notes of meeting: south west headteacher board...lucy gordon (deputy director) hannah woodhouse...

Notes of Meeting: South West Headteacher Board 15 July 2019

Attendance* Meeting attendees including the Chair, Headteacher Board members, guests, and apologies from board members who were unable to attend. RSC, Chair Lisa Mannall (RSC) Guests

Headteacher Board (HTB) Members

Paul Jones (HTB)

Brian Hooper (HTB)

Suzanne Flack (HTB)

Sally Apps (HTB)

Alun Williams (HTB)

Michael Larsen (HTB)

Apologies**

Joy Tubbs (HTB)

Steve Savory (HTB)

DfE Senior Civil Servants Lucy Gordon (Deputy Director)

Hannah Woodhouse (Deputy Director) *Attendance data is published annually on gov.uk

**Members of the board who apologised have been consulted on all projects, where available, prior to the meeting (excluding items where there were conflicts). Their views are reflected in the discussion at the meeting (where appropriate).

General Discussion Points Points discussed in the meeting. Item Discussion Point

An update on SW inadequate schools

HTB members received an update from RSC colleagues. A presentation was made about the KPI for inadequate schools in the SW region which has risen. It was recognised that a number of these are Single Academy Trusts (SATs).

Suggestions for improvement, included ensuring that ‘at risk’ schools were provided with all the support that is available and ensuring they are accessing everything which can help and reaching out for support from other schools and trusts in the area.

HTB members noted that school improvement takes time, and the KPI should account for how long a school has been within a Trust.

Discussion of projects, including decisions made by RSC with advice from HTB: All decisions are made in reference to relevant legislation and the published criteria.

Converter Academy Orders Points discussed in relation to school conversion. Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Berry Pomeroy Parochial Church of England Primary School, Devon to convert to academy status and join The Academy for Character and Excellence Trust

• That the school has applied to convert and join The Academy for Character and Excellence, with which it is currently engaged in a Management Partnership to provide leadership capacity. The governing body felt that the impact of this partnership would be best sustained by joining the MAT.

• HTB members were made aware that Devon County Council had expressed concerns about the proposed match. The Diocese had expressed support for the partnership work to date and proposed match.

• HTB noted that the statutory consultation remained outstanding. Approval was therefore granted conditional on the consultation being undertaken and the governing body/trust considering carefully any concerns raised, to be shared with the RSC for information.

Approve with conditions.

Brian Hooper was not present for this item and did not receive the papers.

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the school and Trust. Governing body to ensure a full consultation is undertaken.

Sponsored Route Points discussed in relation to a school’s sponsor status. Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Drybrook Primary School, Gloucestershire to be sponsored by Dene Magna School, Gloucestershire

• That the school was Ofsted rated outstanding and located in the Forest of Dean and applying to become a sponsor so it could sponsor Drybrook, a small primary school in the local area.

• Members noted that the Teaching School has experience of supporting a primary school and have been doing so at Forest View.

• HTB members noted that the Trust was under pressure, as it also has a sixth form provision to open.

• Recommended that the Trust consults a National Leader of Governance (NLG).

• HTB members discussed that Governance was not currently operating under best practice; and would be happy to recommend approval once governance issues had been addressed.

Approve with conditions. None

Further Actions Required

Project lead to inform the School and Trust; and inform Dene Magna that the Governance structure needs to be addressed before formal approval.

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts

St Mary and St Peter’s Church of England Primary School,

• To note: HTB members considered the sponsor matches for St Mary and St Peter’s Church of England Primary School and Shepton Beauchamp Church of England

Approve Paul Jones was not present for this item and

Somerset to be sponsored by Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust

Primary School, Somerset together. • HTB noted that the two federated schools were both Ofsted

rated inadequate; the two schools were previously first schools, but the increase in age range had not increased pupil numbers.

• HTB members noted that both schools were in urgent need of support.

• Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust (BWMAT) was considered the best fit in terms of geography, financial position and their school improvement offer.

• HTB members were made aware that the LA and Diocese were in support of the proposal.

• Members noted that the South Somerset Hub was the most secure of BWMAT’s hubs and had the capacity to support the schools.

• Funding was discussed, fast track sponsored funding was agreed by the RSC for both schools.

did not receive the papers.


Project lead to inform the schools and Trust.

