Version 1.1
Wetheringsett CEVCP SCHOOL Minutes of the meeting of the Governing Body of Wetheringsett CEVCP School held at the school at 6.30pm on Tuesday 19th January 2010. Present:
Mr Mark Allen (MA) SQD Ldr Robert Bensly (RB) Mrs Angela Fiske (AF) Ms Siobhan Goodrich (SG)(Chair)
Mr Paul Lambert (PL) Mrs Elaine Miller (EM) Mr David Simington (DS) Head Mr Jeremy Trigger (JT)
In attendance: Pauline Hart (Clerk), Sarah Paynes (Obs) 1
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE/CONSENT TO ABSENCE
1.1
Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Lisa Walsh and Miss Catherine Guelbert. Governors noted that Rev Adrian Mason was unable to attend.
1.2
Chair informed governors that due to her commitments Lisa Walsh had decided that she was unable to become and LEA Gov . Due to her HR expertise SG had asked LW to remain an Associate Governor on the understanding that she will be unable to attend full governing body meetings but will give assistance as necessary. Governors agreed to this and hoped that LW will feel able to continue on this basis . Governors also consented to the apologise for absences.
2
GOVERNING BODY MEMBERSHIP
2.1
Paul Lambert was welcomed to his first LA meeting as an Associate Governor and Sarah Payne as an observer. John Herman (PG) had resigned and the two vacancies for Parent Governors had been advertised, however as there were no nominations it was decided to re-appoint Scott Evans as Parent Governor and Siobhan Goodrich be appointed as Parent Governor (after resigning as Community Governor) in order to fill these vacancies (proposed by RB and seconded by AF). Chair then informed the governing body of Sarah Paynes’ experience and interests and suggested that she be appointed as Community Governor (proposed by RB and seconded by AF).
ACTION
Governors were informed that Catherine Guelbert had been appointed as LEA Governor, but unfortunately sent her apologies for this meeting. 2.2
Governors noted that there remains one vacancy for a Foundation Governor. Chair also reported that she had been in touch with the Church to enlist help in light of Adrian’s absence. The Diocese did not consider it appropriate that the Curate deputise on the GB pro temps but he has been maintaining links between the church and the school which was very welcome . It was Chair requested by governors that a letter be written to the PCC with regards to filling the vacancy for a Foundation Governor.
2.3
Mark Allen declared an interest in that he is contracted for services in IT used by the school.
7
COMMITTEES AND WORKING PARTIES
7.1
Changes in Membership of Committees/Working Groups
Chair reminded the governing body that the Terms of Reference were agreed at the Summer term meeting. With the departure of JH governors agreed changes as set out on the Record of Committee Membership and Delegation to Individuals (copy attached). HT suggested that we consider linking Govs to personnel at school to help and will develop this with the Chair for future discussion. Finance committee – JT explained the desired role for the members of the finance committee which would meet termly. It was agreed that the Finance Committee would set the budget and would not need to be approached for approval for any spending as long as it was within budget headings. Monthly reports would be sent to committee members by school email and any concerns or comment be raised with the chair. Premises and Health and Safety - It was agreed that the Premises Committee would be called Premises and Health &Safety Committee. Governors were informed that Scott Evans inspects the school on a regular basis and that it is a requirement that they be presented with a report on a yearly basis. Curriculum Committee – it was agreed that the Curriculum Working Party would become the Curriculum Committee chaired by MA 7.2
Committee Minutes
DS/SG
There were no minutes. 7.3
Working Groups There were no reports.
7.4
Delegations to Individual Governors There were no reports
7.5
Governor Visits Reports to be presented at the School Improvement GB.
3
MINUTES
3.1
The minutes of the meeting held on 15th September 2009 (copy in Minute Book), having previously been circulated, were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.
3.2
Matters arising from the minutes Item 5.2 – Meeting between HT and SEN Governor was held and the register is up to date and Action Plan is in place. Item 13.1 – HT Performance Review successfully completed on 10.12.09. Item 15.2 – It was confirmed that attendance targets were set at 4.5%. Item 18.5 – The SIC is now in the FSMIS folder. See HT report for action on various other items.
