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Professional Governance

East Sussex Governor and Clerking Service

Newsletter for governors and clerks

ISSUE SPRING- March 2018

Jessica Stubbings Senior Manager, Partnerships & Governance

Do you budget for training and development to support the

Since taking over the role as Senior Manager for Governance in September I have been overwhelmed by the dedication that you all bring as governors to making sure that your schools offer the best possible education for your pupils. A large number of you not only serve your own school/s but are also willing to offer your skills and experience to other governors and governing boards, whether through representing governors on the East Sussex Governor Forum, sitting on panels as an independent governor for another school or responding to our call for a governing board that requires additional governors. To recognise the positive response we have received from those providing and receiving this additional support and to further develop governor to governor support networks, we will be inviting experienced governors to apply to be a ‘Local Support Governor’, more details about this will be shared in early Term 5.

We are continually encouraged by the high rate of positive evaluations we receive from governors attending training courses. The world of education is ever changing and our courses provide relevant updates for governor’s knowledge and skills and the chance to network with other governors. Over the last few terms we have been carrying out a quality assurance of all our training courses to ensure that the high standard of delivery and course content that we expect is consistently applied. I am pleased to report that the quality assurance shows that this is the case! We introduced a new course ‘Succession planning – exploding the myths!’ last term, more details about this course can be found later on in this newsletter along with details about another new course that focuses on managing and avoiding potential conflicts and complaints.

I would also like to thank all those governors and clerks who have taken the time to respond to a number of consultations over the last term, and taken part in case studies of the impact of our governor and clerking service. We are committed to making sure that the voice of governors and clerks is heard, that we act on the feedback that we are provided with and use your feedback to help us shape the service we deliver. For example we recently asked for feedback from Chairs of Governors and clerks on the clerking service as we are considering different models of a clerking service for the future, your feedback will help inform our thinking and we will continue to keep you updated.

I would like to end by thanking you for all the contributions you make as governors, and in wishing you a relaxing Easter break.

Spring!

“A very warm welcome to the Spring term edition of our newsletter for you the Governors and Clerks of East Sussex”

As I write this I think Spring may finally have arrived after what has seemed to be a long cold winter! The disruption caused by the snow affected a number of our schools who had to make difficult decisions about whether to close or remain open to ensure the safety of pupils and the school community, just one of the difficult decisions taken on a daily basis by our school leaders.

Governor and Clerking Service (GCS) Team

Jessica Stubbings: Senior Manager Partnership & Governance

James Roberts: GCS Support Manager

Clare Cornford: Project Officer

Jo Saunders: Project Officer

Annie Summerfield: Business Administration Apprentice

Contact the team:

01323 466885 governors@eastsussex.gov.uk

www.esgcs.org

Local Experience - Local Knowledge - Local Support

Professional Governance ISSUE March 2018 Page 2

Contents

National 3

Updated Headteacher Recruitment Guidance .................................................................................... 4 Updated Website Requirements for Schools from 1st April 2018 ........................................................ 4 Complying with the Public Sector Equality Duty ................................................................................. 5 DfE Complaint Handling Guidance ..................................................................................................... 5 National Governance Association ...................................................................................................... 6 Updated statutory guidance ............................................................................................................... 6

East Sussex 7

Governor and Clerking Services Package 2018/2019 ........................................................................ 7 Schools Finance ................................................................................................................................ 9 Mental Health and Wellbeing ........................................................................................................... 10 Transforming Health Improvement in schools .................................................................................. 11 Safeguarding Governors Forums ..................................................................................................... 13 Update on section 175 Safeguarding self-assessment tool .............................................................. 13 Welcome to New Governors ............................................................................................................ 16 Spotlight on a new Governor ............................................................................................................ 19 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Update ....................................................................... 20 Update on the Apprenticeship Levy ................................................................................................. 20 The Role and Work of Teaching Schools ......................................................................................... 21 Spotlight on Clerking ........................................................................................................................ 22 Governing Board Procedural Review- How could this benefit my Governing Board? ....................... 24 National Leaders of Governance- Jenny Barnard Langston ............................................................. 24 Education Commissioning Plan........................................................................................................ 25 Governor Recruitment Campaign ..................................................................................................... 26

Training opportunities 27

Governor and Clerking Services – What’s new? .............................................................................. 27 Governor and clerk training in the Spring term ................................................................................. 28 Whole Governing Board Development ............................................................................................. 34 Evaluating Governing Board effectiveness ....................................................................................... 35 Safer Recruitment - eLearning ......................................................................................................... 36 ESBAS - Education Support, Behaviour and Attendance Service .................................................... 36

Online resources 37

Governors Online ............................................................................................................................. 37 Keeping up to date ........................................................................................................................... 37 Governor and Clerking Service online .............................................................................................. 38 National online support .................................................................................................................... 39 National on-line training ................................................................................................................... 40 Czone online information and advice ............................................................................................... 41 Virtual School Bag ........................................................................................................................... 41

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Professional Governance ISSUE March 2018 Page 3

National

Chair of Governors Development Programme

Following the Department for Education’s announcement at the end of last year to fund a national Chair of Governors Development Programme, the East Sussex Governor and Clerking Service are pleased to announce that we have partnered with The National Governors Association (NGA) to ensure the programme is accessible to governors in East Sussex.

This is a leadership programme designed for those in a chairing role, or a future chair, and aims to develop chairs’ leadership skills, ensuring that governance is both effective and sustainable by:

developing the chair or future chair’s knowledge, leadership skills and networks

supporting the creation of an action plan which is both realistic in scope and will ensure

impact on governance practice and therefore pupil outcomes

targeting areas where knowledge gain is required

enhancing the chair’s awareness of their own strengths and areas for development

creating self-supporting groups to ensure learning continues beyond the duration of the

programme

offering delegates a system to problem solve through action learning sets

Programme outcomes

By the end of the NGA Leading Governance Development for Chairs programme, participants will be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of strategic leadership within the context of governance. Participants will:

know how to manage and build their team, how to build a relationship with the senior

executive leader, how to plan for succession and other changes, and will be able to lead and

influence when required

be knowledgeable about governance structures and effective delegation, and how to work

with the clerk to best effect

understand the governance role in school improvement and will be able to lead the board in

effectively challenging the school organisation on its performance

be able to assess their own effectiveness, to problem solve, and to create and sustain their

own networks Programme delivery This programme offers a blend of flexible learning and will take approximately three terms to complete. Led by experienced facilitators, participants will attend workshops and access effective one-to-one mentoring throughout the duration of this programme. Learning will be both group-led and independent. Workshops for Cohort 1 are being held at Wellshurst Golf Club, Hailsham, BN27 4EE.

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Professional Governance ISSUE March 2018 Page 4

What is the cost? The full cost of this programme is £500. Funding for £500 is available for eligible schools. Please visit the NGA website for further details Or contact NGA to enquire about eligibility. Telephone: 0121 237 4600 Email: leading.governance@nga.org.uk

To book a place Please register your place

Updated Headteacher Recruitment Guidance

New guidance has been published on the recruitment of a headteacher. The joint Department for Education (DfE) and NGA publication recognises that appointing a high quality leader is something under the direct control of governing boards that can positively effects school improvement.

With the recruitment of a school leader being arguably one of the most important tasks a board will undertake, the guidance aims to steer governing boards through the legal context and principles of recruitment. The guidance outlines the different stages of the process including:

planning and setting up a selection panel preparing the application pack advertising and promotion the interview itself and the actions to be taken once an appointment is made

New to the guidance is information relating to an employer’s responsibilities under the 2010 Equality Act and guidance around flexible working options.

The NGA have developed a toolkit alongside the guidance comprising practical checklists and templates for boards to use to support the recruitment process, including shortlisting templates, suggested interview questions and a checklist of things to consider when using a recruitment agency.

All local authority maintained schools are required to have a headteacher recruitment briefing for the whole governing board and/or recruitment panel from a school improvement specialist, this briefing is provided free of charge to schools. More details on this and the range of support offered by ESCC for the recruitment of Headteachers, can be accessed on the following link.

Updated Website Requirements for Schools from 1st April 2018

Governing boards in maintained schools and the academy trust in academies are responsible for publishing information on the school website. This is set out in the School Information (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 and the DfE's model funding agreement for academies. Recent changes to the requirements include:

PE & Sports Grant Premium - Academies and free schools must publish, on their website, information about their use of the premium by 4 April 2018.

the amount of premium received a full breakdown of how it has been spent (or will be spent) what impact the school has seen on pupils’ PE and sport participation and attainment how the improvements will be sustainable in the future how many pupils within their year 6 cohort can do each of the following:

o swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres o use a range of strokes effectively

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Professional Governance ISSUE March 2018 Page 5

o perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations

Requirement for schools with pupils in years 8 to 13 - From 2 January 2018, all maintained schools and academies (including special schools and pupil referral units) must give education and training providers the opportunity to talk to pupils in years 8-13 about approved technical qualifications and apprenticeships.

Schools must also explain the following in a policy statement:

Any procedural requirements in relation to requests for access e.g. the main point of contact at the school to whom requests should be directed

The rules for granting and refusing access e.g. details of careers lessons, assemblies or careers events which providers may attend. It should include the safeguarding policy

What providers can expect once granted access, including details of premises or facilities to be provided

Governors should keep a top-level, strategic focus on the school's online presence. In practice, this means monitoring the school website and asking the Senior Leadership Team about the requirements. To assist governing boards in completing this task the ESCC Website Checklists, for maintained schools and academies, can be found here

Complying with the Public Sector Equality Duty

All schools are required to publish equality information and objectives under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). This information must be updated at least annually and the objectives updated every 4 years. In particular schools must publish:

Information to demonstrate how they are complying with the PSED – this information must include, in particular, information relating to people who share a protected characteristic

Equality objectives

The DfE guidance The Equality Act 2010 and Schools (pages 31-33) sets out what compliance with specific duties means for schools and publishing the information. This states:

“Obligations under the PSED can be satisfied in a way that is proportionate to the decision making that is taking place. The duty is not prescriptive as to how it is satisfied so how one school complies with the duty in relation to a decision it is making can look different for organisations of different sizes and with different levels of resources. Therefore, in terms of publishing information and setting equality objectives, the requirements of the duty will not be the same for a small primary school as they are for a large secondary school.”

DfE Complaint Handling Guidance

Over the past months the Governor and Clerking Services team has seen an increase in the number of complaint panel hearings in schools. In a number of these cases the school policies, which are required to be published on the schools website, are out of date and not in line with the DfE Complaint Handling Guidance. The guidance produced in 2016 to "share best practice and help schools avoid common pitfalls" includes best practice tips for producing a policy / procedure for dealing with complaints, timelines and the stages. The guidance also explains that schools can determine the remit of panels when agreeing their procedures for hearing complaints – any panel hearing should follow the procedure set out in the complaints policy. Determining what the appeal panel considers is for the school to decide. An appendix to the guidance provides further information on the roles and responsibilities of those involved in a complaints process, including the panel chair and panel members. It states that:

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Professional Governance ISSUE March 2018 Page 6

“... the aim of the hearing, which will be held in private, will always be to resolve the complaint and achieve reconciliation between the school and the complainant.”