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Shepton Beauchamp Church of England Primary School, Somerset to be sponsored by Bath and Wells Multi-Academy

• To note: HTB members considered the sponsor matches for St Mary and St Peter’s Church of England Primary School and Shepton Beauchamp Church of England Primary School, Somerset together.

• HTB noted that the two federated schools were both Ofsted rated inadequate; the two schools were previously first schools, but the increase in age range had not increased pupil numbers.

Approve Paul Jones was not present for this item and did not receive the papers.

Trust • HTB members noted that both schools were in urgent need of support.

• Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust (BWMAT) was considered the best fit in terms of geography, financial position and their school improvement offer.

• HTB members were made aware that the LA and Diocese were in support of the proposal.

• Members noted that the South Somerset Hub was the most secure of BWMAT’s hubs and had the capacity to support the schools.

• Funding was discussed, fast track sponsored funding was agreed by the RSC for both schools.


Project lead to inform the schools and Trust.

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Seven Fields Primary School, Swindon to be sponsored by River Learning Trust, Oxfordshire

• HTB members were made aware that the school had recently been judged inadequate, and that many trusts in the immediate vicinity did not currently have capacity.

• River Learning Trust were considered a good match, and this would consolidate their growth in Swindon

• HTB members discussed River Learning Trust’s results and noted that the school improvement evidence was good.

Approve None


Project lead to inform the school and Trust.


St Leonards Church of England Primary Academy, Swindon to be sponsored by Diocese of Bristol Academy Trust, Bristol

• That the school was an inadequate Single Academy Trust; where the headteacher and deputy have both resigned.

• HTB members noted that the capacity of the Diocese of Bristol Academy Trust (DBAT) is restricted, but other immediate options for the academy are limited.

• HTB members suggested that the CEO of DBAT should have support from the RSC office.

• HTB members were content to recommend approval but stated the Trust’s capacity for supporting further underperforming schools would now be severely limited.

Approve None


Project lead to inform the school and Trust


Rowde Church of England Primary Academy, Wiltshire to be sponsored by Acorn Education Trust, Wiltshire

• The potential sponsor options for Rowde CofE Primary Academy

• Acorn was considered stronger than their performance in 2018 showed.

• HTB members discussed the EE visit which was commissioned. The report was a very positive account of the Trust, and confirmed it had capacity to support an inadequate school.

• HTB members were content to recommend approval of the sponsor match.

Approve Joy Tubbs was not present for this item (or the HTB meeting) and did not receive the papers for this item.



Sponsor Application Points discussed in relation to applications for sponsor approval. Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Dene Magna School, Gloucestershire to become an approved sponsor

• That the school was Ofsted rated outstanding and located in the Forest of Dean and applying to become a sponsor so it could sponsor Drybrook, a small primary school in the local area.

• Members noted that the Teaching School has experience of supporting a primary school and have been doing so at Forest View.

• HTB members noted that the Trust was under pressure, as it also has a sixth form provision to open.

• Recommended that the Trust consults a National Leader of Governance (NLG).

• HTB members discussed that Governance was not currently operating under best practice; and would be happy to recommend approval once governance issues had been addressed.

Approve with conditions.

None

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the School and Trust; and inform Dene Magna that the Governance structure needs to be addressed

before formal approval.

Academy Opening Approved in Principle List of academies approved to open. Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts

St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School, Gloucestershire

• Proposed school opening date: 1 August 2019 • No issues were raised.

Approve None


None


Plympton St Mary’s Church of England Infant School, Plymouth


Approve None


None


Spaxton Church of England Primary School,


Approve None

Somerset Further Actions Required None

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Stogursery Church of England Primary School, Somerset


Approve None

Further Actions Required None


Winsham Primary School, Somerset


Approve None



Red Oaks Primary School, Swindon


Approve None


Significant Change Points discussed in relation to approving significant changes to academies. Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts

Gloucester Academy, Gloucestershire significant change application to close their sixth form provision

• That the sixth form provision was under capacity, and was Ofsted rated inadequate (after a previous requires improvement judgment).

• Pupil numbers were low; and there is lots of local competition from good and outstanding schools/grammar schools

• HTB were informed that the provision closed to year 12s in September 2018 after consultation with parents, students and the LA

• HTB members were content to recommend formalising the closure of the provision.

Approve None.




Leigh on Mendip First School, Somerset significant change application to

• That the age range change application to extend the age range would have the effect of changing the school from a first school to a primary school.