4
CHAIRMAN’S ACTION
5
The Chairman confirmed that the school had been closed for 3.5 days due to adverse weather conditions. INFORMATION SHEET Governors received and noted the contents of the Information Sheet (copy in Minute Book). Item 5: LAC – Headteacher is the designated teacher. Item 6: Wetheringsett have been appointed 10 weeks tuition of 1hr per week, which will be used running up to SATS/ Item 12: Governors attention drawn to the fact that re-appointed governors also need CRB checks. Safer Recruitment Training – CG will need to do this in her new role as Chair of Personnel.
Chair
6
HEADTEACHER’S REPORT Governors received a written report from the Headteacher (copy in Minute Book). In presenting the report the Headteacher drew attention to the following: A draft 5yr vision statement has been prepared with input from pupils, staff, church, parents and stakeholders. This will be put on the website and All gov governors were urged to read and report back any alterations needed by amending the document which is online using a separate colour and indicating who has made the amendment. Once it has been finalised it will be distributed to parents in a book form. HT felt that staff and governors needed to know and believe in the document and it will be used to draw on for the SDP. The vision statement needs to be finalised by the next SIP meeting on 24th February 2010. The new SEF is two thirds complete due to a lot of hard work and input by various stakeholders. Finance report with benchmarking was received. It was noted that Wetheringsett compare quite favourably in the majority of the areas of benchmarking. There is a quiz on Friday and Governors are invited to attend and enter a team! Christmas – HT informed governors that he really enjoyed his first Christmas. Governors reported that the Carol Service, which was well attended, was truly ‘magical’ with class displays, children made decorations for the tree ceremony etc. It was good to see that a lot of new parents had come. A reminder that Governors visit sheets are located in the entrance for Governors. Please fill these in when making a class visit and fill in the Gov Attendance book at other times. Pupil Tracker system is now in place with information on KS1 provided. SEN – Audit generated just 4 pupils so funding will be considerably less than last year. The new SEN register is now in place and 29% are on the register but are in particular years and classes. Governors questioned the HT and requested information about the SEN audit – how it works and how funding AF, SG is achieved. There followed lively and lengthy discussion with regards to SEN assessing and monitoring and the affects of SEN pupils within the school.
The chair reminded SEN priority governors to visit the school and carry out JT & CG monitoring: AF – Rec, Yr1 & Yr4, SG - Yr 2 & 3. Staff – Governors were informed that the school was looking to use the Suffolk Bursar Services. HT considers that although this increases current costs by £4,000, it is worth every penny. Finance are to look at this more closely at their next meeting. SCR – is now satisfactory thanks to the hard work of Mrs Abbott. The Policy for Safeguarding ( reviewed in Autumn 09) needs to be updated again due to latest recommendations. This and the Behaviour Policy will be dealt with at the next SIP meeting. The Travel Plan and the Healthy Schools audit remain uncompleted, however these need to be done as they do attract funding. Travel to be considered by P&H and S as soon as possible. Recording minor incidents – the digital recording of minor incidents is now in place. Safety Boss are coming to meet with the HT this coming week.
8
JT left at 8.15pm RAISING ATTAINMENT
8.1
Governors received and considered the report of the Director for Children and Young People, Spring 2010/01 (copy in Minute Book).
9
CHANGES TO ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS FOR SCHOOLS IN SUFFOLK 2010/11 AND 2011/12
9.1
Governors received and considered the report of the Director for Children and Young People, Spring 2010/02 (copy in Minute Book).
10
PARENTAL ONLINE REPORTING
10.1
Governors received and considered the report of the Director for Children and Young People, Spring 2010/03 (copy in Minute Book). Governors delegated responsibility to Headteacher
11
EARLY INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION STRATEGY
Chair
11.1
Governors received and considered the report of the Director for Children and Young People, Spring 2010/04 (copy in Minute Book).
12
CONTACTPOINT
12.1
Governors received and considered the report of the Director for Children and Young People, Spring 2010/05 (copy in Minute Book). Governors agreed that SG would be the nominated Governor and she would SG complete and return the Mandate letter.
13
14 – 19 CURRICULUM AND FINANCIAL APPROVALS
13.1
Governors received and considered the report of the Director for Children and Young People, Spring 2010/06 (copy in Minute Book).
14
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
14.1
School Improvement Partner (SIP) Visit Governors were informed that they would receive a report from the Autumn DS term 2009 SIP visit at the next School Improvement Meeting on 24th February 2010.
