OATHALL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Oathall Community College Full Governing Body Minutes 25 April 2016
OATHALL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MEETING OF THE FULL GOVERNING BODY MINUTES OF A MEETING HELD ON 25 APRIL 2016 Present:
Martin Ashman, Brenda Brown, Stewart Boyling, Rowena Chalk (CHAIR), Rod Haw, Mike Lewis, Anne Pieckielon, Debbie Rendall, Eddie Rodriguez (HEADTEACHER), Sue Stockwell, Nicky Wastie
Minutes:
Moira Day
1
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE There were no apologies for absence.
2
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest.
3
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 7 MARCH 2016 The minutes of the meeting were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chair.
4
URGENT MATTERS As there are two major matters – Academies and closure of Central Sussex College, these will be covered later in meeting.
5
MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS Action Log refers OFSTED Training – SIP has agreed to carry out training in summer term. Date to be th arranged when SIP is in school for interim data review on 5 May. Staff Well-being Survey – carried forward Agenda Access to Legal Advice – The Key It is not possible to add governors to the membership as it stands. There are number of defined logons for the Leadership Team. ERZ offered to allow usage of his account to assess suitability for potential future purchase. Farm – RC will meet RH to discuss, and bring back to next meeting. Agenda All other items arising will be covered under separate reporting.
6
POLICIES & PROCEDURES REVIEW Governors reviewed the following policies. First Aid – reworded policy was circulated by JG. MA asked for clarification regarding out of hours first aider, with particular reference to occasions such as revision sessions. ERZ confirmed that when a teacher organises such an event and advises the school, responsibility for ensuring a first aider is on site is entrusted to the school. ERZ will remind ERZ staff of the protocol for organising events. Policy approved. Equality Statement – ML questioned definition of ‘hate incidents’. This is WSCC terminology. AP asked for clarification regarding stakeholders (page 1, third section) and it
Page 1 of 4
Oathall Community College Full Governing Body Minutes 25 April 2016
was requested that the word ‘relevant’ be inserted before the word ‘stakeholders’. Policy approved. Off Sites’ Visits Policy – approved Exam Contingency Plan – approved Word Processor & Laptop Policy – approved 7
BUSINESS REPORT JG circulated a business report in advance of the meeting. In response to queries voiced, ERZ confirmed that the £5K underspend on the Albemarle Centre is earmarked for some work carried forward. He also confirmed that the reference on page 2 under ‘Buildings’ to vandalism did not refer to any major incident other than the previously reported damage caused by an intruder and was covered by insurance. Governors asked that congratulations be passed to JG for the savings made across the board, and to the canteen manager for the continued success of catering provision. ERZ MA asked for data on the number of students using the canteen, which ERZ will provide at the next meeting. The following documents were approved and RC will hold a meeting with JG at which she will RC sign them. SFVS Best Value Statement Controls Assurance Statement Financial Scheme of Delegation Financial Scheme of Delegation for the Farm
8
CHAIR’S REPORT The Chair requested that any general email comments on agenda items be made prior to the date of FGB, and not be left until the last moment. Farm Open Day – arrangements are under way and running smoothly for this event, due to take place on 22nd May. Training: Prevent Duty – RC & ERZ attended a training session in Chichester. Academy Conversion – RC has approved the attendance of ERZ at a training event run by ASCL relating to Academy conversion. Strand Visits – these are being arranged through the Headteacher’s PA and governors are requested to attend where possible. PTA – RC reported that she is encountering difficulty in communication with the chairs of the PTA, who have failed to seek endorsement from the school for organised events in a timely fashion. A working party was set up to look at terms of reference and to try to resolve AP/DR/MA these issues – AP, DR, MA and RH to report back to FGB. /RH Health Check Survey - deferred OFSTED criteria comments - deferred
9
Agenda Agenda
HEADTEACHER’S REPORT ERZ expressed sadness at the recent death of Geraldine Pavitt, who had made an
Page 2 of 4
Oathall Community College Full Governing Body Minutes 25 April 2016