It also adds that panel members should remember that sometimes it is only possible to establish facts, and reassure the complainant that their complaint has been taken seriously.

Schools are urged to ensure that their complaints procedure and policy is up to date and in line with this guidance. Information on governor training new for 2018 - Managing and Avoiding Potential Conflicts and Complaints can be found later in the newsletter.

National Governance Association

Being Strategic: A guide for governing boards To assist governors and trustees in their strategic role, the National Governance Association and Wellcome have published Being Strategic: a guide for governing boards.

Following extensive feedback and consultation with governors, trustees and senior leaders, drawing on practical experience and real life examples, Being Strategic offers a robust annual cycle for creating, monitoring and reviewing strategy. It provides advice, poses questions for governing boards on each stage of the cycle, and supports school leaders in taking a broad and long-term perspective. With an evolution in governance over recent years – including the growth of multi academy trusts – there is now a diverse range of governance structures. Therefore, the guide has been written to offer leaders in all settings a framework that they can use to set a strategy for their organisation. The guidance urges governing boards to look beyond narrow academic performance measures when monitoring the strategy stating ‘in the interest of pupils [the measures] must consider the whole education offer. Not all improvement priorities are quantitative and some of the most important outcomes will not lend themselves to simple quantitative measurement.’

Updated statutory guidance

New arrangements for short inspections confirmed

Following their consultation, Ofsted have issued new arrangements for short inspections from January 2018. More information can be found here.

Coasting Schools measure announced

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced the 2017 threshold for the 'coasting schools' measure. More information can be found here.

Updated DfE guidance - Schools Causing Concern

The Department for Education (DfE) has updated is schools causing concern guidance, making some changes to the “process for schools that meet the coasting definition”. More information can be found here.

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East Sussex

Governor and Clerking Services Package 2018/2019

Has your school signed up for the annual Governor and Clerking Services service level agreement (SLA) package, which starts from 1 April? The packages available offer access to a wide range of advice, support and training for governors. . Our local experienced and skilled team understand the national expectations and the challenges faced by governors as volunteers, responding with time saving solutions whilst supporting and developing governors, clerks and governing boards in meeting the increasing demand for high-quality Leadership and Management.

Services designed to:

Support professional development

Develop effective governance

Support succession planning

Save governors and clerks time

GS01 includes the support detailed below, whilst GS02 includes all areas except local support and guidance and governor recruitment and clerking locum support. We also offer services on a Pay as You Go basis. For further information please visit the Webshop

GS01 Support description April 2018 – March 2019

Local Support and Guidance

Local advice and support service Telephone and email advice on local issues

The Key for School Governors Annual membership to KSG advisory website

Recruitment and Locum Support

Governor recruitment support Supporting you to find suitable volunteers

Clerk locum and recruitment support Supporting recruitment and locum cover

Governor and Clerk Induction

Governor induction training Classroom sessions for new governors

Clerk induction training

One to one induction at the school

Governor and Clerk Development

Individual governor and clerk training A programme of courses across the county

Chair of Governors development A programme of courses across the county

Governor and clerk online training Annual membership to NGA Learning Link

Information and Networking Services

Governors Online Governor and clerk support software

Governor local area forums Local networking events and briefings

Clerk area network meetings Local networking events and briefings

Full details are available online at:

www.Services2schools.co.uk

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Annual packages don't meet the needs of your academy structure? We can develop an annual package of support tailored to your particular schemes of delegation and the support required of governors at a local level if our GS01 or GS02 packages do not meet your requirements. To develop a package that better meets your needs 01323 466885 or james.roberts@eastsussex.gov.uk

Planning for effective school governance

Teaching is an aspect of budgeting that a school doesn’t hesitate to include when considering what services will be required over the year.

The majority of maintained schools and an increasing number of academies purchase an annual package of support, as a cost effective solution, for training and developing individual governors.

Unfortunately additional budget is not always identified for the review and development of the board as a whole, an aspect that is considered by the Department for Education as essential.

Is your school budgeting for in year whole governing board development in addition to an annual support package?

In addition to our cost effective annual packages of support for the development of individual governors we also offer a range of essential sessions for the evaluation and development of whole governing boards, tailored to meet the needs of:

Single governing boards of local authority maintained, academy and free schools

Local governing boards of academy schools with local schemes of delegation

Board of trustees of single and multi-academy trusts

Do you budget for training and development to support the improvement of teachers?

The answer is usually “yes”

Do you budget for training and development to support the improvement of governors?

The answer is usually “yes”

Do you budget for the development and review of the

whole governing board?

The answer is usually “no”

Budget allocation is considered essential for:

Whole governing board development

Specialist governance support

Evaluating the effectiveness of governance

Development of governor specialisms

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Schools Finance

School Budget Setting – Guidance for Governors to Review and Approve the 3 year budget plan. Maintained schools are required to submit approved 3 year Budget plans by the end of April. Governors will be asked to review and approve plans over the coming weeks. The financial landscape is challenging and it is vitally important that the schools are working with robust, realistic plans that clearly identify risks and assumptions. Governors have a key role in reviewing and questioning the submitted plan to ensure it is a good strategic basis to achieve the schools long term goals. This article contains guidance to help governors review budgets and ensure that budgets accurately reflect the financial reality in their schools. General guidance on budget setting for school bursars and business managers has recently been published. This guidance highlights the types of checks that those involved in preparing the budget should apply to ensure the budget being presented for governing body approval is as accurate as possible. Your school bursar or business manager will be able to provide a copy for reference if required. Here we give you some suggestions of possible areas of review and questions to ask. Be prepared to challenge anything that appears unusual or out of line with expectations and make sure you understand and are comfortable with the budget to be submitted. Expenditure Do staffing costs include increments and pay rises? If costs are not increasing year on year is this because of a planned strategy? Does any strategy for staff reductions identify how this is to be achieved? For instance:

Not filling a vacancy

Recruiting at a lower grade

Restructuring – are governors clear on the steps that are needed to put this in place and the likely timescales?

Are there costs associated with a restructure, such a redundancy that should be included?

Does pay protection apply to those affected by a planned reduction in hours which will delay the point at which savings will be realised?

The Personnel team at County Hall should be consulted to ensure that any proposed restructure is planned and executed effectively and that realistic timelines are applied.

Where individual budget lines of expenditure have been reduced (compared to historic levels) is there a strategy to reduce this spending or have they just been reduced to balance the budget?

Historic actuals may not always be the best basis for future spend, there may have been one off spend in the previous year, it may not be financially sustainable to continue spending at historic levels. It may be useful to adopt a zero based approach, this means to budget based on requirements rather than what has gone before.

Are high level items such as Supply Teacher costs realistically budgeted and will the budget set be sufficient to cover the likely outlay, based on previous experience? This is an area that is often under budgeted based on wishful thinking rather than reality.

Has sufficient background detail been provided that clearly highlights the assumptions that underpin the budget? Are there risks associated with any assumptions that need to be understood and managed? Is it clear what the potential downside to the budget is, should an assumption prove to be incorrect?

Are costs incremented each year to take into account the effect of inflation? There may not be scope in the budget to include inflation however if it is not included it must be recognised that this represents a real terms cut in budget and the strategy for achieving this must be clear and understood or it will not be achievable.

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If your school has improvement priorities in place check to ensure that any costs associated with your school development plans are included in the budget and that these are affordable.

Income What pupil numbers have been used to generate future budget forecasts? Are these realistic and what are the implications should they prove to be overstated?

Do individual income lines compare favourably with historic actuals? If not are there plausible explanations as to why they differ?

How realistic are plans to generate income from lettings etc? Often there are costs associated with income such as Caretaker’s overtime, has allowance been made for such costs?

General If the budget outcome in future years is a deficit position or if the trend is a year on year reduction in surplus (or a combination of both) you should start to plan now to determine how the position can be alleviated and what steps need to be taken to return the budget to surplus.

Any budgeted deficit in 18/19 will need to be ‘licensed’ by the local authority. This process will require the governing body to:

Submit a licensed deficit application

Agree to submit monthly budget monitoring reports

Produce a strategic plan which details how the deficit will be recovered and the school budget returned to surplus

Have you considered how your schools budget compares with other schools of a similar size and nature? Benchmarking is a useful tool that can highlight areas where your school does or does not conform to a typical budget profile.

And finally do remember that sustainability often involves change and challenge and doing things differently.

The Schools Finance team can provide help and guidance when and support the budget planning process, please contact us on 01273 481962.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Following the autumn round of the Local Area Forums and positive responses from governors to a proposal for governor champions for mental health, a training programme is being developed which will be on offer from term 6, 2017/18. The training will cover the eight principles of a whole school approach to promoting emotional and mental health, suggesting detailed questions which governors could ask, existing metrics and benchmarks to use to evaluate outcomes, as well as providing some examples of good practice. As we are conscious of the ever increasing demands on governors we aim to make clear where there are overlaps with roles of existing link governors to enable sharing and reduce duplication. Further information regarding training will be circulated to all schools when available.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Prospectus

To ensure that parents of children with SEN have a good range of information at their disposal around local provision, the East Sussex ISEND Service has produced a Local SEND Prospectus which aims to provide information about SEND practice in our schools, and the excellent local provision that there is across East Sussex for children and young people with SEND.

This prospectus has been published to CZONE and can be found here: SEND Prospectus - Czone

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Transforming Health Improvement in schools

Transforming Health Improvement in Schools programme Information for Governors – March 2018 What is the ‘Transforming Health Improvement in Schools’ programme? In 2016 East Sussex Public Health launched an ambitious project to transform health and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people in East Sussex. As part of the programme a grants project enabled over 180 educational settings to access a health improvement grant of £10,000 in 2016 and a further £7,000 in 2017 in order to make significant progress in our shared ambition to improve health and wellbeing outcomes and educational attainment – using a primary prevention1 and whole-school approach.2 The Transforming Health Improvement in Schools programme forms part of a comprehensive programme of activity to improve health through the Personal and Community Resilience work stream of East Sussex Better Together; and as part of Connecting 4 You in the west of the county. Over the last two years schools across East Sussex have used their health improvement grant to develop school health profiles and engage with children, young people, parents and carers to find out their views about health and wellbeing. Schools have then created inspiring action plans and started delivering exciting new whole-school health improvement activities including:

school food menu redesign;

participatory activities in growing food and cooking;

daily physical activity interventions, such as the Daily Mile;

initiatives to promote active play and playground development,

approaches to improve resilience and emotional wellbeing, and;

PSHE schemes of work such as ‘Jigsaw’ and ‘Growing up with Yasmin and Tom’.

