Amethyst Trust: Directors Meeting

Date of Meeting: Thursday 4th July 2019

Venue: Aldersley High School

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Present Apologies Others in attendance Jim Inglis (Chair) Helen Bourton Laura Armato Bob Stephenson (Vice chair) Christine Thomas Lauren Jones (Clerk) Nicola Davis Nicola Bayliss Robert Grant Sue Reid Mick Marks

2. Declarations of interest Directors were advised that if a person has any interest in a contract, proposed contract or matter under consideration, s/he should disclose this fact and take no part in the consideration, discussion or vote in respect of the contract or matter and withdraw from the meeting.

Directors were also reminded that care should be taken to ensure that they were aware of the agenda items of a confidential nature. In addition, they were advised to ensure that minutes of their meeting did not include information of a confidential nature as, once approved, they become public documents.

3. Minutes of previous meeting and matters arising. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 22nd March 2018 shall be approved and signed as a correct record.

Ref Item Discussion 4 Finance Update – presented by Laura Armato.

4.1 The trust board welcome Robert grant to the meeting as a new amethyst director. In a change to the agenda Laura Armato presented the financial report to the trust board. Laura explained that she had made assumptions for 3 years. The budget forecast return has been prepared based on the latest information available to the Amethyst Academies Trust. Inflation and payroll has been assumed at 2% from September for teachers and from April for other staff. Cost inflation has been assumed at 2% with additional costs included for energy.

4.2 Laura discussed current funding for the teachers’ pay Grant. She noted that funding beyond March 2020 has not been confirmed and therefore has not been included in future predictions. Laura explained that the employer contribution rate of the teacher's pension scheme (TPS) will increase from 16.48 % to 23.68% from September 2019. This is a 7.2% increase which naturally would drive schools into deficit positions without support from the government.

4.3 Academies will receive £114.08 per pupil funding rate for the academic year 2019/20, the Grant has been factored into both school plans at £134288 for Moreton school and £170660 at Aldersley High School.

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4.4 Laura expressed satisfaction, in that pupil numbers are rising rapidly in both schools, and the trust is therefore likely to attract growth fund as a result of this, payable by the local authority.

4.5 In the long-term those funds need to sit a trust level, so that centralised services including marketing ICT and network manager positions are all paid from the centralised pot. This is known as top-slicing. Laura explain that post-16 funding moving forward will now sit within the Aldersley budget, as the Sixth Form Centre will be based on the Aldersley High School site.

4.6 The trust board stated that the trust appears to be in a strong financial position and given the current political landscape with many schools falling into deficit positions Mr Stephenson asked what the trust will be doing differently in order to secure and continue with its strong financial position?

4.7 Laura explain that the trust has been quick to cost out over-staffed departments and take a strategic approach to combat growing staffing costs. Trusts who have not done so are likely to have fallen into deficit positions and once a deficit is reached the effect can be cumulative year on a year.

4.8 There is a strong model of financial accountability within the trust governance system. Laura explained that the finance and general purposes committee that sits on a monthly basis ensures that monthly accounts are heavily scrutinised, and associated spending is in line with budgetary constraints. The board commended the work of Laura and her team, in light of evidence of clear strength in the reserve position at 0.69% approximately. Mr Mark asked at what a benchmark percentage would be, as recommended by the ESFA? Laura replied that the ESFA would be happy to see reserves at around 1% of the trust’s gross income.

4.9 Laura explains that she wouldn't want to report on large in year surplus’s as this may attract questions as to why money wasn't being spent on teaching and curriculum resources. Lara went on to explain that a balancing exercise was needed to be in constant review in order to demonstrate a healthy reserved for unseen and unaccounted costs (should they occur) whilst also using public funded money for the purpose in which it was acquired as per our funding agreement.

Directors thanked Laura for her contribution. Laura left the meeting at 5:30 p.m.

5 School Report- Preparations for OFSTED

Nicola Davies notes that next on the agenda is the school report for Moreton school with preparations for Ofsted inspection. It was agreed that as Nicola Bayliss had sent her apologies for this meeting this item would be deferred until the next meeting in October 2019.

