Hampshire Governors' Representative Group
Notes of Meeting
13th December 1995
Present: V Petherick, SE I Stemp, SE
G Hawkes, SW J Bailey, SW
H Deed, NE J Brailsford, SE
E Bishop, NE J Sheriton, Clerk
K Shorey D Jones
A Swann L Handford
D Musty J Cooper
J Brown J Gawthorpe
Apologies: J Patterson, CE J Rowson, CE
E Pryke, SE J Watt, SW
The Chairman welcomed Headteacher and Officer colleagues and
congratulated Hampshire Governor Training Service on their
Charter Mark award.
ACTION
1. Education Budget 96/7 - Update
PC explained that the news was better than feared
because:
- Government had responded to lobby and improved the
financial base;
- in HCC members have education as a top priority.
There were however still difficult decisions to be made
and improvements would need to be resourced from savings
made elsewhere.
HT outlined the proposals going to Policy & Resource
Committee on 18/12/95 (overheads available from Angela
01703 330265). There was still a need to lobby
government to avoid real cuts in 97/98. The position in
97/8 would mean cuts on the government's present figures.
Recommendations to PR (not yet agreed) were that:
Balances and carry forwards would cushion 96/7; and
schools were to be made a priority; the capital programme
should be maintained in 96/7. If P&R accepted a 4.5%
cash increase to schools budgets it would fund pupil
number growth, salary increments and inflation to 2.5%.
Inflation above this would need to be covered by schools.
2. Head's Conferences Budget Priorities
a) Special Schools. Lesley Handford made the presentation.
Special schools covered the same range of
responsibilities as their mainsteam colleagues but had
increased responsibilities arising from statements and
the need to work closely with professionals in other
fields. They were looking for provision in the budget to
cover:
* teacher release to carry out additional
professional duties particularly in the areas
of curriculum leadership and monitoring.
* supply cover for special schools assistants
* cover for long-term sick leave/maternity for
special school assistants.
Savings could be made in the budget for 'out-county'
placements if county special school expertise was
developed in areas of specialism.
In reply to a question it was established that special
school provision for MLD was decreasing whilst EBD & PD
were increasing.
b) Primary Schools. Primary heads emphasised the growing
recognition both locally and nationally of the historic
underfunding of primary education. HCC was currently
working with heads to establish the true cost of
education from Yr R to Yr 11. Primary heads were looking
for national funding based on real need. They would like
budget provision that would enable them to focus on Early
Years education as a means to improving children's
achievement in particular to address:
* adult/child ratios
* children's literacy and numeracy
* additional monitoring and support time
Schools should continue to be given the message to plan
budgets carefully but spend the money on the purposes for
which it was voted.
Savings could be made if inevitable
in school transport
catering
discretionary exceptions
contingency funds
awards
cuts in interest on school balances
School budgets should be protected at all costs.
In answer to a question it was suggested that there was
anecdotal evidence from HTs questioned about balances
that GBs are reluctant to spend.
c) Secondary Schools. Secondary heads wanted to put on
record:
Education is underfunded nationally
Secondary education is suffering
- many schools have deficit budgets
- many have used reserves
- further cuts will damage children
Secondary education is more expensive because
- it needs specialist provision and facilities
- sophisticated equipment
- technical support
To continue towards curriculum led staffing will cost an
extra £21.5 million.
- secondary schools already overspend the allocation
for teaching and support staff
- secondary balances are low and reducing
- IT requirements are increasing
In answer to a question it was estimated that secondary
schools spend in excess of 80% of their budget on
staffing.
The Chairman thanked the heads and officers for their
presentations and they left the meeting.
3. HGRG Budget Priorities 96/7
Eileen Bishop was welcomed from the NE Division to her
first meeting.
The HGRG delegation to the Budget Consultation meeting on
8/1/96 - 1.30 p.m. to 1.55 p.m. would be
John Brailsford SE
Hugh Deed NE
John Bailey SW
JBd would draft the submission following this meeting and
circulate it via JS to all HGRG members. Those present
should make comments and amendments to the draft to JBd.
Those not present can advise John of any views but, as
they did not hear the presentations, their comments may
not be acted upon.
JBd/All
It was agreed that HGRG budget submission should have a
specifically governor focus and should cover the
following areas:
- education is underfunded
- budget priority should be given to schools
- LMS formula should be radically reviewed
- work should continue on reducing school balances
- separate the earmarked from the unearmarked
balances
- funding for SN especially in the early years
- pump priming if necessary to reduce SEN out county
placements.
4. GEST 96/7 JS explained the Gest changes and their impact
on schools.
HGRG endorsed HCC proposals for the distribution of GEST
to maximise the amount of money going to all schools and
minimise that which was ring fenced. When the HCC
settlement was known HGRG would be prepared to make
representations to the Secretary of State if the position
was as bad as was feared.
5. Any Other Business
a) A draft leaflet "Say No to Vouchers" jointly produced by
HCC, HGRG and the Hampshire Federation of Parent Teacher
Associations was circulated and approved. JS to copy the
draft to absent HGRG members with a note saying HGRG have
approved it.
b) Ian Stemp reported the outcomes of the Portsmouth Patch
meeting with PCC lead officer for LGR. Portsmouth were
proposing the following arrangements:
- inspection provision by PCC with specialism bought
in from HCC
- Ed Psychs - PCC
- Admissions/Exclusions - PCC
- Library service - PCC
- Music service - PCC
- Hazardous Pursuits - HCC
- County Supplies - PCC and HCC
- Governor Support & Training - PCC
- BLISS - PCC
IS was concerned that governors had played little or no
part in discussions to date and the lead was being taken
by heads.
c) HD circulated copies of a letter from Martin Corrick and
the CEOs reply concerning the Governor Recruitment
booklet. A draft letter
to the Vice Chancellor of Southampton University from
HGRG was discussed and subject to agreed amendments would
be sent on HGRG paper by the chairman.
d) Governor Access to Inspection Reports - JS to ask for
this as an agenda item for CGF next term when HGRG would
like an update on the position
JS
e) Patch Minutes on Hantsnet. JS to write to Patch Chairmen
noting that some patches already using HANTSNET facility
for minutes
and encouraging consideration at meetings of whether
patch minutes should be included on Hantsnet.
JS
f) HGRG - Governor Conference - HD had agreement from IBM to
support a conference which could be sited at either
Hursley or Cosham. HGRG endorsed the idea and HD would
pursue the matter with HCC and IBM. Apr/May 96 was
suggested as appropriate. HD to discuss with JW.
HD
The meeting closed at 9.00 p.m.
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