• Members noted the Trust’s concerns about the viability of the school, and the problem of pupils leaving before the end of Year 4. They also noted the onward destinations of pupils leaving the school, and the number that progress to

Approve – to be considered by NSC.

Alun Williams was not present for this item and did not receive the papers.

make an age range change

secondary schools within the same Trust. • HTB members noted that the LA and two local middle

schools did not support the change. • Members recognised this would be securing the provision

of an outstanding school and would be in the best interests of the children at the school. Members were reassured that the small number of pupils involved meant that the impact on other local schools would be limited.

• Members noted that approval of this application should not be taken as an indication that other applications having the effect of taking a school out of a three-tier system would receive approval, each being judged on the circumstances of the case.

• Members were content for the proposal to proceed to the National Schools Commissioner (NSC) for decision.




North Somerset Enterprise and Technical College (NSETC), North Somerset significant change application to make an age

• The single representation that had been received for the project.

• HTB members considered the history of NSETC, leading to the transfer of the school to the Cabot Learning Federation on 1 July.

• HTB members noted the need for additional local places in Years 7 to 9, and the letter of support provided by the LA.

• HTB members queried whether any local pre-16 providers who may be impacted had presented any objections. The

Approve Sally Apps was not present for this item and did not receive the papers.

range change and admissions variation

project lead confirmed that they had not presented any objections.

• HTB members discussed the capital works that may be needed at the school to make it suitable for the additional year groups.




Bradford Primary School, Devon significant change application to make an age range change

• That the school currently has a requires improvement judgment, and the lack of nursery provision in the local area.

• Support from both Devon County Council and Diocese have been expressed; and there were no objections via the consultation.

• HTB members noted the declining financial position at the trust but were assured that this change was unlikely to have a material impact on the trust’s finances.

Approve None

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the school and Trust.

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts The Burton Academy, Torbay significant change application to

• Their uncertainty about the proposed leadership capacity at the trust, with both the Executive Principal and Chair of Trust moving on at the end of the academic year, and replacements not yet confirmed in post.

• HTB members highlighted some concerns about

Decline None

consolidate its premises

performance at another of the trust’s academies in the East of England region.

• HTB members noted that whilst the project will not make the Trust more vulnerable, they had concerns about the implications of the changes in leadership which could make this simple proposal more complex - and were not content to approve without further assurances.


Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts ACE Schools Plymouth, Plymouth significant change application to re-locate their satellite provision

• HTB members noted that this significant change application was retrospective, as the satellite provision had already been re-located.

• HTB members discussed the level of risk involved in the project.

• HTB members noted some live uncertainty about the trust’s leadership, with the CEO currently suspended. They were assured that trustees had taken effective action in response to concerns raised.

• Finances were discussed, notably that there were no financial implications associated with proposal.

Approve None



Elburton Primary School, Plymouth significant

• The age range change application. • HTB members were informed that the LA have agreed

this is within scope of their pupil planning.

Approve with conditions

None

change application to make an age range change

• HTB members were made aware that there are significant plans in place to address governance issues.

• HTB members made clear their concerns around governance and would only be content to recommend approval once this had been addressed.

• HTB members requested that the revised governance model is inspected before approval will be granted.

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the school and Trust and arrange for the governance model to be inspected once plans to address

the issues had been completed.

Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Malmesbury Park Primary School, Bournemouth significant change application to expand their SEN unit

• The application to double the size of the SEN unit from eight to 16 with the addition of a mobile classroom.

• HTB members were advised that this was at the request of the LA, to bring the provision in line with other SEN providers.

• HTB members discussed that the costs will be covered by the LA.

• The observed dip in performance was discussed, members were advised that the Trust is targeting this by working with middle leaders.

• HTB members queried the consultation, two weeks of which fell within the Easter Break. As such it will need to be re-run.

• Members were content to recommend approval, following the successful completion of the consultation.

Approve with the conditions

None

Further Actions Required Project lead to inform the school and Trust and ensure the consultation is completed correctly.

Trust Change Points discussed in relation to academies moving to a new trust. Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts

The Peak Academy, Gloucestershire to merge with The Greenfield Academy, Gloucestershire

• That this was two special schools currently running under two URNs and separate back offices but are effectively a single organisation.

• Ofsted inspected as a single entity. • HTB members noted the strong leadership across the

schools. • HTB members were content to recommend approval as

the project made sense and ensured value for money.