6 Amethyst Academies Trust – Free School Proposal – Presented by Nicola Davis. Nicola Davies presented to the board plans to open a new free school in the Wolverhampton area. She stated that following her presentation it would be a matter for the Trust Board to consider whether they then felt there was a need in Wolverhampton for a new free school and whether they then considered it was a viable option for the Amethyst Academies Trust to continue to explore the option of a free school application at this present time.

6.1 Nicola Davis proposed that the free school would be opened in the centre of Wolverhampton City and would be called the Amethyst Central Academy (ACA). Nicola explained that the proposal for the ACA would be a coeducational non-denominational 8 form entry with a pan of 210.

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6.2 Nicola Davis explains that Wolverhampton City Council have conducted an exercise which shows demonstratable need for a new school in the area. Their research has concluded that pupil numbers from nursery years through to 2023 and beyond are growing by 23%. Furthermore, there are growth plans within the city of Wolverhampton to invest money in regeneration in order to increase economic stability within the city. This is resulting in a further 8 large housing developments being built across the City. Nicola presented surplus data to the board.

6.3 This surplus data was based on the assumption that they UTC would increase its pan to 150 students taking them from Year 7 onwards. At present the UTC only offers Key Stage 4 education. Nicola notes that it is the Department of Education’s recommendation that each cohort carry a 2% surplus for new arrivals and migration of students in and out of the city; the data clearly notes and deficit of places from 2022 onwards.

6.4 Nicola presents that as well as a demonstratable basic need for a new school within the city, there is also a need to rise the academic profile of the city based on existing schools within a short radius of the newly proposed school. Nicola explained to the board that the thread throughout the free school application is based on the progress that can be made to disadvantaged students. The board are presented with headline data that shows progress 8 scores against others in the city. Jim Inglis asks if the UTC cohort numbers have now been agreed? Nicola confirm they have not yet been agreed

6.5 Nicola presented to the board that the proposed new site for the Amethyst Central Academy would be St George's parade in the city centre. This is known as the Old Sainsbury's site. Nicola explain the benefits of a city centre site would be that, having observed a map of schools in the Wolverhampton area- most schools currently situated around the perimeter of the city. This has a detrimental effect to most students who have to take two buses to get to their chosen School. Research has shown that students have to take one bus into the city to then catch a second bus back out to the perimeter schools. A Centrally placed Academy would mean that travel was easier for students and with a working college and university very close to the proposed free school this would make the strong working relationships with establishments and shared facilities.

6.6 Nicola explains to the board that the application is for an 11 through to 16 provision at present; there are no funding routes available for post-16 funding. Robert Grant asked what associated risks would need to be considered in opening city centre School. Nicola Davies explained that city centre associated risk had been given due consideration (example higher crime rates) however she was confident that the regeneration plan put forward by Wolverhampton City Council would have taken into her account some of the risks that could be identified with the location of the proposed School. Nicola feels that at the risk is greatly outweighed by the facilities /relationships that can be utilised in having a city centre school.

6.7 Nicola explained that the trust had applied for support via the new school network with the Trust’s free school application. Support from NSN has been successful obtained and the trust is therefore in the process of writing the wave 14 application which is then submitted to NSN in parts for scrutiny by their Free School experts. Nicola explained to the board that the full application is to be submitted to the department of education by the 30th September 2019, and if successful the trust would be interviewed by the department of Education around December2019. DofE Approval would be given around may 2020 and then the trust would embark upon a 3-year build process known as the pre-opening phase of the application should a successful application ensure.

6.8 Nicola explains that the curriculum of Aldersley High School will be replicated at the Amethyst Central School. Nicola highlighted some key differences in that the proposed new school would expect to see a higher level of EAL students within a city centre location therefore some financial budget would have to be allocated to EAL resources and teaching.

