Governor briefing

The purpose of the governor briefing on Thursday 19 September 2024 is to go through the autumn term agenda. We will be summarising the items on the agenda and explaining what actions governors are expected to take in relation to them.

The session will also include a brief demonstration of Governor Hub, with a focus on how governors can access the bank of resources available to support them in their role.

Led by 

Peter Bell

Finance for LA maintained schools: comprehensive understanding of the schools financial value standard (SFVS)

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS).

SFVS is a crucial tool that helps schools demonstrate their financial efficiency and transparency. In this session, participants will learn the key components of SFVS. They'll learn how to interpret and use financial data effectively, and how to ensure their school's financial practices meet the required standards. The training will empower governors to make informed decisions and contribute to sound financial management.

Audience 

All governors in LA maintained schools. 

Led by 

Victoria Harrison

Handling complaints

This course will look at the Headteacher's and Governing Board's relative roles and powers when handling both 'informal' and 'formal' complaints. These complaints may be from parents or other members of the community.

The session will look at effective practice in the early stages. This is to ensure that complaints are handled appropriately in order that they are resolved satisfactorily.

Aims and objectives

• To know what constitutes a complaint;
• To know how to deal with complaints on an informal basis;
• To be familiar with BMBC’s model complaints procedure and the role of governors within this;
• To understand the role of the investigating officer for the governing board (Stage 1);
• To understand the role of the governing board complaints panel (Stage 2).

Audience

All Governors

Led by

Peter Bell, School Governance and Alliance Board Service Manager

Local Area SEND Ofsted Inspection

In January 2023, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) adopted a new framework for jointly inspecting local area arrangements to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These inspections assess how effectively education, health, and social care services in the local area work together to improve experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND aged 0 to 25 years, and their families. Barnsley is now due to be inspected by Ofsted and the CQC.

Aims and objectives

This will be a chance for you to understand how education will be focused on during the inspection and what this means for your school/setting.

Audience

All Governors

Led by

Bev Bradley (SEND Improvement Service Manager)

Safeguarding for governors

Statutory for all governors, according to Statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022. Attendees are expected to be aware of this document. Ch 2 will be covered in the session.

Aims and objectives

• Define safeguarding and consider the role of the governor.
• Recognise safeguarding legislation, guidance and inspection criteria for Education.
• Recognise vulnerable groups and consider current issues including Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment/Online Safety/Safer Working Practices.
• Reflect on issues and lessons learnt for Education in Serious Cases.
• Consider culture and how to ‘temperature check’ your setting in relation to safeguarding responsibilities.

Audience 

All Governors

Led by

Vicki Maybin, Safeguarding Advisor for Education, Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership

Suspension and exclusion - the role of the governor

This session provides governors with an overview and understanding of the guidance and legislation in relation to suspension and exclusion. It will show the important role governors play in making sure the process is correctly followed and schools are doing all they can to prevent suspensions and exclusions.

Audience

School governors

Led by

Jane Allen Service Manager Education Welfare and Pupil Inclusion

The graduated approach and the importance of early identification

Barnsley has the highest number of suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Most of these can be related back to SEND and/or unmet/unidentified need. This session will explore how early identification of SEN is key to meeting the needs of children at the earliest opportunity. We will explore the role of all staff and the support that is available through the local authority and wider networks.

Aims and objectives

The session will cover:

• The current landscape of SEND nationally and locally
• What the graduated approach is
• How schools should use documentation to support evidencing progress towards outcomes
• Identifying and meeting the needs of children at the earliest opportunity
• Overcoming barriers and understanding challenges
• Support available

Audience

All Governors

Led by

Bev Bradley (SEND Improvement Service Manager)

Welcome to governance

Highly recommended for all new governors.

The purpose of this session is to make sure you know and understand what is required of you as a governor. As part of this role you'll contribute to the work of your governing board and you'll help it to fulfil its statutory duties. The session aims to provide you with the insights and the confidence to contribute effectively in your first year as a new governor.

Aims and objectives

The session covers:

• knowing and understanding the core functions of the governing board and the key features of effective governance;
• the governing board’s accountability to, and relationship with others (e.g. Ofsted, DFE, LA, Diocese);
• the governance structure of the organisation, including its constitution and procedures, scheme of delegation and how and where decisions can be made.

Audience

All new governors, including for maintained schools and academies (including at local and trust levels).

Led by

Brian Beal, Education Consultant