How are schools being supported to deliver the programme? Schools are being supported by our local public health school health service, the East Sussex School Health Service. This support includes workshops, guidance and advice on completing the following six main stages of the project delivery:

Detailed guidance for each stage above has been produced by the East Sussex Public Health team, in collaboration with the School Health Service. Further information is available via Czone. Schools have also been able to the participate in the 2017 East Sussex Health Related Behaviour Survey, which was completed by 3,260 Year 6 pupils (10 and 11-year-olds) and 3,089 Year 10 pupils (14 and 15-year-olds) in East Sussex primary, secondary and special schools. The survey was commissioned by East Sussex Public Health and undertaken by schools with the support of the Schools Health Education Unit. The findings can help schools to better understand the current health and wellbeing needs and assets of children and young people, including responses to robust and validated questions on a range of topics such as healthy eating, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, growing up, smoking, drugs, relationships and sex, and safety. Schools have already received survey results for their own school population and can make use of this rich information to update their school health profile and develop health improvement action plans. Summary reports at county and district/borough levels will also be available to download at: www.eastsussexjsna.org.uk/evidencelinks/evidence

Professional Governance East Sussex newsletter for governors and clerks

ISSUE 5 / August 2014

During June and July 2017 Schools were also encouraged to participate in Beat the Street East Sussex, a free, fun challenge which turned East Sussex into a huge game where people are rewarded with points and prizes for exploring their local area on foot or by bicycle. This mass participation physical activity initiative is funded by NHS Hastings and Rother CCG, NHS Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford CCG and East Sussex Public Health. During the 7 week game-phase over 42,000 people in East Sussex took part, including teams from over 140 schools. Schools, community groups, businesses and other teams competed against each other to see who could travel the furthest and end up on top of two leader boards – total distance travelled and highest average distance per player. The top three schools teams were Harbour Primary & Nursery School in Newhaven, Sandown Primary School in Hastings and Grovelands Community School in Hailsham. Following the game, as part of the ‘sustain’ phase which encourages players to continue being physical active, the Beat the Street team has delivered 28 school assemblies to gain feedback and learning from schools about Beat the Street and the support they would like to promote physical activity. LATEST NEWS! Beat the Street’s game phase will be returning to East Sussex in 2018. A stakeholder event will be taking place on Wednesday 25th April 2018 from 2.30pm, at the International Lawn Tennis Centre in Eastbourne, to celebrate achievements so far and learn more about the game phase taking place again this summer. If you would like to attend please contact Cathy Moore by 16th April 2018. Email: cathy.moore@intelligenthealth.co.uk Tel: 07584 552084 Further details about Beat Street are available at www.beatthestreet.me/eastsussex

How has the programme transformed health improvement within schools? Schools have been encouraged to use their funding for evidence-based activities/interventions to prevent obesity and to promote emotional health and wellbeing. They could also chose to fund other activities identified as part of their health improvement priorities. Activities must take a ‘primary prevention’ and ‘whole-school’ approach to improving health and wellbeing of children and young people in school settings. Examples of interventions that funded, which are delivered as part of whole-school approach, have included:

Embedding nutrition and healthy eating knowledge and skills within the curriculum;

Developing and improving areas for play and physical activity;

Investing in specific health improvement related training and development for school staff, or;

Purchasing materials, equipment and services to develop the curriculum on other PSHE topics. Schools are also able to spend a small proportion of the grant on planning and development of the activities associated with the grant, for example covering staff time to complete the health profile, whole-school review and action plan. Examples of activities or services that the grant cannot fund include counselling, treatment, or educational and behavioural support service The full version of the newsletter, including case studies from schools, can be found on the following link

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Safeguarding Governors Forums

Recent feedback from safeguarding link governors at the Safeguarding Governors Responsibilities training courses has indicated that more regular development and networking opportunities would be desirable for safeguarding governors in all schools and colleges. These opportunities would help support the development of safeguarding as well as to provide improved feedback opportunities between the local authority and schools. The SLES Safeguarding Team in conjunction with the Governor and Clerking Services Team asked safeguarding link governors what interest there was in developing network meetings for governors with responsibility for safeguarding and what the ideal location/s and times of meetings would be. The responses to the question about whether there was interest in attending a 2 hour facilitated network meeting were 100% positive and therefore the networks are being established. Based on the replies to the other questions, there will be two networks a year in term 5 and term 2 that will alternate between a 10.00-12.00 session and an 18.00-20.00 session. There will be an east and a west network that will be arranged to be as central as possible in their half of the county to reduce the distance that governors need to travel. Governors will be able to book onto the networks through the Learning Portal system.

Safeguarding Governors Forums

Dates Code Time Venue 23/04/2018 SLG01 10:00 – 12:00 Westfield Primary School, TN35 4QE

23/04/2018 SLG02 18:00 – 20:00 Priory School, Lewes, BN7 2XN

Update on section 175 Safeguarding self-assessment tool

At the recent Local Area Forums an update on the recently completed 175 safeguarding self-assessment tool was given. This article looks at the common findings and questions governors could ask to ensure school compliance with the requirements.

The safeguarding audit toolkit was issued to all schools (maintained and independent), academies, free schools and colleges within East Sussex during September 2017.

The purpose of the safeguarding audit toolkit is threefold:

First and foremost it provides schools with a robust framework against which they can complete a self-evaluation of practice within their individual setting. This process allows schools to identify areas of good practice and action plan against any areas requiring further development. The audit tool and action plan provides schools with the means to report comprehensively to their governing body, and the governing body can then provide critical challenge to the school, to ensure the accuracy and veracity of their self-assessment. Ongoing scrutiny, throughout the year, by the safeguarding governor can be supported by using the governor checklist which has been produced alongside the audit tool and mirrors statutory aspects of the toolkit.

Secondly, as well as providing reassurance to schools and governing bodies individually, around good practice and compliancy of safeguarding, the collation of all the audits across the county allows oversight by the LSCB about safeguarding within schools.

Thirdly, the audit data will inform the SLES/LSCB training offer as well as further support to schools provided through the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) network, the safeguarding newsletter and other offers of guidance and advice.

For the following standards, from the audit, 99-100% of schools reported positively:

The school has identified an appropriate member of the leadership team as the (lead) designated safeguarding lead (DSL)

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The DSL takes an active role and holds overall responsibility for safeguarding, and safeguarding related continuing professional development of staff, in the school.

The DSL is allowed sufficient time, autonomy and resources to attend Child Protection Conferences and multi-agency meetings.

The governing body has a designated governor for safeguarding and child protection.

The safeguarding and child protection policy is reflective of current local and national guidance or legislation.

The safeguarding and child protection policy outlines staff responsibility to blow the whistle on the practice of others if it causes concern.

There is a clear induction process, which includes safeguarding, for all staff.

Children in the school know how to report concerns and can identify a trusted adult.

Staff are able to recognize the indicators of children at risk of child sexual exploitation and the importance of raising concerns at an early stage.

The school is compliant with the East Sussex Local Safeguarding Children Board (ESLSCB) Keeping Records of Child Protection and Welfare Concerns guidance (2017) in respect of record keeping.

All staff are aware that patterns of absence and lateness can be an indicator of abuse; the DSL will share this fact with all staff in safeguarding and children protection training and refreshers and ensure there is professional curiosity at all levels.

The school has undergone appropriate whole school safeguarding training that includes online safety and whistle-blowing procedures, and is kept regularly updated.

All designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) have received DSL initial or refresher training within the two year requirement.

At least one member of all recruitment panels have undergone safer recruitment training.

All staff members undergo safeguarding and child protection training at induction.

The school makes any offer of appointment subject to satisfactory completion of necessary pre-employment checks.

The single central record covers the information set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education (2016).

The headteacher immediately contacts the single point of advice (SPOA) if there is a clear disclosure of harm or consults with the local authority designated officer (LADO) when there is a general concern in the event of allegations about staff.

The headteacher is aware of the need to ensure that Disclosure Barring Service/National College of Teachers and Lecturers referral requirements are adhered to in the event of dismissal/resignation when there is a clear concern about safeguarding/child protection

Areas for further development The audit is separated into seven sections. The full report identifies specific aspects within these sections, where a number of schools have stated that they are not currently fulfilling the standard. Below are the questions which were then generated for governors. Further context and commentary is available in the full report.

Standard 1 The educational establishment has robust governance and lines of responsibility to ensure that practice meets required standards; leaders and managers are clear about their responsibilities and the steps they are taking to develop good practice beyond the statutory minimum. .

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Questions

Is safeguarding a standing item on governor agendas?

Do minutes accurately reflect the activity of the school and others?

Does the recording evidence critical challenge, either through meetings or visit reports?

Standard 2 The educational establishment has policies and procedures in place that help to inform safeguarding practice. Policies are consistent with up to date statutory and local guidance. Policies are ratified by the Governing Body and placed on the provision’s website in line with statutory guidance. Questions

Does online safety feature within governor monitoring visits?

Does the DSL report appropriately to the governing body around online safety, and is this critically challenged?

Do the monitoring systems adequately monitor the activity of children and adults within the school?

Standard 3 The educational establishment promotes safe practices and a culture of safety, including tackling bullying, extremism, e-safety, and the importance of healthy relationships.

Questions

Does your school have effective procedures for crisis management, which includes bomb threats and lock downs?

Are the outcomes of drills shared with the governing body?

Standard 4 The educational establishment identifies concerns about possible abuse or about learners who may have gone missing and refers such concerns promptly to the relevant agencies. Questions

What systems exist within your school, to allow the governing body to monitor how children’s safeguarding files are being managed?

Does the DSL routinely share anonymised information with the governing body, about welfare concerns or referrals to other agencies?

Standard 5 Senior members of the educational establishment and all other staff members who work with children undertake appropriate training to equip them to carry out their responsibilities for safeguarding children effectively. Questions

Does training feature within governor scrutiny of safeguarding?

Is adequate information shared with the governing body to allow for critical challenge around the appropriateness and timeliness of training?

Standard 6 The educational establishment operates safe recruitment procedures and makes sure that all appropriate checks are carried out on staff, volunteers and other adults who work with children. Questions

How knowledgeable about the statutory requirements for the SCR are those persons who are checking it?

Does this knowledge allow for critical challenge of the compliancy of the SCR?

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Is the SCR being effectively checked, or just looked at?

Standard 7 The educational establishment has procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse against members of staff and volunteers that comply with guidance from the local authority agreed interagency procedures. Questions

What is the culture within the school, in terms of maintaining an attitude of ‘it could happen here’?

Next steps for governors

Has the safeguarding audit been adequately shared with the governing body?

Did the governing body, not just the safeguarding governor, provide critical challenge?

Does the governing body support the self-assessment of the school?

Does the governing body support the actions and timeframes which the school has set for any areas requiring further development?

