governing body agendas. This is essential for Chairs but please note that all governors are welcome particularly Vice-Chairs. Taking the Chair: 2 The role of the Chair as leader, Withywood Wednesday 7.00pm - Module 2 focusing on effective recruitment, Community Centre 14/1/09 9.30pm induction and development of individual governors within the governing body.

ESSENTIAL COURSES FOR NEW GOVERNORS

Getting Started: 1 An overview of governors' key Withywood Wednesday 9.30am - Introduction for New duties and areas of responsibility Community Centre 21/1/09 12noon Governors including how schools are organised. This is essential training for new governors.

*** Repeat Course** 1 An overview of governors' key Create Centre Wednesday 7.00pm - Getting Started: duties and areas of responsibility Cumberland Basin 25/2/09 9.30pm Introduction for including how schools are New Governors organised. This is essential training for new governors. The role of the Parent 1 Understanding the specific role of Withywood Tuesday 7.00pm - Governor the parent governor, including Community Centre 10/2/09 9.30pm issues of parental engagement, confidentiality and conflict of interest. Roles & 2 The role of the governing body in Create Centre Thursday 9.30am - Responsibilities: ensuring accountability. Looking at Cumberland Basin 5/2/09 12noon Accountability how schools fulfil their legal requirements and looking at ways governing bodies report to their stakeholders. Governors who are familiar with the school context, and comfortable participating in a meeting context, may wish to start at this point.

BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST 17 Governor Training Programme from January to April 2009

Course title Level This course will cover… Venue Date Time

2 The role of the governing body in Create Centre Thursday 9.30am - setting the strategic direction of the Cumberland Basin 5/3/09 12noon Roles & school. Looking at School Responsibilities: Development Planning, target setting Strategic Direction and successful characteristics of an effective school. Roles & 2 The role of the governing body in Create Centre Thursday 9.30am - Responsibilities: being a critical friend. Looking at the Cumberland Basin 26/3/09 12 noon Support and Challenge role of monitoring & evaluation in (Critical Friend) supporting and challenging school performance.

Roles & 2 The governors' role in ensuring Council House Saturday 9.30am - Responsibilities: accountability, strategic planning, College Green 14/3/08 3.30pm Condensed all day and supporting and challenging session school performance. This course has been condensed and governors should expect an intensive session. Lunch provided

ESSENTIAL COURSES FOR ALL GOVERNORS

Training, Forums and Conferences Training, Bristol Tracker: For all 3 Tracking pupil progress is an essential BAWA, Filton Wednesday 7.00pm - governors in Primary, ingredient to ensuring our schools 7/1/09 9.30pm Infant and Junior improve. This course unpacks the settings who have role of governors in using the Bristol adopted this tool Tracker to ensure all pupils make ***New Course**** good progress.

***Repeat Course**** 3 Tracking pupil progress is an essential Withywood Thursday 9.30am - Bristol Tracker: For all ingredient to ensuring our schools Community Centre 8/1/09 12 noon governors in Primary, improve. This course unpacks the Infant and Junior role of governors in using the Bristol settings who have Tracker to ensure all pupils make adopted this tool good progress.

Pupil Data: Governors' 3 This session will introduce governors to Pavilion, Monday 7.00pm - role in understanding a wide range of data sources and will Harbourside 2/2/09 9.30pm and using a variety of explore ways in which this can inform pupil level data to governors' understanding of their inform school school's strengths and weaknesses, and improvement planning how they can challenge and support ***New Course**** senior leaders in the acceleration of pupil progress.

ESSENTIAL COURSES FOR LINK GOVERNORS/GOVERNORS SERVING ON COMMITTEES

Children in Care: An 2 An introduction to the role of the Withywood Monday 7.00pm - introduction to the governor with responsibility for Community Centre 19/1/09 9.30pm role of the responsible children in care. governor

Children in Care: There is a new duty on all schools to Fonthill, Tuesday 9.30am - Writing the annual report on provision for children in Southmead 03/3/09 12 noon report care. This course will give you the tools and guidance to ensure this important task informs provision for this vulnerable group.