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6.9 A proposed staffing structure for the new free school was presented to Trust Board, based on a 210 PAN. Nicola proposed that she is currently executive headteacher of the trust, Aldersley High School would be best placed to appoint their own headteacher and Nicola Davies would move to be headteacher at the Amethyst Central Academy in the first instance. The board agreed that Nicola Davis’s experience would make her the ideal candidate for headship, as the new school developed in its infancy.

6.10 Nicola expressed that the governance model currently implemented within the MAT would remain the same however the free school would have its own local governing body in the first instance. The composition of the local governing body within the free school would consist of; Representatives from both the College and the University, business entrepreneurs based within the city alongside parent governors the headteacher of the Proposed free school and co-opted governors alike.

6.11 Nicola expressed her Desire for the composition of the local governing body of the proposed free school to be representative of the city centre population and to be embraced and lead by local community members in order to ensure a city centre feel to the school’s governance make up.

6.12 Mr Stephenson asked whether a local authority representative would also sit on the local governing body? Nicola Davies responded that there would not be a local authority representative within the Academy makeup as to do so would imply that there was local authority control of the school in which case funding could not be obtained for the free school.

6.13 Mr Stephenson then asked what the admissions arrangements would be for the proposal amethyst central Academy? Nicola Davies explained that local authority admissions arrangements would be adopted for the proposed new school as was the case for Moreton school and Aldersley High School.

6.14 Nicola Davies discuss the Financial Planning that is currently taking place to be included in the free school application, the proposal of which states that senior managers from Aldersley High School will be utilised within the free school where necessary. Mr Marks questioned why senior leaders would only be taken from Aldersley High School and not Moreton school? Nicola Davies explains that she wasn't able to use Morton staff within the free school proposal, as there has not been a full set of exam results for Moreton school at present. Nicola explained that throughout the application it is clearly indicated that Moreton school will not be any disadvantage as a result of the opening of a proposed free school. Nicola Davies is hoping that after examination results have been released in the summertime, (when it is predicted that Moreton School will have secured a strong set of examination results) that the free school application can be further supported by demonstrating that the trust Is having a positive impact on the upward trajectory of outcomes for students at Moreton School.

6.15 Nicola Davies explained to the trust board the composition of the proposed free school “start-up team” including Jim Inglis as chair to the trust Board, Robert Grant, Laura Armato as Business and Finance Director to the trust, Lauren Jones as Compliance Officer/Governance lead for the trust, Francais Hedges a school improvement advisor for the trust and Ian Currie as facilities manager. This team will ultimately participate in an interview with the Department of Education should the free school application be successful on submission.

6.17 Nicola Davis explained the next steps to be taken. She explained that a publicity campaign was currently underway to promote the trust proposals for a free school. Meetings have been had with the local authority and both Wolverhampton college and university in order to secure support for the application. Nicola explain that she also has met with the leaders from the Sikh community and other community groups to secure further support. Nicola offered that the Trust, has

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secured very positive reviews from both parents and local businesses regarding the proposals. Primary schools have also been informed of the new plans and parent have also been written to.

6.18 Mr Stephenson asked what the arrangements would be in regard to Capital finance off the new school? Nicola explained that finance will come straight at the beginning of the project. Mr Mark asked whether we anticipated any issue with recruitment of new staff to the new free school Nicola Davis responded that as part of the application the Trust was required to detail, they're intentions around recruitment and their processes to secure new teaching staff to the establishment. She doesn’t anticipate any issue with recruitment. This new venture is likely to lead to career opportunities for existing staff and create jobs within the community.

RES RESOLUTION: By unanimous resolution it was agreed by directors to support an application to the 01 department of Education to open free school within the city of Wolverhampton. Robert Grant makes the point that there is a clear and strong focus within Amethyst Academies Trust on teaching learning attainment and success, this is likely to extend to the proposed new school and the geographical location of Nicola Davies whether that be located within the proposed free school or at Aldersley High School would make no difference to the overarching vision of the trust which is to improve the life chances of the students in which it serves.

Directors agree and welcome additional updates in regard to the wave 14 application as it moves through the process.