Does the governing body have a clear schedule for the monitoring and further scrutiny of the action plan?

There will be a further report, with a different level of detail and questions, aimed at schools and shared through networks and the newsletter during terms 5 and 6. There will also be an additional report, again with a different level of detail, questioning, along with actions, which will be shared with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) towards the end of the academic year. One key question that Governing Boards should be asking themselves is whether the governors training is up to date? A copy of the training that should be completed by all school staff, including governors, and the frequency it should be renewed should be reviewed to ensure that the school and governing board meet compliance requirements. A copy of the full report by Dion Page-Hammond can be found on the following link

Welcome to New Governors

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all those new governors who have joined the ranks of the biggest volunteer group in the country – there are more than 250,000 people like you are already serving governors and trustees – 1800 of these in East Sussex. We hope you are enjoying being a school governor and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for volunteering to help improve the quality of education for all pupils in East Sussex. Governors play an important role in leading our schools. They set the strategic vision and direction, approve the budget and hold the senior leadership team to account. The Department for Education and Ofsted have clearly set out the expectations on all those involved in school governance in the following essential documents.

1. DfE - Governance Handbook – Guidance from the Department for Education setting out the government’s vision and priorities for effective governance.

2. DfE - Competency Framework for Governors – A framework developed to define more clearly the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected and needed for effective governance.

3. ESFA - Academies Financial Handbook - A handbook issued by Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) – previously known as the Education Funding Agency, that describes financial requirements for academy trusts.

4. Ofsted - Improving Governance - Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector’s survey investigated the challenges facing governing boards and recommended actions for the DfE and Ofsted.

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As a new governor, you might be wondering how to how you can become more involved with the work of your governing body. Here are the key tasks that you should go through in your first few weeks, months and year of becoming a governor:

School Induction

Schools have their own in school induction programme, which is usually managed by the clerk and the chair of governors. The actual induction will vary from school to school but you should expect to meet with the chair and headteacher and complete a visit of the school. Some schools will also provide governors with an induction pack and a mentor to help them through those first weeks and meetings of the governing board. All schools are recommended to have a code of conduct which should give you an idea of what is expected of you as a governor. If you have any questions about your school induction process please contact the chair or clerk and they will be happy to discuss this with you.

Induction Training

Induction training is essential for all new governors to help them understand their roles and responsibilities. Good induction can provide strategies to enable new governors to make a positive difference right from the start.

Governor and Clerking Service recommend that new governors undertake the following training as a minimum, during their first year as a governor:

Mandatory Safeguarding Training Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following section:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

All governors are required to complete Safeguarding the governors’ role online training, via NGA Learning Link. However, if preferred governors can attend the classroom based training Safeguarding Children in Education: The Safeguarding Governor’s Responsibility. Both courses need to be renewed; 2 yearly (online) or 3 yearly (classroom)

Induction for New Governors – whole day (with lunch) or 2 part evening Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following section:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

As a new governor, you might be wondering how to start getting involved with the work of your governing board.

Induction is essential for all new governors to help understand their roles and responsibilities and effective boards should encourage everyone involved in governance, especially those new to the role, to make the most of the resources, guidance and training available to develop their knowledge and skills. Good induction can provide strategies and the basic knowledge to enable new governors to take an active role and make a positive difference right from the start.

Schools Finance (Part 1): An Introduction to Finance Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following section:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

One of a Governing Boards key strategic role is to oversee the financial performance of the school and ensure money is well spent. Efficient use of resources, particularly in financially challenging times is key to a school’s success.

All governors should be able to understand and question financial information presented

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and understand the financial implications of plans and decisions.

In part 1 we will cover the regulatory framework within which schools operate, the principles and operation of schools funding including changes due to the national funding formula, the processes and procedures you should expect to see in place to reduce financial risk in your school and the role of audit, we will also introduce the principles of strategic financial management and the tools available to aid this, the use of which will be developed in Schools Finance part 2.

Understanding and Using Performance Data (Primary) Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following section:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

Governors should know how well pupils are achieving, and how their school is performing overall. This course will show governors the Essential Data Pack and how it can be used as a tool to inform the governing body about progress. The Essential Data Pack includes information from Ofsted’s RAISE online summary reports. This course will highlight the changes and provide guidance on interpretation of these reports for Governors in schools. Understanding school data will help governors to evaluate their school’s strengths and weaknesses, measure successes and then be well placed to decide a direction for making improvements.

Governor School Visits Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following section:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

One of the key responsibilities for governing boards is "Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils." The course aims to provide governors with a clear understanding of why governing boards should have a school visit schedule linked to the school’s Improvement Plan and how to be effective during the visit and in reporting the outcomes.

Booking Course Places All bookings are now done online so please use the following link to access the portal; https://www.eastsussexlearning.org.uk/cpd/portal.asp

Costs for all above courses: £0 (SLA), £80 (Pay as you use) except Governor Induction £160 Details of dates and venues can be found later in the newsletter Governor and clerk training in the Spring term

In addition there are courses available on the following subjects, all of which are free if you subscribe to the GS01 package. There is no limit on the number of courses you can attend; however it is advised that you check any pre-course requirements before booking:

Financial Management in Schools

Health and Safety

Special Educational Needs: Governors’ Responsibilities

Effective Complaint Handling

Safeguarding Children in Education: Safeguarding Governors Responsibilities

Governors New to Primary Education

Headteacher Performance Management Review

Taking the Chair and Being Effective

Chairs and Clerks Working Together

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Online Support

The education sector can be a fast moving field, and at first you may find it tricky to stay on top of changes and statutory requirements. For governors in schools who subscribe to the Governor and Clerking Services full package (GS01) governors have unlimited free access to the following online support:

Local Support – telephone and email advice available from the team;

Governors Online – this is the Governor and Clerking Services Online support. This includes a wealth of information on national and local policy, a weekly news update, access to documents and resources and online booking for governor courses;

The Key for School Governors - provides up-to-date, well researched, practical answers to questions on all aspects of general governance.

NGA Learning Link - online training for governors and clerks providing a range of learning resources designed to help users understand the significance of governance roles. Over 40 learning modules with supporting resources. The courses in particular that may help you understand your role as a school governor are:

o Governance: Your role, your responsibilities, your organisation o Your organisation: understanding school structures and what children should learn o Strategy: Living your values, reaching your vision, managing the risk o Progress and attainment: using data to improve educational outcomes o Resources: Making the most of what you’ve got o Working Together: Building the team and improving the organisation o Compliance: Assuring your organisation, keeping it safe, secure and solvent o Effectiveness: Governance making an impact, changing lives

We hope that you are enjoying the challenge of being a new governor. Our support services are available to you if you have any questions, concerns or feedback. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Spotlight on a new Governor

Name: Georgina Cook Parent Governor at Willingdon Primary School, Eastbourne. Started: November 2017 We asked new governor, Georgina Cook for feedback on her experience as a new governor. Georgina has attended the recommended sessions as well as Governors New to Primary Education and Safeguarding - the Governors’ role. She also plans to attend the Financial Management in Schools and the SEN Governors course.

“I decided to become a governor because I have a child in KS2 and from September will have another starting KS1 and now felt like a good time to become more involved with the school. The reason that I have attended so many training sessions is because I really want to be an effective governor and feel that the more training and knowledge I can gain the better I can be within this role. I am also aware that the governing board within the school I sit on is very strong and I don’t want to be the weak link. All the training has helped me feel more confident at meetings and given me more understanding about the subjects being discussed and the questions I should be asking.

Within the school I have been appointed a mentor and have attended a twilight session at school with the full teaching body to discuss the vision, mission statement for the school and now feel confident in asking questions to any members of the board as well as the headteacher and deputy head.

In my work I come into contact with children with very extreme SEN needs which I feel is transferable to my governor role as too are my skills at applying for grants etc.”

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General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Update

Over the past few months governing boards have been preparing themselves for the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) on 25th May 2018. Many governors have attended the training sessions run by Janis Dear, Information Governance Officer, and been given information on how the regulations are changing and the impact that it has on schools. Further information on the support available can be found on webshop.

Update on the Apprenticeship Levy

We asked Kim Larkin, Apprentice Programme Coordinator for an update on how schools are using the apprenticeship Levy

Schools have faced perhaps the greatest challenges in using the apprenticeship levy. At the launch of the levy in April 2017 there were almost no apprenticeship standards available that were targeted at a schools workforce. A new post graduate teaching standard has now been brought forward unexpectedly for a September 2018 delivery. It is a year-long programme open at a cost of £9000 which is open to anyone with a degree who is employed directly by a school. There are concerns from schools about losing money for salaries as they can utilise Schools Direct funding for this but not funding from the apprenticeship levy. Candidates will have newly qualified teacher status but the PGCE element of teacher training is not included in the apprenticeship standard and would be an additional cost to the school. Also, the natural candidates for teaching apprenticeships would be Higher Level Teaching Assistants currently in post. However, with this opportunity being offered as a post graduate (and not an under graduate as previously indicated), this will limit the numbers able to undertake the training. There has been unexpectedly low numbers of providers tendering for apprenticeships, which has made facilitating apprenticeships difficult! The next barrier has been reluctance for staff to take 20% time for off the job training, particularly in frontline, operational settings, and a requirement for some learners to undertake functional skills training on top of their apprenticeship and in addition to the 20% time for learning.

We currently have 36 confirmed starts in schools, with a further 10 confirmed pending sign up/start dates. The qualifications being undertaken include: Assistant Accountant, Business and Administration (Intermediate), Children and Young People’s Workforce (Intermediate), Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (Advanced), Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (intermediate), Supporting Teaching and Learning in Physical Education and School Sport, Early Years Educator, Laboratory Technician, Data Analyst, IT, Software, web & Telecoms Professional (Higher), Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (Degree), Property Maintenance Operative, Business Administration (Standard), Chartered manager (Degree). The terms of these apprenticeships vary from 12 months to 4 years. I have visited approximately 20 schools, with most requiring multiple visit to look through the options, talk about the training, meet the staff interested and bring out the training providers. We have a confirmed committed spend of £145,600 from the levy already, and an additional spend of approx. £108,000 in people that are due to start before the end of May. We also have the School Business Professional Apprenticeship which will be ready for delivery in September Our schools currently have unlimited access to the entire East Sussex County Council apprenticeship levy pot, which is close to £1.1 Million pounds per year. With 22 schools already accessing such a large amount of money to upskill their staff, and grow their own new staff, its time for you to access the levy too. To find out how the levy can be used to benefit your school, please contact kim.larkin@eastsussex.gov.uk to arrange your visit from the team.