18 BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST Children and Young People’s Services

Governor Training Programme from January to April 2009

Course title Level This course will cover… Venue Date Time

***Repeat Course**** As above. Pavilion, Wednesday 7.00pm - Children in Care: Harbourside 1/4/09 9.30pm Writing the annual report Exclusions 3 The role of the governing body in Pavilion, Tuesday 7.00pm - reviewing pupil exclusion. Harbourside 10/3/09 9.30pm Headteachers and Clerks (as well as governors) particularly welcome. Training, Forums and Conferences School Finance 2 An introduction to school finance Council House, Tuesday 9.30am - for members of the Finance College Green 17/3/08 12 noon Committee and an opportunity for more experienced governors to increase their knowledge and understanding of budget setting and financial monitoring.

SPECIALIST COURSES

Succession Planning: 3 The quality of leadership in school Pavilion, Monday 7.00pm - Finding, developing is the single most important factor Harbourside 23/3/09 9.30pm and keeping great under our control in determining head teachers today the success of a school. As a ***New Course**** governor you play a crucial role in finding and developing the leaders of the future. This session will help you identify the key resources and simple steps you need to take to plan for your leadership needs of tomorrow.

Roles and 2 Do you remember when you first Create Centre Thursday 9.30am - Responsibilities: A became a governor? Did you Cumberland Basin 12/2/09 12 noon refresher course for attend the Roles and governors in post Responsibilities training as part of more than 2 years your induction? Or maybe you somehow missed the opportunity? Or perhaps you are one of those governors who attending the training, but found it quite challenging in those early days. Well, here's your opportunity.. if you either didn't attend training as a new governor, or would like a refresher, then this is the course for you. Covering the key aspects of the introductory training, but all packaged into one morning, and exclusively for governors in post more than 2 years.

ESSENTIAL TRAINING FOR CLERKS TO GOVERNORS

National Training 2 The role of the clerk to governors in Create Centre Monday 9.30am - Programme for Clerks: supporting good governance. Cumberland Basin 18/3/09 12 noon Module 2 Exclusions 3 The role of the governing body in Pavilion, Tuesday 7.00pm - reviewing pupil exclusion. Harbourside 10/03/09 9.30pm Headteachers and Clerks (as well as governors) particularly welcome.

Clerks' Network N/A Sharing good practice, new initiatives Pavilion, Tuesday 7.00pm - and supporting training and Harbourside 27/01/09 9.30pm development needs

BRISTOL - A CITY WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST 19 Useful Addresses and Websites

Office for Standards in Education Times Educational Supplement Local Contacts (OFSTED) www.tes.co.uk/governors – and Helplines www.ofsted.gov.uk articles from current TES; “Ask Publications Centre the Expert” for queries on Bristol Governor 0700 263 7833 governance; and TES’s governors Development Service For free publications contact: Information Network 0117 903 1396 [email protected] [email protected] Priced publications from Govern your School Stationery Office www.governyourschool.co.uk – Bristol Children & Young information and guidance People’s Services website Governorline – Free support from fellow governors. Free www.bristol-cyps.org.uk for school governors membership and newsletter You can contact Governorline on From the home page, go to 0800 072 2181 – 9am to 10pm Governor Development Service Monday to Friday (excluding under ‘G’ in the A-Z index public holidays) 11am to 4pm Thank You at weekends Thank you to all those who Children & Young Peoples www.governorline.info Services Directory of Services have contributed articles for www.bristol-cyps.org.uk National Governors’ Association this edition of the BRISTOL Using A-Z index go to ‘D’ for (NGA) GOVERNOR. Directory 2nd Floor SBQ1, 29 Smallbrook, If you would like to respond to Queensway, Birmingham B5 4HG any of the items or submit an Diocese of Bristol Board of 0121 643 5787 article to be considered for the Education [email protected] next edition, or you require this 0117 927 7454 www.nga.org.uk document in a different format, Clifton Diocese Department Governor organisations please contact: for Schools ISCG (Information for School Governor Development Service, 0117 902 5593 and College Governors) at Bristol Education Centre, Sheridan Avondale Park School, Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 0PU Sirdar Road, London W11 4EE 0117 903 1396. Other Sources of Tel: 0207 229 0200 Fax: 0207 229 0651 Information email: [email protected] www.governors.fsnet.co.uk Department for Children, Schools and Families. School Policies www.dfes.gov.uk/index For a source of example School Governornet Policies in use in other schools www.governornet.co.uk see www.school_policy.co.uk

DCSF Publications Centre Every Child Matters Prolog, PO Box 5050 Leading cross-government site Sherwood Park, Mansfield Road, for all partners, from local Nottingham NG15 0DS leaders to practitioners. Tel: 0845 602 2260 www.ecm.gov.uk Fax: 0845 603 3360 [email protected]

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