7 Proposed changes to current governance structure across the MAT – Presented by Nicola Davis.

7.1 Nicola Davies presented to Directors a proposal for changes to the current governance structure within the Amethyst Academies Trust. Nicola outlined that the purpose of governance is to provide confident and strong strategic leadership which leads to robust accountability, oversight and assurance for educational and financial performance. This was quoted within the governance handbook 2019.

7.2 Nicola explained to the Trust Board, that it was not unusual for Multi Academy Trusts to review their governance arrangements to ensure that the structure remained fit for purpose as the visions values and MAT growth changes. Nicola went on to outline some of the key features of effective governance as indicated by the Department of Education, She asked the board to consider whether our current governing structure Governs effectively in line with the MAT’s purpose and charitable obligations.

7.3 Nicola Davis explained that a review of the current governance structure had been undertaken over the past month and some of the main concerns highlighted were shared with Directors. Main concerns outlined, was that at local governing body level there appeared to be a lack of challenge and school engagement from Local Governors, there was no coordinated response across both local governing body boards to Trust projects and that there was duplication of trust board Directors at Aldersley High School and Local Governing Body level.

7.4 This often meant that information was sometimes duplicated across Trust board and local governing board meetings with directors hearing the same information twice at different committee meetings. It was also highlighted that local governing boards at both schools have little to no delegated powers meaning the clarity of the governing role had lost its way slightly.

In light of some of the main concerns highlighted, Nicola Davies proposed slight amendment to the current 7.5 governance structure the newer model would see the creation of a challenge and rising standards

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committee and the creation of admissions and exclusions committee. Each committee would have its own terms of reference setting out working arrangements and powers of that committee. The committee meeting delegates would also be sent appropriate documentation ahead of the meeting for scrutiny.

7.6 Alongside the creation of the two new committees to sit in collaboration with all other existing committees the local governing bodies at both schools would be disbanded and replaced with an Amethyst Ambassadorial committee. This committee will be made up of people who share a great passion for the trust. Led by chairperson, the AAC will meet once per academic term and will consist of two parent ambassadors (representing both schools) a representative from the PTA, the head teachers of both schools and co-opted community members/governors.

7.7 Nicola Davis explain that the term advisory would not preclude challenge. The AAC will act as the critical friend and will serve to listen, ask questions and support the MAT board. The AAC will serve as an advocate of both schools within the MAT. The chair of the AAC will be involved in the school complaints procedure and delegates of the AAC would also be involved in staff disciplinary panel meetings and attendance and exclusion meetings for students across both schools, should the need arise.

RES RESOLUTION: Directors unanimously agreed to the proposed new governance structure. It was resolved 02 that Local Governing Bodies at both Moreton school and Aldersley High School would be disbanded upon the creation of the Amethyst Ambassadorial Committee would then be created.

8 Chairs update: Attainment and Standards Committee

8.1 Mick marks reports that following the commencement of the attainment of standards committee at 3 p.m. Outcomes at both schools are improving and the Expectations for a positive set of exam results this summer were looking highly likely.

8.2 Both schools report positive outcomes for pupils and stated that the reason for the positive outcomes was due to the knowledge rich curriculum.

8.3 Mr Marks has reminded committee delegates that key evidence for the impact of implementation of the knowledge rich curriculum, must be demonstrated in order to prove that the curriculum is improving outcomes.

8.4 Mr marks notes some differences in the curriculum offer between Aldersley High School and Moreton School . Mr Mark notes that comprehensive gap analysis has taken place at both schools and the attainment gap between female and males is closing at both schools.

8.5 Mr marks notes that there is an attainment gap between SEN and Non-SEN students in both schools and a gap between free school meal and non-free school meals students in both schools.

8.6 Staff are aware and are working on teaching practices and further targeted interventions in order to address this issue. Mr Marks reports that there is a clear and comprehensive action plan put forward by subject specialists at both schools and there is further work to be done on the impact of actions that are in place.

8.7 Mr marks welcomes at the next committee meeting due in October 2019 there will be a demonstratable impact statement on actions that have been identified in the current action plans presented in todays committee meeting.