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The Role and Work of Teaching Schools

‘Teaching Schools are strong schools led by strong leaders that work with others to provide high-quality training, development and support to new and experienced staff’ (DfE 12/17). Teaching Schools are part of the government’s vision for a school to school improvement system. The core activities of Teaching Schools are:

Initial teacher training

Continuing professional development and leadership development

School to school support Some of the activities that they may be involved in are:

Co-ordinating and delivering in-service training for serving teachers

Initial school-based initial teacher training (ITT)

Providing early career teacher training (NQT/RQT)

Providing evidence-based professional and leadership development for teachers and leaders across their network

Leadership training including accredited training (NPQs)

Developing system leaders (SLE)

Co-ordinating the supply and activity of national leaders of education (NLEs), national leaders of governance (NLGs) and specialist leaders of education (SLEs).

Providing high quality school-to-school support to spread excellent practice, particularly to schools that need it most.

Helping to prevent underperformance by supporting vulnerable schools, and where needed, help tackle underperformance in coasting schools and lead improvement in good schools

Therefore building the capacity and effectiveness of Education Improvement Partnerships (EIP)

There are 8 Teaching Schools in East Sussex, with a further school looking to gain teaching school status. All Teaching Schools have a wider group of schools that they work with as part of their Teaching School Alliance.

Education Improvement Partnership (EIP)

Teaching school

Ashdown Newick Primary Beacon Academy (Secondary and 6th form)

Eastbourne One primary school has submitted an application

Hastings Robsack Wood Primary (ARK) Blacklands Research School (ARK)

Lewes Priory School (Secondary)

Rother St Richards Catholic College (Secondary)

Wealden St Marks CE Primary

Special Schools Cuckmere House

Governing boards should be asking questions of the school leadership around the school’s involvement with the teaching schools. If your school is involved in a teaching school alliance questions to ask are:

How is our school involved in teaching school strategic alliances?

Are we receiving any support from a teaching school?

How does our involvement link to our school development plan?

What impact is our involvement having on pupil outcomes? If your school is not involved in a teaching school alliance the governing board may wish to explore:

How would you like the school to be involved?

What would you see at the benefits?

What would you see as potential risks?

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Contact details: Danielle Cassell at East Sussex County Council: Danielle.cassell@eastsussex.gov.uk More information on Teaching Schools can be found on Czone

Spotlight on Clerking

According to the Department for Education (DfE), the clerk should be the governing board's "governance professional". As well as organisation and administration, the role includes:

Helping the board understand its role, functions and legal duties

Supporting the chair in enabling and facilitating strategic debate and decision making

In East Sussex we have well trained and professional clerks supporting their governing boards. A number of these clerks support more than one school which can bring a number of benefits for both the schools and the clerks in working practices, experience and sharing top tips between governing boards. This academic year 21 governing boards have appointed clerks, 13 of them new to clerking. At Governor and Clerking Services we offer a package to support GBs in recruiting the right person, supporting induction and developing their professional knowledge and experience to support your governing boards. The clerks come from many different backgrounds ranging from ex-education professionals, such as headteachers and teachers to clerks who have administrative experience and a passion for education. Below we look at the support available for the governing board and the clerk and the considerations that should be taken into account.

Recruitment The first step when considering recruitment of a clerk is to review the hours being paid for the role. Schools signing up to the Clerking Service Protocol will currently receive 130 hours towards the cost of the clerk. Governor and Clerking Services can discuss the annual meeting schedule (and any other school anomalies) which drives the annual hours paid for the clerk.

With regard to recruiting a new clerk, it remains the legal responsibility of the governing body to appoint a clerk, employing under an ESCC contract as with other school employees. This is usually achieved by internal / local promotion and wider promotion of the vacancy by advert on the ESCC website. Advertising can be Internal / local promotion can include the staff notice board and the school website or newsletter. We are also able to email existing clerks via our database with the aim of identifying clerks who are seeking additional posts. This route can speed the process up with local advertising only having to be done for one week and if successful in identifying an existing ESCC staff member, suitable pre-employment checks may already be on file.

You can also consider wider advertising via the ESCC website, either at the same time or after the local advertising. You can arrange for an advert by contacting your school’s personnel officer who will arrange for you to complete an 'advert order form'. This service is free to schools that have purchased the PT04 – Personnel and Training: School Recruitment and Retention Service, otherwise there is a weekly cost.

Interview GCS can provide you with a range of questions for the interview. The interview should address the need to complete the Clerks accreditation programme and also meet all the requirements of the ESCC Recruitment and Selection Policy.

Once a suitable candidate has been identified and appointed you ca advise GCS and we will arrange to come and complete the induction for the Clerk. Induction A 1:1 induction with the clerk is included in the GCS packages (and can be purchased as a one off). Governor and Clerking Services will come and visit the clerk at the school and undertake the induction

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and produce an action plan for the clerk based on the areas identified through the induction meeting. The process includes the use of Governors Online, signing up for relevant websites, the role of the GB and statutory requirements, including a website checklist. The action plan will be shared with the Chair of Governors following the meeting.

The Clerk to the Governing Board Accreditation Scheme All clerks who are working to the Clerking service protocol are expected to complete the accreditation. GCS will invite the clerks to the next cohort, which are usually run once a year. The accreditation takes 1 year to complete and covers the 4 areas of the Clerking competency Framework – Understanding the role of the GB; The clerk as the administrator; Advice and guidance; People and Relationships. The clerk will produce a report at the end of each workshop and this will sometimes include evidence of their work. They are supported by an accreditation coach through the process and an additional bursary of 40 hours is currently paid to cover the clerks time. Clerks who work in school in another role should be released to attend the 4 training days. Clerks feedback from the accreditation is that whilst it supports them in their role, it also creates valuable networking opportunities with their peers as clerking can be lonely as a stand-alone role. The accreditation is suitable for both maintained and academy clerks – academies will need to contact GCS to register an interest.

Ongoing support The Clerk Area Network sessions are held 3 times a year and focus on hot topics relevant to clerking and governance. Within the 130 hours paid to schools, 10 are for training and development to cover these 2 hour meetings and travel. We strongly recommend Clerks attend these briefings as GCS do the hard work in terms of the research into the hot topics and put these into a local context. We currently have a 69% take up and 90% of all those clerks who attend strongly agree (10% agree) that the briefings will lead to changes and improvements in practice.

Clerk Appraisal is undertaken annually and is key for the clerk to develop in their role. The appraisal process includes a review of hours worked, performance against the clerking service standards and setting of objectives and personal development activity for the coming year. The appraisal process is also key for schools to receive the clerk funding as monies will not be released unless the appraisal has been completed. Appraisals are expected to occur 6 months after appointment and thereafter annually.

The professional clerk is key to a governing board. Sometimes governors don’t fully appreciate the value of the clerk until they are not around!! If you need any help and support to support your clerk then please contact jo.saunders@eastsussex.gov.uk to discuss your requirements. Governor and Clerking Services also offers locum cover for clerks should you find that you are without a clerk. If you have meetings that you would like us to see if we can provide cover, please contact us.

Name: Emma Neil, Clerk to Governing Board at 2 maintained secondary schools. Started: February 2017

“I clerk for two secondary schools in East Sussex. The work interested me mainly due to the flexibility that it offers during the working week. I have 6 year old twins and wanted to ensure that I could still be a school-run Mum and attend as a parent helper when needed at their school. Clerking gave me the flexibility to do this and work around other commitments. It’s challenging and really interesting. You get to learn about education and the way in which the system works. Governing boards are often made up of very different people with interesting and varied backgrounds. I’ve been able to use my previous work skills to engage with governors whilst keeping my mind busy too. I found the induction essential to set up the systems and processes I needed to support the schools. The accreditation helped in improving my knowledge and practice and gave me confidence in providing advice to my governors. I attend the Clerk Area Network meetings as this helps me find out about the changes which affect governance, both nationally and locally. I also get to talk to other clerks so we can compare notes and best practice! There is constant support on offer from Governor Services, you are never on your own!”

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Governing Board Procedural Review- How could this benefit my

Governing Board?

A Governing Board Procedural Review looks at the work of the governing board with the chair of governors and clerk. The facilitated review will help in evidencing the effectiveness of the work of the governing body, whilst checking that statutory obligations placed on the governing bodies are in place. Governing bodies are the key strategic decision makers and vision setters in every school. They are a key part of the overall system for school accountability.

Regular monitoring is essential to ensure that a governing body has strong policies, procedures and mechanisms in place to effectively challenge their school. The facilitator will request information to review ahead of the meeting and then will meet with the Chair of Governors and clerk. The facilitator will review the following areas:

Statutory requirements for the Governing Body – including policies, training, website and information to be published regarding the governing board

The work of the Governing Body – including self-evaluation, governor visits, delegated responsibilities

Governor Meetings – best practice support for agenda setting and minutes to ensure key areas are covered and minutes are an accurate record of the work of the governing board.

The Clerk to the Governing Board – working practices, support required.

Following the meeting an action plan will be agreed so that key areas can be addressed. Westfield School has recently had a review undertaken. Colleen Guy (joint Chair of Governors) felt that:

“ The review was in depth and Jo did a lot of pre work before meeting with us. The report was produced in the timescale promised and was very comprehensive giving us a clear action plan to take forward. We definitely had value for money.”

The cost of a GBPR is £270. If your governing board could benefit from a Governing Board Procedural Review, please contact governors@eastsussex.gov.uk

National Leaders of Governance- Jenny Barnard Langston

A FREE resource for Governing Boards! National Leaders of Governance (NLGs) are experienced Chairs of Governors with excellent leadership skills, a track record of raising school or academy performance in at least one school, the skills to influence improvement by supporting or challenging headteachers, or principals and a track record of implementing and sustaining effective governance in at least one school. As well as chairing their own Board the NLGs offer 5 days of free support to schools.

There are four National Leaders of Governance (NLG) designated by the DfE serving East Sussex and supported by a National Leader of Governance Regional Advocate. NLGs are available to you on request through the Governance and Clerking Service and they offer a range of support such as: -

mentoring of chair and/or members of the governing body of a school;

chair or membership of IEB;

chair or leadership role of governing body of school/MAT which is defined as coasting, has an Ofsted judgement of RI or Inadequate or is identified as at risk of falling into these definitions;

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leading governance networks / system leadership across local authority, MAT, teaching school alliance (TSA) or diocese with a clear focus on improving quality and leadership of governance.

If your Board would like to take up the offer of support please contact Clare Cornford governors@eastsussex.gov.uk.

Educational Improvement Partnerships (EIP) Executive Committee – A Governors’ Perspective We asked Karen Marr, ESGF representative and Chair of Governors at Robertsbridge Community College & Jarvis Brook Primary Local Governing Board to update governors on the work of the EIP’s.

