Hampshire Governors' Representative Group
Notes of Meeting
29th January 1996
Present: J Patterson CE E Bishop NE
C Mar-Molinero SW J Bailey SW
J Brailsford SE I Stemp SE
T Tillman NE G Hawkes SW
J Watt SW H Deed NE
J Sheriton - Clerk
1. Apologies: V Petherick (SE)
2. Notes of Meeting: 19/10/95 were agreed
13/12/95 - C Mar-Molinero was added
to apologies and the notes were agreed.
3. Matters Arising
19/10/95 - Initial Teacher Training - The letter had only
recently been written for which the Clerk apologised. A
reply from LSU was circulated at the meeting (with these
minutes for those not present). When all replies were
received the Clerk would summarise the position in a
paper and Agenda an item.
JS
Nursery Vouchers - leaflets were now available and would
be circulated with these minutes
JS
13/12/95 - Budget Consultation - The presentation had
been well received and action in some areas seemed likely
-benchmarking; LMS formula review. The group were
optimistic that any development which was possible would
target SEN & Early Years.
Emphasis had been placed on the need for careful interpretation of
school balances and the need to move to the next level of
sophistication in recording them to distinguish between good
financial management for planned development and poor financial
management.
Corrick correspondence - a further letter had been
received and the Chairman had written to the Vice-Chancellor.
The Vice Chancellor's reply was circulated (with these minutes for
those not present). A report of the discussion of the issues
raised at Southampton Governors' Forum was given by Clare
Mar-Molinero and John Bailey. HGRG's policy of consulting as
broadly as time allowed was reiterated. No further action was
proposed.
Inspection Reports - Janet Sheriton reported that this
item had not been included on County Forum Agenda following
discussions between Peter Coles and John Brailsford. John
Brailsford reported a conversation with PC concerning HGRG and
Headteacher Conferences and the need to improve relationships.
John understood that Heads' Conferences were against GBs having a
right of access to HIASS Inspection Reports and threatening not to
buy HIASS services if current arrangements were changed. It was
pointed out that whether or not it was HIASS who carried out the
inspection was irrelevant so such action would have no effect on
this matter.
HGRG accepted the need to improve links and relationships with
HT conferences but saw no reason for this item not to be on County
Governor Forum Agenda. Members reiterated the strong view of the
majority of local fora that governor access to reports was a legal
right and underpins GB effective discharge of its statutory
responsibility.
The clerk was to request an item under which the CEO could
clarify the present situation with respect to Inspection
Reports as he sees it and offer advice on improving
relationships between the groups
JS
- Patch Minutes - The Clerk reported that all local fora had
agreed to use the Hantsnet facility for their minutes.
- HGRG Conference - Hugh Deed reported that there had been no
developments since the last meeting. Following discussion it
was agreed that Hugh Deed, John Brailsford, Jim Watt, Clare
Mar-Molinero and Peter Whitmarsh would draft the Aims,
Objectives and programme for the Conference which would now
be planned to take place in October 96.
HD, JBd, JW, CM, PW.
4. HGRG Leaflet - Subject to minor amendments the text was
agreed. Clerk to commission Bob Poulton to edit the layout
and arrange production in 2 colours. Distribution initially
to all governors with next Hampshire Governor. Subsequently
distribution to new governors. A 10,000 to 12,000 printing
run would be necessary. The treasurer put a ceiling of
£3,000 on the project which should be completed this
financial year.
JS
5. Patch Items
Patch B (NE) Resolution on Educational Psychology provision
was discussed. This matter had been discussed last year at
County Governor Forum. HGRG agreed to ask for an item on
this matter to answer the question "Are there insufficient
resources in the Education Psychology Service to meet
statutory requirements and the needs of schools? If so, how
can we get sufficient resources?" As an outcome of this
discussion the clerk was asked whether minutes of the Service
Review Group could be made available to HGRG. (See attached
post-meeting note).
JS
Southampton - Clare Mar-Molinero reported a discussion at
the City Forum which had requested that County Governor Forum
discuss the provision of support for individuals with special
needs to enable full community access to governing body
membership. Following discussion it was agreed that an item
should be included on County Governor Forum Agenda requesting
that:
'The LEA investigate sources of support for individuals with
disabilities to fulfil their role as governors.'
JS
6. County Governor Forum Draft Agenda
Item 6 - HGRG would write to Sec of State following the
County Governor Forum meeting
HD
Item 7 - Co-ordination of support to GBs for headship
appointments Education Officer attendance at GB
meetings were not covered in the draft SLA. Where
these functions lay in the new department's
structure was still unresolved. HGRG agreed that
as a matter of principle all revised SLAs should as
a matter of course identify areas of change from
previous versions.
Item 8 - 16th November is a Saturday - HGRG propose Thursday
7th November. Other dates agreed.
Clerk to produce timetable for HGRG meetings when County Gov
Forum dates are agreed. The HGRG budget meeting in December
was difficult for many. Clerk to discuss with Hilary
Thompson when was the earliest date at which this meeting
could have all relevant information.
JS
7. Chairman's Items - None
8. National Governors Council - No report in Peter Whitmarsh's
absence.
9. Education Committee Items - No report in Eddie Pryke's
absence.
10. Treasurer's Items - John Brailsford reported that £2649.63
had been spent from the £10,000 budget allocation. The Clerk
to provide a county report from FMS for the Treasurer.
JS
11. Review Matters to Communicate
Following County Governors' Forum Jim Watt would draft a note
covering HGRG Conference; Ed. Psychology; Support for
governors with disabilities; Budget; Restructuring.
JW
12. Any Other Business
The papers provided by Heads Conferences for the budget
meeting were very helpful. Clerk to write to Chairs of HT
Conferences expressing thanks of HGRG.
JS
A list of HGRG members contact details to be circulated with
these minutes to HGRG members.
JS
The meeting closed at 8.30 p.m.
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