outstanding contribution to Oathall since joining the staff in 1979. She will be greatly missed by all. Governors expressed their condolences and remarked what a fine teacher she had been. Curriculum Review & Staffing– ERZ reminded governors that the original aim was to respond to new needs and increased demands of the EBacc system together with providing a curriculum appropriate to each student. A consultation process took place with faculty heads, followed by one with all staff. The proposed new model attempts to reflect the rapidly changing face of education and the following changes will be introduced. It will remain a 5 period day although the way that the day is organised is under review. All KS3 students will get increased time for English, maths, history and geography. To allow for this, DT sessions for Year 7 will drop from 5 to 4 periods a fortnight. MFL will drop from 8 to 6 periods in a fortnight. There may well be increased flexibility for students to drop to one foreign language earlier. ERZ will circulate a table which indicates a before and after picture which he was unable to show at the meeting due to a last minute change in venue. The model also provides a curriculum which is affordable, and overall staffing changes will be minimal. Despite this, there is a requirement to engage a new English teacher. There will be no decrease in DT staffing as a result of the new curriculum model. TLR Structure – ERZ presented his vision of the future TLR structure, together with the current picture, the structure for September 2016 and that in 3 years’ time. He tabled detailed diagrams. Governors confirmed they were happy with these proposals and sanctioned the head to take this further with his colleagues. Schools Funding – The first consultation period for the White Paper ‘Educational Excellence th Everywhere’ ended on 17 April. There is to be no interim payment for West Sussex schools. Irrespective of any final decision with regard to funding formulae, the intent by government is for all schools to be funded directly rather than through local councils. In addition to this there is to be a major reform of national teacher training in schools, with the notion of QTS going and schools will do more about accreditation. The role of local authorities will continue to maintain responsibility for admissions and championing parents. It is proposed that all schools become academies by 2022. Re-fencing Project – this is moving forward. Staff Welfare Survey – ERZ suggested JG be invited to a meeting to present findings. In the meantime, these have been shown to SLT and staff consultative groups. Parental Engagement – A Head of year undertook a worthwhile programme of enhancing parental engagement and it was agreed to explore this model of good practice further. Academies – there are anxieties about the drive by central government to force schools into becoming academies. ERZ shared the contents of a letter from leader of WSCC council to the Secretary of State for Education expressing concern about the impact this will have. Closure of Central Sussex College – ERZ confirmed that his first knowledge of the closure of Central Sussex College was through the press release in the Mid Sussex Times. He has subsequently met with all headteachers in the Mid Sussex area, and with representatives from the local authority. Whilst the premises of the CSC are new and comprehensive, it has run up debts in excess of £25million. CSC will not be taking new students from this September. There is a deal of anxiety about the potential of increased NEETS. A vote of thanks was expressed to staff at Oathall who have worked hard to ensure all students
Page 3 of 4
Oathall Community College Full Governing Body Minutes 25 April 2016
leaving Oathall this summer have the opportunity to continue their studies elsewhere. ERZ noted that mention had been made at a secondary heads meeting last week that there th was a possibility of subsidised travel for students to access 6 form provision, but he had no details. 10
GOVERNORS’ VISITS AND INDIVIDUAL REPORTS AP thanked ERZ for an interesting school tour.
16
ANY OTHER BUSINESS There was no further business. The meeting closed at 9.30pm
17
DATE & VENUE OF NEXT MEETINGS (all to be held at 7.00 p.m. in VLC) Summer Term 2016: 23 May; 20 June; 11 July
Distribution: Governing Body, Leadership Team, Mrs Anne Stoneley, WSCC
Page 4 of 4
OATHALL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MEETING OF THE FULL GOVERNING BODY MINUTES OF A MEETING HELD ON 25 APRIL 2016 Present:
Martin Ashman, Brenda Brown, Stewart Boyling, Rowena Chalk (CHAIR), Rod Haw, Mike Lewis, Anne Pieckielon, Debbie Rendall, Eddie Rodriguez (HEADTEACHER), Sue Stockwell, Nicky Wastie
Minutes:
Moira Day
1
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE There were no apologies for absence.
2
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest.
3
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 7 MARCH 2016 The minutes of the meeting were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chair.
4
URGENT MATTERS As there are two major matters – Academies and closure of Central Sussex College, these will be covered later in meeting.
5
MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS Action Log refers OFSTED Training – SIP has agreed to carry out training in summer term. Date to be th arranged when SIP is in school for interim data review on 5 May. Staff Well-being Survey – carried forward Agenda Access to Legal Advice – The Key It is not possible to add governors to the membership as it stands. There are number of defined logons for the Leadership Team. ERZ offered to allow usage of his account to assess suitability for potential future purchase. Farm – RC will meet RH to discuss, and bring back to next meeting. Agenda All other items arising will be covered under separate reporting.