Last year a member of the East Sussex Governors Forum (ESGF) was invited to join the Executive Committee of the East Sussex Education Improvement Partnerships (EIPs), this committee brings together all the Chairs of the EIP’s as well as representatives from the Local Authority, a great opportunity to bring governance into the heart of the great work that the EIP’s undertake. This comes at a crucial – and interesting -time for the future of EIP’s and governors need to sit up and take notice of the work of their EIP’s and the collective role they play in the school to school support network that is growing across the county. There has been a limited amount of funding available to EIP’s as they establish themselves and the year ahead looks like it will be the last year that this funding is available, this means that the drive is on to ensure that the EIP’s are sustainable and that initiatives undertaken can be an investment for the EIP’s for the future. There are many different initiatives ongoing in all EIP’s and these are proving valuable resources for all involved – and therein lies one of the issues that the EIP’s face – not all schools are involved – and I am sure you will join me in asking the question, why not? We are all committed to achieving the best for the children and young people across the region and so I wonder why we are not all accessing the support and best practice networking that is available? I urge you to go back to your governing boards and ask the question – how do we engage with our EIP? If we do – great – what has been the impact of this involvement and how can we as governors support the EIP to grow? If we do not engage with our EIP – why not? What are the barriers to this? One more question for you to take to your EIP chairs and their coordinators is – how is governance represented within your EIP’s future plans and how can this be expanded? Please help me raise the profile of governance within EIP’s and help EIP’s ensure that all the schools engage with the support that is available – further helping the system to become self-supporting. I would appreciate any feedback on these questions and look forward to representing governance at future EIP Executive Committee meetings. kmarr@robertsbridge.org.uk

Education Commissioning Plan

The Education Commissioning Plan (ECP) for East Sussex which sets out how the Council seeks to ensure there is sufficient capacity to meet demand for early years, primary, secondary and special school places across the county has now been updated. The ECP is a four-year rolling plan, updated every two years.

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Governor Recruitment Campaign

East Sussex County Council is currently undertaking governor recruitment campaign to promote the role of school governors. To date the campaign has focused on social media activity and radio advertisements. The next stage of the campaign is advertising the role of governor across train services and stations, bus stops, schools and council buildings. Postcards and posters will be distributed over the coming months. If you would like some postcards to distribute, please contact governors@eastsussex.gov.uk and we can arrange for these to be sent to you. Any potential applicants can be directed to eastsussex.gov.uk/schoolgovernor. Schools are advised to register any vacancies with Inspiring Governance and Governors for Schools so that successful applicants can be directed where needed.

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Training opportunities

Governor and Clerking Services – What’s new? Welcome to Annie Summerfield

Hi, I’m Annie, I am the new business administration apprentice for the Governor and Clerking services team. I work with the Governor and Clerking Services team 2 days a week. So far I have been involved in helping to manage the data base, helping with the newsfeed and contacting clerks and governors for information. Alongside my work I am doing online training to learn more and help me understand what is involved in Governance. I am enjoying my role in the team and look forward to developing my knowledge and skills in Governance. Annie can be contacted at annie.summerfield@eastsussex.gov.uk Review of the Governor and Clerking Service Training and Development Programme. Over the last 3 terms we have been reviewing the training programme and the effectiveness of the content to meet the increased demands on governors. Through quality assuring the delivery of the sessions, reviewing of the content, consultation with governors and clerks and reviewing the course evaluations completed by the 524 Governors and Clerks attending the training this academic year, we have made some changes to the content and subjects that we offer as part of our service level agreement. Whilst most of the courses were found to meet the requirements of the Competency Framework for Governors and the Clerking Competency Framework, some additional sessions have been added to the programme as well as an overhaul of the Effective Complaint Handling course:

Succession Planning: Exploding the Myths – we asked NLG Jenny Barnard-Langston, to write a course to help GB’s plan for succession. Succession planning is the responsibility of all governors and includes recruiting for vacancies on the GB. The course seeks to explode the myths about leadership of the governing board and will explore the concept of all governors as leaders as well as the need for the GB to have a governor development plan in place. It also reviewed leadership development – as an ongoing process, the introduction of governor appraisal and how to recruit or grow your Chair of Governors. Governors attending the first sessions of this course said: “The course encouraged reflection on my own role and the future” “..it was useful to define requirements and important elements of chairing.” “I found hearing the experiences of other Chairs and a very experienced trainer very useful. Thank you for your excellent information and support.” “Getting the Chair of Governors role in perspective – not as intimidating as often thought.”

Succession Planning: Exploding the Myths

Dates Code Time Venue 24/4/2018 GOV629 10:30 – 12:30 The Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne

Managing and Avoiding Potential Conflicts and Complaints – based on feedback and the increased number of complaints we are seeing (see article on DfE Complaint Handling) the course has been rewritten by Jane Branson, an experienced Chair of Governors: Too many gripes, grumbles and grievances? Always trouble shooting? This is your guide to successful complaints handling. Like our previously offered Effective Handling of Complaints course, Managing and Avoiding Potential Conflicts and Complaints explores the procedures and policies that governing boards and school leadership teams should have in place in order to deal with parental concerns and other possible challenges. In addition,

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the new course looks at conflict management and avoidance strategies, and is designed for governors and headteachers who would like to develop their school's resilience to controversy and build stronger, positive relationships with all stakeholders

Managing and Avoiding Potential Conflicts and Complaints

Dates Code Time Venue 16/05/2018 GOV601 10:00 – 12:00 Uckfield Civic Centre

12/07/2018 GOV628 19:00 – 21:00 East Sussex Training and Development Centre, Eastbourne

Schools Finance Training – The finance team have amended the content so that it is applicable to both the maintained and academy sector.

Grouping relevant courses together – We appreciate as volunteers the time needed to attend training. On 26/6/18 we are trialling this approach by offering 2 courses in one day. These courses are available for booking by new and existing governors:

Governor Training – 26th June 2018

Course Code Time Venue Understanding and Using Performance Data (Primary)

GOV630 10:00 – 12:00 The Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne

Schools Finance (Part 1): An Introduction to Schools Finance

GOV631 13:00 – 15:00

We would like to encourage all governors to complete an evaluation as this feedback helps us to review how and what we deliver in the future. If you have any feedback on the training offered or specific feedback concerning a course you have attended please let us know by emailing governors@eastsussex.gov.uk Details of the Spring training can be found below:

Governor and clerk training in the Spring term

Induction for New Governors

Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following section:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

As a new governor, you might be wondering how to start getting involved with the work of your governing board.

Induction is essential for all new governors to help understand their roles and responsibilities and effective boards should encourage everyone involved in governance, especially those new to the role, to make the most of the resources, guidance and training available to develop their knowledge and skills. Good induction can provide strategies and the basic knowledge to enable new governors to take an active role and make a positive difference right from the start.

In a world where the education system and the expectation on governance is changing, existing governors wishing to update their governance may also find attendance beneficial.

Whole day course (lunch included)

Dates Code Time Venue 23.05.2018 GOV594 09.30: - 15:00 Uckfield Civic Centre

Two part evening course

Week 1 Week 2

08/05/2018 15/05/2018 GOV596A-B 19:00 – 21:00 ES T&D Centre, Eastbourne

19/06/2018 26/06/2018 GOV597A-B 19:00 – 21:00

Cooden Beach Hotel

Target audience: All new governors

All Governors who wish to update their knowledge

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £160 (Pay as you use)

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Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free and Independent Schools

Primary, Secondary, Special schools.

Schools Finance (Part 1): An Introduction to Finance

Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

One of a Governing Boards key strategic role is to oversee the financial performance of the school and ensure money is well spent. Efficient use of resources, particularly in financially challenging times is key to a school’s success.

All governors should be able to understand and question financial information presented and understand the financial implications of plans and decisions.

In part 1 we will cover the regulatory framework within which schools operate, the principles and operation of schools funding including changes due to the national funding formula, the processes and procedures you should expect to see in place to reduce financial risk in your school and the role of audit, we will also introduce the principles of strategic financial management and the tools available to aid this, the use of which will be developed in Schools Finance part 2.

Details Dates Code Time Venue 26/6/2018 GOV632 13:00 – 15:00 The Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne

Target audience: All new governors

All Governors who wish to update their knowledge

Local Authority Maintained and academies and free schools

Primary, Secondary, Special schools.

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Schools Finance (Part 2): Financial Management in Schools

Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

**Governors should attend Introduction to Schools Finance prior to attending this

course**

It is important and in keeping with The competency framework for governors that all governors have an understanding of the financial framework schools operate in, the processes and procedures that should be in place, understand and have the skills to exercise their role regarding strong financial management. All governors should be able to understand and question financial information presented and understand the financial implications of plans and decisions. In part 2 you will get an opportunity to get hands on experience with the type of financial information you may be presented with as a governor. The aim of this course is to build your confidence interpreting financial information and raising questions. Covering financial reporting, benchmarking and efficiency this course will fully explore your role as a governor to promote strong financial management in your school.

Details Dates Code Time Venue 01/05/2018 GOV620 10:00 – 12:00 Cooden Beach Hotel

04/07/2018 GOV621 19:00 – 21:00 The Cavendish Hotel, Eastbourne

Target audience: Governors who have attended Finance (part 1): An Introduction to Finance Local Authority Maintained

Primary, Secondary, Special schools.

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Understanding and Using Performance Data (Primary)

Competency Framework for Governance This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Governors should know how well pupils are achieving, and how their school is performing

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Outline overall. This course will show governors the Essential Data Pack and how it can be used as a tool to inform the governing body about progress. The Essential Data Pack includes information from Ofsted’s RAISE online summary reports. This course will highlight the changes and provide guidance on interpretation of these reports for Governors in schools. Understanding school data will help governors to evaluate their school’s strengths and weaknesses, measure successes and then be well placed to decide a direction for making improvements.

Details Dates Code Time Venue 23/5/2018 GOV630 19:00 – 21:00 Uckfield Civic Centre

26/6/2018 GOV631 10:00 – 12:00 The Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne

Target audience: All new Governors in the primary sector All Governors in the primary sector who wish to update their knowledge

Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free Schools

Primary

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Governors New to Primary Education

Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

Highly interactive course will provide experience of key areas of teaching in primary schools. This course aims to provide governors from a non-education background an introduction to the elements of primary education and improve their understanding of how to use the data and school self-evaluation to help raise standards.

Details Dates Code Time Venue 05.06.2018 GOV613 18:00 – 20.00 County Hall, Lewes

Target audience: All new Governors in the primary sector All Governors in the primary sector who wish to update their knowledge

Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free Schools

Primary

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Safeguarding Children in Education: The Safeguarding Governor’s Responsibility

Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

East Sussex Children’s Service and the East Sussex Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) has set an expectation that named Safeguarding Link Governors attend, prior to or shortly after appointment, in-depth face to face training delivered by the East Sussex Governor and Clerking Services. This session will provide SLG the knowledge to work effectively with the schools Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and ensure the Governing Body's responsibilities are being met.

Details

Dates Code Time Venue 27.04.2018 GOV589 10:00 - 12:00 The Sussex Exchange, Hastings

24.05.2018 GOV590 19:00 - 21:00 ES T&D Centre, Eastbourne

02.07.2018 GOV622 10:00-12:00 Uckfield Civic Centre

Target audience: All Safeguarding Link Governors All Governors who wish to update or expand their knowledge

Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free and Independent Schools

Primary, Secondary, Special schools.