14.2
School Development and Improvement Plan The Headteacher presented an update to the School Development and Improvement Plan for 2009/10 with updates highlighted in red.(copy in Minute Book).
15
EQUALITIES SCHEME
15.1
Governors were reminded by the headteacher that in conjunction with Item 13 of the Information Sheet the scheme and action plan was approved and adopted at the last School Improvement Meeting.
16
DCSF WORKFORCE CENSUS
16.1
Governors received confirmation from the Headteacher that he has completed the return.
17
BUDGET AND RELATED ITEMS
17.1
School Budget 2009/10
Governors received a written report and commentary (copy in Minute Book) on the current year’s budget. 17.2
Budget Plan 2010/13 Governors were reminded of the requirement, under the Local Authority’s LMS Scheme, to approve the 3 Year School Budget Plan by 31st March 2010. It was agreed to hold a meeting of the Governing Body to consider the proposed School Budget Plan for 2010/13.
Chair/ Finance Committee
Governors also noted the requirement to complete and return the service option form to the Authority by the date detailed within the budget commentary. 17.3
School Fund Accounts This will be dealt with at the next Finance Committee Meeting and it was noted that the School Fund accounts will now be incorporated within the school budget.
17.4
Pecuniary Interests Governors were reminded of the requirement to update their entries in the Register of Pecuniary Interests. New governors will complete forms.
18
HT
EDUCATIONAL VISITS Governors approved the following Educational Visits in principal: Sizewell and Thetford – arrangements will be considered at a future meeting.
19
Finance Committee
CLUSTER/PYRAMID ITEMS There was a Wheb meeting on 18.01.10 which was useful
20
GOVERNOR TRAINING 2009/10
20.1
Summer Term 2010 Bookings Governors noted receipt of the booking form for the Summer Term 2010 Governor Training Courses with their agenda pack and noted that they should be returned completed to the clerk, via the school or otherwise to the address indicated.
Chair
20.2
Governor Training The Link Governor/Chairman reported that the termly report on uptake of training had been received (copy in Minute Book).
23
SUFFOLK GOVERNORS’ FORUM
23.1
Governors discussed the possibility of nominating a governor to sit on the Forum.
24
ANY OTHER BUSINESS 1. Two PDDays on 21st and 22nd of June (which had been previously planned by DHS) need to be changed because of a clash re Sizewell. HT HT/Chair will arrange more suitable dates in consultation with staff and then seek approval from Chair. 2. PDDays next year have already been planned by Debenham High School, these being:- Wed 1st, Thur 2nd and Fri 3rd of Sept 2010, 4th Jan 2011 and 26th April 2011. Governors approval will need to be sought to possibly Chair change these, however this will be dealt with at the next School Improvement Meeting. 3. Suffolk Children and Young Peoples Plan. HT had a copy and passed this on to new governors for them to read. All Gov 4. Succession Planning – HT distributed a copy of a Model Policy Statement which he had taken from a church school in Peterborough. Governors were asked to read this and it would be used as a base for a Wetheringsett Policy Statement.
25
DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS Governors confirmed that the next meetings would be: School Improvement GB Meeting on 24th February 2010 at 6.30pm (school clerked) And Tuesday 27th April 2010 at 6.30pm (LA clerked)
The meeting closed at 9.00pm.
Signed Date
Record of Committee Membership and Delegation to Individuals School Name – Wetheringsett CEVCP Date Revised – 19.01.10
Premises Head's Name of Steering/ Pupil & Health Perf In Governor G/AM* Chairs' HearingsAppealsDisciplineFinanceCurriculum & Safety PersonnelReviewRe Mr Mark Allen
G
X
X
X
X
X
X
SD
P
Cha
S
Mr Rob Bensly
A
G
X
X
X
X
N L
Pre
Mr Scott Evans Mrs Angela Fiske
SD
G
X
X
X
X
X
Sc
G
X
X
X
X
X
SEN
Mrs Siobhan Goodrich Mr David Simington Rev Adrian Mason Mrs Elaine Miller Mr Jeremy Trigger Mrs Lisa Walsh Sarah Paynes Paul Lambert
S Go Ch Lo
G
X
X
X
G
X
G
X
G
G
X
X
AM
G
X
AM
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
Ch
Catherine Guelbert
*Governor or Associate Member 1
G
X
x
P