Approve None


Project lead to inform the schools and the Trust.


Blandford Education Trust, Dorset to join the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust (DSAT)

• That this project sought to formalise structures between Blandford and DSAT

• HTB members noted that the director of school improvement at DSAT that was appointed early this year was having impact.

• Members noted that whilst initial performance results looked promising, it is too early to assess DSAT’s progress.

Approve Joy Tubbs and Paul Jones were not present for this item and did not receive the papers.


Project lead to inform the schools and the Trust.


Formation of a new Trust: incorporating Harbourside Learning Partnership, Dorset, Ocean Learning Trust, Bournemouth, and Saturn Education Trust, Dorset

• The logistics of this three-way trust merger; which would result in a 15-school mixed CofE Multi-Academy Trust

• HTB members noted that mixed MAT capacity is required in the region.

• HTB members discussed that it makes sense geographically and secures a viable future for Saturn Education Trust.

• Governance and finances were discussed, with HTB members noting that a separate audit committee is needed.

• HTB members noted that swift action needed to be taken to address the long-standing school performance issues at Heathlands.

• HTB wanted the new Trust to recognise the enormity of the project and to ask if they needed any advice or support from an experienced MAT that has successfully managed rapid growth.

• HTB requested biographies for board members and for the team to regularly monitor progress.

Approve with conditions

None


Project lead to inform the schools and the Trust and ensure that biographies for board members are provided and the team engages regularly with the Trust over the next six months.

Project lead to inform the schools and the Trust and ensure that biographies for board members are provided and the Trust’s progress is closely monitored, and an offer of support is made is regularly reviewed over the next six months.

Decisions taken by another RSC List of decisions taken by another RSC, in the absence of the region’s RSC. Project HTB discussed: RSC Decision Conflicts Trewirgie Junior School (SAT), Cornwall – Capacity Change

• Relationship between junior and neighbouring infant school is improving

• HTB highlighted the evident support locally for the proposal.

Approved by Dominic Herrington on 11 July 2019

Lisa Mannall was not present for this item and did not receive the papers.


Project lead to inform the Trust of the decision.


Poltair School, Cornwall to join Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT)

• Approval for Poltair School to transfer to CELT, with intermediate sponsorship.

• The project is going ahead for 1st September.

Approved by Sue Baldwin on 7 August 2019 via correspondence log.

Lisa Mannall was not present for this item and did not receive the papers.


Project lead to inform the Trust of the decision.

Decisions taken between HTB meetings List of decisions taken by the RSC between HTB meetings. Project Decision type RSC Decision Conflicts

Blagdon Primary School, North Somerset (Lighthouse Schools Partnership)

• Sponsor funding upgraded from fast track to intermediate sponsored.

• Provisional EIG approval granted.

Approved via the RSC correspondence log on 8 July 2019

None


None

Project Decision type RSC Decision Conflicts

Bishops Fox’s School, Somerset

• Significant change application to increase capacity from 915-1200 Approved via the RSC

correspondence log on 9 July 2019

None


None


Southfield Juniors and Eastrop Infants School, Wiltshire to join and form Grove Learning Trust

• Approval of MAT application for of Grove Learning Trust • Refer to April HTB where Eastrop and Southfield originally

proposed amalgamating; HTB instead recommended forming a MAT.


None


None


Blagdon Primary School, North Somerset (Lighthouse Schools Partnership)

• This project returned for a further decision on uplifting the sponsorship funding.

• Sponsor funding upgraded from intermediate to full sponsored was approved.


None


None


Springfields Academy, Wiltshire

• Significant change application from Reach South AT for Springfields Academy to increase their PAN from 160-180

• The additional pupils will be housed at the ‘Springfields South’ site located at Sarum Academy.

Approved via the RSC correspondence log on 30 July 2019.

None


None


North Curry Church of England Primary School, Somerset

• Significant change application from North Curry CofE Primary school to make a change to their age range from 4-11 to 2-11.

Approved via the RSC correspondence log on 19 August 2019.

None


None

List of projects listed on the published draft agenda, but were removed before the meeting

List of projects that were on the published agenda but not discussed at the meeting. Project Reason taken off the agenda:

Thorncombe St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School, Dorset

Agreed that project will go to a later HTB meeting, as a result of factors that have arisen from the due diligence process.

notes of meeting: south west headteacher board...lucy gordon (deputy director) hannah woodhouse...

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