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Governor School Visits

Competency Framework for Governance This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

One of the key responsibilities for governing boards is "Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils." The course aims to provide governors with a clear understanding of why governing boards should have a school visit

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schedule linked to the school’s Improvement Plan and how to be effective during the visit and in reporting the outcomes.

Details Dates Code Time Venue 13.06.2018 GOV607 19:00 – 21:00 ES T&D Centre, Eastbourne

Target audience: All Governors

Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free Schools

Primary, Secondary, Special schools.

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Governors Responsibilities

Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

The national Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice applies to maintained schools and academies. It says in paragraph 6.3: There should be a member of the governing body or a sub-committee with specific oversight of the school’s arrangements for SEN and disability. This session will provide governors with SEND responsibilities the knowledge to work effectively with the schools SEND Lead and ensure the Governing Body's responsibilities are being met.

Details Dates Code Time Venue 08.05.2018 GOV618 10:00 – 12:00 Cooden Beach Hotel

13.06.2018 GOV619 18:30 – 20:30 County Hall, Lewes

Target audience: SEN Link Governors All Governors who wish to update or expand their knowledge

Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free Schools

Primary, Secondary, Special schools.

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Health & Safety

Competency Framework for Governance This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

Governors will have the opportunity to review their responsibilities for health and safety and consider the need for and benefits of a risk assessment approach to health and safety. You will learn to appreciate the governors' role in monitoring health and safety within the context of school improvement and understand the need for effective health and safety inspections and audits.

Details Dates Code Time Venue 22/05/2018 GOV625 10:00 – 12:00 Cooden Beach Hotel

11/07/2018 GOV626 19:00 – 21:00 Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne

Target audience: SEN Link Governors, new governors and clerks All Governors who wish to update or expand their knowledge

Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free and Independent Schools

Primary, Secondary, Special schools.

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Managing and Avoiding Potential Conflicts and Complaints

Competency Framework for Governance This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

Too many gripes, grumbles and grievances? Always trouble shooting? This is your guide to successful complaints handling. Like our previously offered Effective Handling of Complaints course, Managing and Avoiding Potential Conflicts and Complaints explores the procedures and policies that governing boards and school leadership teams should have in place in order to deal with parental concerns and other possible challenges. In addition, the new course looks at conflict management and avoidance strategies, and is designed for governors and headteachers who would like to develop their school's resilience to controversy and

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build stronger, positive relationships with all stakeholders.

Details Dates Code Time Venue 16/05/2018 GOV601 10:00 – 12:00 Uckfield Civic Centre

12/07/2018 GOV628 19:00 – 21:00 East Sussex Training and Development Centre, Eastbourne

Target audience: All new governors and clerks All Governors who wish to update or expand their knowledge

Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free and Independent Schools

Primary, Secondary, Special schools.

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Taking the Chair and Being Effective

Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

The Competency Framework for Governance sets out the skills and effective behaviours expected of governors and specifically the Chair. These include:

Leadership skills with the ability to build and work within a team

The capacity to have good working relationships with key figures

The ability to think strategically, be focused with a knowledge of statutory requirements and regulations.

This course aims to consider principles of effective chairing and ways to develop good practice

Details Dates Code Time Venue 03.07.2018 GOV609 10:00 -12:00 The Sussex Exchange, Hastings

Target audience: Chairs and Vice Chairs of Governing Boards and Committees Aspiring Chairs and Vice Chairs of Governing Boards

Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free and Independent Schools

Primary, Secondary, Special schools.

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Chairs and Clerks Working Together

Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

Governance in a voluntary sector means boards must conduct business efficiently to make the best use of everyone's time. Professional clerking is vital to help meet the requirements of the board; a strong and effective working relationship between the clerk and the chair is key to this. This course aims to promote effective governance by bringing both parties together to explore:

The competency framework for governance and the clerking competency framework

The working relationship and;

Efficient and effective working practice

Details Dates Code Time Venue 10.07.2018 GOV611 17:30 – 20:30 Uckfield Civic Centre

Target audience: Chairs and Clerks of Governing Boards must attend together

Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free and Independent Schools

Primary, Secondary, Special schools.

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Succession Planning – exploding the myths!

Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

Succession planning is the responsibility of all governors and includes recruiting for vacancies on the GB. We will seek to explode the myths about leadership of the governing board. The course will explore the concept of all governors as leaders. The need for the GB to have a governor development plan in place. We will examine leadership development – as an ongoing

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process, look at the introduction of governor appraisal. How to recruit or grow your Chair of Governors.

Details Dates Code Time Venue 24/4/2018 GOV629 10:30 – 12:30 The Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne

Target audience: All governors and Chair of Governors

Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free and Independent Schools

Primary, Secondary, Special schools.

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Headteacher Performance Management Review (Primary

Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

**Essential training to meet statutory requirements** Governing boards in maintained schools have a statutory duty under the Education (School Teachers’ Appraisal) (England) Regulations 2012 for Headteacher appraisal. This course aims to provide governors with advice and guidance about meeting their statutory role in reviewing the Headteacher’s performance, deciding on timely pay awards and agreeing new objectives for the coming year.

Details Dates Code Time Venue 14.06.2018 GOV614 10:00 – 12:00 The Sussex Exchange, Hastings

27.06.2018 GOV615 19:00 – 21:00 ES T&D Centre, Eastbourne

Target audience: Governors undertaking Headteacher appraisal Existing governors with experience are encouraged to attend accompanied by

governors new to the task

Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free and Independent Schools

Primary

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Headteacher Performance Management Review (Secondary)

Competency Framework for Governance

This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

**Essential training to meet statutory requirements** Governing boards in maintained schools have a statutory duty under the Education (School Teachers’ Appraisal) (England) Regulations 2012 for Headteacher appraisal. This course aims to provide governors with advice and guidance about meeting their statutory role in reviewing the Headteacher’s performance, deciding on timely pay awards and agreeing new objectives for the coming year.

Details Dates Code Time Venue 21.06.2018 GOV616 18:00 – 20:00 County Hall, Lewes

Target audience: Governors undertaking Headteacher appraisal Existing governors with experience are encouraged to attend accompanied by

governors new to the task

Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free and Independent Schools

Secondary

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Governors Local Area Forum

Competency Framework for Governance This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

Inform and update governors on current local and national issues relating to schools and the work of the Governing Board. A school to school approach, combined with the increased focus on school governance, will require governing boards to consider how all governors can work collectively, not just in their own schools, but across the wider ‘governor community’. The forums will facilitate governor networking and information gathering through high quality presentations that facilitate discussion and information sharing among peers.

Details Dates Code Time Venue

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06/06/2018 GAM63 19:00 – 21:00 Uckfield Civic Centre, Uckfield

14/06/2018 GAM66 18:30 – 20:30 County Hall, Lewes

20/06/2018 GAM69 19:00 – 21:00 East Sussex Training and Development Centre, Eastbourne

28/06/2018 GAM72 19:00 – 21:00 The Sussex Exchange, Hastings

Target audience: All governors and clerks

Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free and Independent Schools

Primary, Secondary, Special schools

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Clerks Area Network Meetings

Competency Framework for Governance This training supports the following sections:

1 Strategic Leadership

4 Structures

2 Accountability 5 Compliance

3 People 6 Evaluation

Course Outline

Professional clerking has a vital role to play in meeting the administrative and procedural

requirements of boards and enabling efficient and effective discussion and decision making.

These sessions, delivered three times per year, are essential for all clerks who want to keep up to date with key changes in local and national issues impacting on the roles and responsibilities of governing boards. The meetings include workshops and the sharing of effective practice in an open forum.

Details Dates Code Time Venue 08/05/2018 GOV562 10:00 – 12:00 Uckfield Civic Centre

09/05/2018 GOV563 10:00 – 12:00 The Sussex Exchange, Hastings

09/05/2018 GOV545 19:00 – 21:00 East Sussex Training and Development Centre, Eastbourne

10/05/2018 GOV580 10:00 – 12:00 The View Hotel, Eastbourne

Target audience: All clerks

Local Authority Maintained, Academy, Free and Independent Schools

Primary, Secondary, Special schools

Cost: £0 (Subscribing schools) £80 (Pay as you use)

Whole Governing Board Development

Standard session - Two hour sessions delivered on school site offering training, coaching or facilitation on aspects that impact on effective governance. Individual school sessions are tailored to individual GB needs whilst school cluster sessions are designed to be more generic. Max 30 governors per session. £20 admin charge per school

£370 per session

"Bite size" sessions - One hour session delivered on school site, designed to be delivered in advance of a pre-arranged Full Governing Board meeting to reduce the demand on the time of governors. Sessions for all governors of the board, including the Headteacher, offer an insight into specific aspects of school governance, highlighting key elements that governors should focus on.

£270 per session

Alternative models of governance Consider strategic direction and succession planning to help consider and better understand alternative models of governance through informal partnerships, federation or Multi Academy Trust status.

Asking strategic questions Support is easy; challenge more difficult. Explore different types of questions and example data to develop strategic questioning skills, leading to a greater understanding of pupil progress and standards achieved in your school.

Governors and Headteachers working together To assist Headteachers and governing boards to understand responsibilities and consider how to support each other. Explore the relationship and challenges in finding the correct balance between school governance and school management.

Governor school visits

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Evaluating Governing Board effectiveness

Monitoring the boards effectiveness is a key element of good governance. The board needs to assess its effectiveness and efficiency and ensure ongoing compliance with its statutory and legal duties under review. Individuals should also reflect on their own contribution helping to create a stronger and more motivated board. Boards should regularly evaluate their own effectiveness by carrying out regular audits of the skills they possess in the light of the skills and competencies they need, The Governance Competency Framework should be used and boards should seek to address any gaps they identify, through either recruitment or training.

Governors need to gain a better understanding of how their school works. Advice on how to develop a governors’ visits programme linked with school improvement plan priorities and guidance on sharing outcomes with the governing board.

Understanding and using performance data Guidance on interpreting school information to help evaluate a school’s strengths and weaknesses, measure successes and decide a direction for making improvements.

Effective Structure and Succession Planning To help consider alternative or support existing, constitutions/ schemes of delegation, committee structure and governor working groups to maximise governor time/chair of governor succession planning assists in “finding a chair from within”.

Partnership, Federation and Academy Visioning For groups of schools considering partnership or federation. Explore in finer detail all the aspects that governors must consider when considering /planning a partnership or federation.

Safeguarding This course is a mixture of presentation, case study and group discussion to update governors on recent guidance, child protection procedures and on the changing responsibilities of staff and governing boards

Being prepared for Ofsted Guides governors through the inspection process and ensure they know what to expect. The governing board will gain experience by engaging with self-evaluation which will be the foundation for a successful inspection.