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8.8 Mr Mark notes that Adam Lane has made positive changes within the PE department having changed the curriculum from GCSE back to BTEC. This is a citywide initiative and Adam plans to visit more schools who have also made the shift back to BTEC qualifications in order to compare judgements in outcomes.

8.9 Mr Mark outlined plans in reference to triangulation. Mr marks welcomes the news that staff are conducting lesson observations in pairs and that time in spent in classrooms when observing lessons is around 30 minutes per observation. Mr Marks feels that this will be welcomed by Ofsted, and such observations provides a more qualitative and honest review of teaching standards.

8.10 The board thanked Mr Marks for this update.

9 Chairs Update; Exclusions, Admissions and Attendance Committee Mr Stephenson welcomed the creation of the new committee, and felt that moving forward, specific scrutiny of attendance and exclusion data would be best served in a separate committee as such.

9.1 Mr Stephenson noted, that the committee was presented with an excess of data in the form of a three year attendance and exclusion dashboard, broken down into sub categories, and whilst full commendation was given to the staff who have created the dashboard, it was noted that a discussion has taken place within the committee, in order to ensure data is presented in a more succinct manner.

9.2 Mr Stephenson provided a summary of each schools attendance position and noted that Moreton School are over the national average (of three perm ex’s per year reporting 6 permanent exclusions for the academic year 18/19. Mr Stephenson was the chair of a majority of these permanent exclusion meetings and confirms that in each case, evidence presented demonstrated that the headteacher has acted in accordance with Trust Policy in making the decisions to permanently exclude the 6 student, based on the individual circumstances of each case.

9.3 Then board went on to discuss elective home education, and steps that both schools are presently taking to prevent students from being taken off roll, when a letter is sent in by the parent requesting elective home education. Steps include; writing to the parent outlining implications of EHE (i.e – no available resources for student to access, cost for parents for examination entry etc) , attempting a meeting with parents to resolve any concerns (Mr Keates informs the Trust Board that all parental meetings will be minuted moving forward) and a follow up letter sent following the student being taken off roll. Mr Stephenson informed the board that EHE is currently being reviewed by the Local Authority, who are in the process of writing a “cultural belonging policy” in order to tighten up on the safeguards that surround Electively home educated children. The Trust are supporting the Local Authority on its work in the area.

9.4 Mr Stephenson notes that Persistent Absence nationally stands at 10.90%, and PA absence in both schools are above national average, with Aldersley High School having 11.03% and Moreton School having 13.4% of persistent absence.

9.5 Mr Stephenson notes that the total of students taken off roll at both schools over a 3-year period, has decreased year has decreased. Moreton has taken 26 students off roll since September and Aldersley has taken 31 students off roll during this time.

Fair access panel data scrutinised by the trust board.

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6.6 Mr Stephenson explained that moving forward, for the next committee meeting the following outcomes have been agreed:

1. To Adopt a three-year comparative principle for consistency and to better monitor data trends. 2. National comparison data to be presented at each committee, to serve a benchmark 3. Information to be presented in the same format 4. Impact statements on interventions undertaken 5. Feedback on the further development re: procedures for parents trying to take their child out of school

The Board thanked Mr Stephenson for this update.

7 Approval of FGP Minutes 2018/19

The Trust board acknowledged and Approved all FGP minutes for 2018/19

8 Ratification of Trust Policies.

It was agreed that the following policies would be ratified: 8.1 Whistleblowing Policy: Proposed: Sue Reid Seconded: Rob Grant

8.2 Equality Objectives: Mr Grant noted an amendment,” lawful” to be changed to “unlawful” on page 2. (ratification subject to amendment) Proposed: Mick Marks Seconded: Sue Reid.

9 Agreed Agenda Items for next Trust Board Meeting. The Trust board agreed to the following additions:

1. Transgender policy (currently under consultation) to be bought to next trust board meeting for ratification 2. The board would welcome an update from Nicola Bayliss on Moreton School’s preparations for Ofsted Inspection due 2019/20 3. Scrutiny of GCSE and A-Level Results 4. Approval of the SEF

Date and Time of next Meeting

24th October 2019

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