6
POLICIES & PROCEDURES REVIEW Governors reviewed the following policies. First Aid – reworded policy was circulated by JG. MA asked for clarification regarding out of hours first aider, with particular reference to occasions such as revision sessions. ERZ confirmed that when a teacher organises such an event and advises the school, responsibility for ensuring a first aider is on site is entrusted to the school. ERZ will remind ERZ staff of the protocol for organising events. Policy approved. Equality Statement – ML questioned definition of ‘hate incidents’. This is WSCC terminology. AP asked for clarification regarding stakeholders (page 1, third section) and it
Page 1 of 4
Oathall Community College Full Governing Body Minutes 25 April 2016
was requested that the word ‘relevant’ be inserted before the word ‘stakeholders’. Policy approved. Off Sites’ Visits Policy – approved Exam Contingency Plan – approved Word Processor & Laptop Policy – approved 7
BUSINESS REPORT JG circulated a business report in advance of the meeting. In response to queries voiced, ERZ confirmed that the £5K underspend on the Albemarle Centre is earmarked for some work carried forward. He also confirmed that the reference on page 2 under ‘Buildings’ to vandalism did not refer to any major incident other than the previously reported damage caused by an intruder and was covered by insurance. Governors asked that congratulations be passed to JG for the savings made across the board, and to the canteen manager for the continued success of catering provision. ERZ MA asked for data on the number of students using the canteen, which ERZ will provide at the next meeting. The following documents were approved and RC will hold a meeting with JG at which she will RC sign them. SFVS Best Value Statement Controls Assurance Statement Financial Scheme of Delegation Financial Scheme of Delegation for the Farm
8
CHAIR’S REPORT The Chair requested that any general email comments on agenda items be made prior to the date of FGB, and not be left until the last moment. Farm Open Day – arrangements are under way and running smoothly for this event, due to take place on 22nd May. Training: Prevent Duty – RC & ERZ attended a training session in Chichester. Academy Conversion – RC has approved the attendance of ERZ at a training event run by ASCL relating to Academy conversion. Strand Visits – these are being arranged through the Headteacher’s PA and governors are requested to attend where possible. PTA – RC reported that she is encountering difficulty in communication with the chairs of the PTA, who have failed to seek endorsement from the school for organised events in a timely fashion. A working party was set up to look at terms of reference and to try to resolve AP/DR/MA these issues – AP, DR, MA and RH to report back to FGB. /RH Health Check Survey - deferred OFSTED criteria comments - deferred
9
Agenda Agenda
HEADTEACHER’S REPORT ERZ expressed sadness at the recent death of Geraldine Pavitt, who had made an
Page 2 of 4
Oathall Community College Full Governing Body Minutes 25 April 2016
outstanding contribution to Oathall since joining the staff in 1979. She will be greatly missed by all. Governors expressed their condolences and remarked what a fine teacher she had been. Curriculum Review & Staffing– ERZ reminded governors that the original aim was to respond to new needs and increased demands of the EBacc system together with providing a curriculum appropriate to each student. A consultation process took place with faculty heads, followed by one with all staff. The proposed new model attempts to reflect the rapidly changing face of education and the following changes will be introduced. It will remain a 5 period day although the way that the day is organised is under review. All KS3 students will get increased time for English, maths, history and geography. To allow for this, DT sessions for Year 7 will drop from 5 to 4 periods a fortnight. MFL will drop from 8 to 6 periods in a fortnight. There may well be increased flexibility for students to drop to one foreign language earlier. ERZ will circulate a table which indicates a before and after picture which he was unable to show at the meeting due to a last minute change in venue. The model also provides a curriculum which is affordable, and overall staffing changes will be minimal. Despite this, there is a requirement to engage a new English teacher. There will be no decrease in DT staffing as a result of the new curriculum model. TLR Structure – ERZ presented his vision of the future TLR structure, together with the current picture, the structure for September 2016 and that in 3 years’ time. He tabled detailed diagrams. Governors confirmed they were happy with these proposals and sanctioned the head to take this further with his colleagues. Schools Funding – The first consultation period for the White Paper ‘Educational Excellence th Everywhere’ ended on 17 April. There is to be no interim payment for West Sussex schools. Irrespective of any final decision with regard to funding formulae, the intent by government is for all schools to be funded directly rather than through local councils. In addition to this there is to be a major reform of national teacher training in schools, with the notion of QTS going and schools will do more about accreditation. The role of local authorities will continue to maintain responsibility for admissions and championing parents. It is proposed that all schools become academies by 2022. Re-fencing Project – this is moving forward. Staff Welfare Survey – ERZ suggested JG be invited to a meeting to present findings. In the meantime, these have been shown to SLT and staff consultative groups. Parental Engagement – A Head of year undertook a worthwhile programme of enhancing parental engagement and it was agreed to explore this model of good practice further. Academies – there are anxieties about the drive by central government to force schools into becoming academies. ERZ shared the contents of a letter from leader of WSCC council to the Secretary of State for Education expressing concern about the impact this will have. Closure of Central Sussex College – ERZ confirmed that his first knowledge of the closure of Central Sussex College was through the press release in the Mid Sussex Times. He has subsequently met with all headteachers in the Mid Sussex area, and with representatives from the local authority. Whilst the premises of the CSC are new and comprehensive, it has run up debts in excess of £25million. CSC will not be taking new students from this September. There is a deal of anxiety about the potential of increased NEETS. A vote of thanks was expressed to staff at Oathall who have worked hard to ensure all students
Page 3 of 4
Oathall Community College Full Governing Body Minutes 25 April 2016
leaving Oathall this summer have the opportunity to continue their studies elsewhere. ERZ noted that mention had been made at a secondary heads meeting last week that there th was a possibility of subsidised travel for students to access 6 form provision, but he had no details. 10
GOVERNORS’ VISITS AND INDIVIDUAL REPORTS AP thanked ERZ for an interesting school tour.
16
ANY OTHER BUSINESS There was no further business. The meeting closed at 9.30pm
17
DATE & VENUE OF NEXT MEETINGS (all to be held at 7.00 p.m. in VLC) Summer Term 2016: 23 May; 20 June; 11 July
Distribution: Governing Body, Leadership Team, Mrs Anne Stoneley, WSCC
Page 4 of 4