Facilitated Governing Board Self Evaluation Review Governing boards should complete a self-evaluation annually to ensure that they are working at the minimum level expected and can demonstrate a culture of self review and continuous improvement in governance. The two hour session helps create a governing board development plan as a stand-alone document or that forms part of the school development plan.

£270 per

session

Governing Board Procedural Review Facilitated review for chair of governors and clerk to review and produce an action plan to ensure governing board compliance. Governing boards should complete a GB Procedural Review to ensure governance arrangements are working to at least the minimum level expected and can demonstrate a culture of self-review and continuous improvement. The audit tool is offered to improve and to identify areas of development for the governing body and the Clerk to the governing body. It will help identify priorities for improvement and an action plan to improve areas that need attention.

Being Prepared for Ofsted Review Facilitated review with the Chair of Governors and Headteacher to identify support, guidance and an action plan to ensure the school is prepared for your next Ofsted inspection. The session considers the board’s understanding of the main requirements of the inspection framework, what Ofsted inspectors expects of the governing board and

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To discuss your requirements or to book a review contact the team: governors@eastsussex.gov.uk

Safer Recruitment - eLearning

When a vacancy arises in your organisation, you naturally want to ensure you employ the very best person for the post and this course will certainly help you to achieve this. However, the primary purpose of the course is to ensure that whilst making recruitment decisions, the children, young people and any adults at risk in your setting are safeguarded from harm. This course is important for anyone that works in recruitment to embed safeguarding throughout every stage of the process. This four module course delivers four CPD hours and comprehensively covers:

the four key stages of the recruitment process

pre-recruitment planning and what must be in place before you advertise your post

rejecting candidates and meeting the right ones

obtaining the correct checks and references, including what's required from a DBS check

post-recruitment activities, including observation and supervision This eLearning training is hosted on an external website via EduCare. To access this course, for the reduced fee of £20, book your place through the East Sussex Learning Portal. Once you booking is authorised you will be sent an email with details on how to log on and access the training. For more information copy this link into your browser and type “safer recruitment” in the keyword search box https://childrens.eastsussexlearning.org.uk/courses/bookings/

ESBAS - Education Support, Behaviour and Attendance Service

The ESBAS offers an extensive programme of courses designed to develop and improve the skills of you and your staff. Across all of our courses, our goal is to deliver high calibre, informative and engaging content that will help you and your staff with personal and professional development.

agree what you should do to ensure the school is well prepared for an inspection.

External Review of Governance For those governing boards wishing to receive a more detailed and independent review of the board's effectiveness we offer a facilitated External Review of Governance. Please note: Governing boards who fail to demonstrate self-evaluation or to appropriately meet Leadership and Management descriptors within the Ofsted School Inspection Framework during an inspection are required to undertake an External Review of Governance to ensure the governing board has a clear plan for developing and improving.

One session – The facilitated two hour session reviews school data and governor approaches to effective governance using the National College for Teaching and Learning framework.

£740 1

session

Two session - review and action planning – A second session reflects on a recommendation report from session one and assists the development of a Governing Board action plan

£960 2

sessions

Three session review, action planning and follow up – A third session reflects on progress against the Action Plan and considers next steps to ensure continued self-review and GB development.

£1,180 3

sessions

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Online resources

Governors Online

Governors Online is the online system, brought to you by the East Sussex Governor and Clerking Service (GCS) that helps schools keep track of their governing board’s information in an efficient and timely manner, such as governor types, positions, terms of office and training. Governor communication and training The system allows individual governors to maintain their personal contact details, submit training course requests, view training undertaken and keep up to date with news and communications directly from the GCS, at a time that is convenient to you. Clerk administration and reporting Clerks are able to view and submit changes to information relating their governing board; editing records online means that governor re-appointments, change of governor position as well as creating new governor records can be done instantly online with no need for submitting notification forms. Clerks can use the system to manage the arrangements and documentation for governor meetings, which could help your Governing Board manage its paperwork in line with GDPR requirements. Clerks are able to produce various reports on their governing board which can be used to fulfil the requirements placed on governing boards to publish on the schools website. Not sure if you have an account? All schools subscribing to an annual support package from the GCS will have an account. If you are a school governor in East Sussex and are not sure if you have an account or have forgotten your User Name or Password please email: governors@eastsussex.gov.uk

Keeping up to date

Governors Online provides all school governors free access to the Governor and Clerking Service “Latest news” on local news relevant to school Governors and their Clerk to the Governing Board – find information relating to services across East Sussex County Council and interpretation of national news and legislation.

East Sussex Pulse is the live link to the Key for School Governors newsfeed providing up to date information and emerging news relevant to school governance. Please note that membership is required to gain full access to The Key for School governors website – East Sussex reduced memberships are available as part of our annual subscription.

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You can also use the “search training” function to review training courses, briefings and forums relevant to school governance for Local Authority Maintained, Academy and Free school sectors.

Member login details are only required when wishing to book onto a course and are available free of charge and at no obligation.

Governors and clerk of schools subscribing to the GCS annual subscription will have been sent a user name and password.

If you are a school governor and are not sure if you have an account or have forgotten your User Name or Password please email: governors@eastsussex.gov.uk

Governor and Clerking Service online

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website dedicated to governors and clerks www.esgcs.org.

You will find general information and resources relevant to school governance

Blue bar at the top of the page has the following links:

“governor and clerk training” click to search for training and to book onto training - https://governors.eastsussexlearning.org.uk/courses/bookings/default.asp (there is also a training search function on the “news” and “my account” homepage)

“news” - click to search local and national news on the Governors Online home page - https://governors.eastsussexlearning.org.uk/cpd/default.asp?home=1

“my account” – also takes you to the Governors Online home page – but can be used for those governors of school subscribing to annual package to access their online account to manage personal contact details and to book onto training/ add training to their training history - https://governors.eastsussexlearning.org.uk/cpd/default.asp?home=1

“ESLP” – click to go to the East Sussex Learning Portal homepage – this gives access to the different departments offering services and training via the virtual “training market place”

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National online support

The Key for School Governors is the UK's fastest and most up-to-date national support service for governors. The service provides you with up-to-date, well-researched, practical answers to questions on all aspects of general governance that:

empowers governors to quickly and easily develop their own knowledge by researching and posting questions

provides a trusted single point of contact

provides a library of information that is growing daily

guarantees a response within three days if the information is not available already

There is no limit to the number of questions you can ask and the service is confidential. The school names and names of governors who ask questions are not published.

Quotes from East Sussex governors who have benefited from membership:

“The Key gave me lots of information to help make a decision about what should go into our school policy.”

“I use The Key to research school issues when I'm not sure, from teaching and learning through to personnel matters. I find the system reasonably easy to use and the search facility is quite good. It's useful to have a lot of expertise in one place, and I feel the information is up to date and reliable. Without it, I would be spending more time wading through Google searches!”

Accessing membership to the key The Key is available to all governors of schools subscribing to the Governor and Clerking Service annual subscription package GS01 – Support, Information and Development. Full details are available online. www.services2schools.co.uk/services/details/1262. Governors of subscribing schools will receive a welcome email from The Key detailing how to register and make best use of the membership.

Key for school governors toolkit

Visit The Key to access the following toolkit areas:

Meeting know-how Year planner Need-to-knows News round-up QuickReads Policy bank

Key Quick Reads

QuickReads summarise new government policies and explain tricky education issues in just one page.

Key insights - The Key blog

Visit Key insights: an education blog site. School leader and governor insights plus facts, comments and

analysis.

If your school is a subscribing school and you have not received a welcome email from The Key please contact us at governors@eastsussex.gov.uk

Visit the website: http://schoolgovernors.thekeysupport.com

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National on-line training

The NGA, working with one of the UK’s top e-learning companies, Virtual College, operate Learning Link that provides users with access to over fifty modules curated by NGA’s expert team of policy and information specialists.

Modules are comprehensive and cover a range of governance-related topics including: strategy, team work, assessment, staffing, financial oversight, elements of effective governance, compliance and collaboration to name.

Governors of schools subscribing to the Governor and Clerking Service annual packages of support are recommended to make full use of the membership by registering to access the on-line courses.

Details on how to register can be found on our website www.esgcs.org – follow the link “Support services - how can we help?”

Current courses include: HR and Safer Cultures:

The role of the SEN governor

Headteacher recruitment and succession planning

Safeguarding - the governors’ role

Health and safety

Looked after children

Equality and diversity

Early Years education

Getting it right as a staff governor

School teacher appraisal and capability

Headteacher appraisal and capabilities New Governors:

National training programme for new governors

Key functions of the governing board

Introduction to the suite

Governance : Your role, your responsibilities, your organisation

Getting it right as a staff governor

Understanding Schools Finance Finance:

Understanding school finance

Schools financial value standard

Managing academy finance Clerking

Policy Watch

Hot Topics

Governing Board duties on compliance

Getting to know the law

Supporting the Governing Board in raising school standards

Recording a meeting

Introduction to clerking in academies

Helping struggling Governing Bodies

Clerking a trust or an academy committee

Leadership and Performance Management:

Governors’ visits to school

Monitoring and evaluation

The role of the governing board

Monitoring performance data and targets

Taking the chair

School teacher appraisal and capability

Governance of a church school

The governors’ role in school improvement

Pupil Premium

Resources: Making the most of what you’ve got

Compliance- assuring your organisation and keeping it safe, secure and solvent

Your Organisation: Understanding school structures and what children should learn

Effectiveness: Governance making an impact, changing lives

Strategy: Living your values, reaching your vision, managing the risk

Working together: Building the team and improving the organisation

Planning for succession in the Governing Body

Ofsted inspection of schools

Handling delicate situations

Governors and ofsted

Different models of Governance

The constitution of the Governing body

Policy and School Practice:

New Ofsted inspection framework for schools

Educational visits

Exclusions

E-safety for governors

Progress and attainment: using data to

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improve educational outcomes

Governing Board duties on compliance

Getting to know the law

Equality and diversity

The clerks role in the appointment of the Headteacher or deputy

Czone online information and advice

You may have seen recent communication relating to the launch of the new Czone. The new site has general school information - areas of support available for schools:

Access the new site here: https://czone.eastsussex.gov.uk/

School effectiveness has a dedicated area

Leadership development School improvement resources

School partnerships

Headteacher meetings SLES training Schools Information Database (SID)

Excellence for All SLES Webshop The Equality Duty

School improvement procedures

Virtual School Bag

The Virtual Schoolbag (VSB) is East Sussex County Council's way of communicating important and relevant information to schools and children's service professionals. Articles are published every Monday during term time. To subscribe to the Virtual School Bag alerts please click here

Student management Inclusion and SEND SIMS/Schools ICT Finance and Audit

Safeguarding Early Years Health and Safety Personnel

Teaching Census and reports Building and

Property Policies