Hampshire Governors' Representative Group
Notes of Meeting
11th June 1997
Present: M Powell (NF) T Tillman (FT)
E Bishop (FT) V Petherick (FT)
J Brailsford (HT) P High (WI)
B Bailey (WI) J Watt (NF)
H Deed (FT)
P Coles (Director of Education - item 3)
A Smith (Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services -
item 1)
J Clarke (Assistant Director, Inspection and Advice - item 2)
J Sheriton - Clerk
Part 1
1. Architects Services - Andrew Smith (Director) outlined
the shape of the service following its re-organisation
and grouping in the Property, Business and Regulatory
Services Directorate. There is now a dedicated team to
manage schools' business with Property Services.
Overheads outlining the main points of the presentation
are attached to these minutes.
Discussion focused on the concerns voiced by governing
bodies at local forum meetings about the involvement of
governors in building projects and the lack of
supervision by Architects Department of contractors on
site as building work progressed. Andrew Smith was aware
of concerns and the service restructuring would go some
way to addressing them. Building options, design, plans
and any school budget contribution was subject to
governing body approval and timescales and project
management issues were agreed with schools. HGRG members
felt governors were not clear what information they had a
right to expect during the implementation phase of
project work nor of the extent to which the could
influence decisions taken at this stage. Andrew Smith
was looking to the new structure of school designated
teams to strengthen the partnership with governing bodies
and ensure that projects met the needs of both school and
county council. Andrew was thanked for his contribution.
2. Inspection Services - John Clarke (Chief Inspector)
outlined the changes to HIAS since he had been appointed.
The service had been re-focused on its major role of
ensuring and supporting continuous improvement in
Hampshire schools. There would be less Ofsted work
undertaken and the new attached inspector role was being
introduced. Overheads outlining the presentation are
attached to these minutes.
Discussion centred on school performance data, the role
of the attached inspector and the nature of the annual
report on each school. Concerns were voiced about the
more intangible elements of good schooling which were not
easily measurable such as ethos, personal, moral,
cultural and social education. Attached inspectors will
comment on ethos in the report and will draw on the
growing body of national research evidence in these
areas. The aims and objectives of the attached inspector
role had been discussed with heads through the Heads
Conference networks and an explanation of the role has
now been sent to schools - a copy is attached to these
minutes. The Annual Reports will be general and will not
raise any potential conflicts with governors role in
disciplinary matters. John was thanked for his input.
3. The Educational Future - Peter Coles explored with HGRG
the likely impact on education of the political changes
at national and local level. The new administration in
Hampshire was committed to education and had already
allocated additional budget to schools. They will want
an education service in the county which is forward
thinking and high achieving.
Central government will publish a major education White
Paper in late June and this would be followed by a period
for consultation. Nursery Vouchers would cease at the
end of the summer and Hampshire would be funded to
provide places for 4 year olds in partnership with the
voluntary and independent sectors through its Early Years
Development Plan.
Funding for education continues to be a major concern.
Central government is committed to maintaining a fixed
total budget and moving money around within it. There is
speculation that they may be prepared to end budget
capping in the 98/9 financial year. There may be small
spin offs from the welfare to work proposals in respect
of disaffected pupils and the switch of money to the
reduction of class sizes in infants schools.
GM schools are likely to become "Foundation Schools" and
funded along with other maintained schools on an equal
basis. There will be co-ordinated admissions
arrangements.
KS2 is likely to be a focus of interest.
As far as teachers are concerned there is likely to be a
continuing interest in improving the quality of teaching
and a more systematic approach to further professional
qualifications, induction and development arrangements.
The debate about 16-19 education is likely to continue
and issues of price and quality of VI forms will be part
of that.
Peter was thanked for his input.
Part 2
4. Apologies. Ian Christie, Joyce Knight
5. Notes of 3rd February were agreed as a correct record.
6. Matters Arising
- the clerk was asked to check that HGRG constitution
was on
Hantsnet. (Post meeting note - It is).
JS
- following Andrew Smith's presentation HGRG agreed
that he should be asked to consider producing a
document which could be given to the governing body
at the outset of a building project outlining what
can be expected and what the governing body is
entitled to.
HD/JS
- Report back of HGRG/Heads March meeting
Hugh Deed referred to the notes of what had been a
very useful meeting. Governor Services had been
asked to suggest that governing bodies deal with
their forum rep annually in the Autumn term at the
same time as they elect Chairman and Vice Chairman
and TLG.
JS
HGRG were not in a position to impose arrangements
on local forums but would wish to establish and
spread good practice. Local forum
constitutions/aims/objectives to be sent by HGRG
reps to Hugh Deed.
All
The next meeting was set for 9/7/97.
- Report Ofsted/DfEE Annual Governors Conference
Peter High reported. There had been 130 delegates,
the majority governors and 20 heads.
The conference had been opened by Robin Squire.
Chris Woodhead/Elizabeth Passmore had talked about
the messages coming from Ofsted [1 in 7 primary
heads are poor leaders; numeracy and IT equipment
are poor].
Heather DuQuesnay, CEO Lambeth talked of the need to
strike a balance between failing schools and good
schools. She highlighted what she saw as the key
role of governors at
the sharp end of action.
Input from Pauline Latham (GMS) was not well
received by delegates.
Prof. David Reynolds drew comparisons between
governors role in the UK and other countries.
Martyn Cribb (HMI) outlined the expectations of
governors to be critical friends, strategic planners
and the focus of accountability.
The presentation from a Headteacher and Chairman of
Governors of a failed Lambeth school outlined how
they had gone about putting the school back on the
right lines.
- Report back from CLEA 26/2/97
John Brailsford reported. This had been a 1 day
event made up principally of councillors and LEA
officers. Governors were not numerous. The
conference concentrated on improving standards with
input from Ted Wragg urging caution about
measurement; Robin Squire, Don Foster, Peter
Kilfoyle from the 3 main political parties; a
Director of Education from Nottingham on the role of
the LEA and an item on supported school self-review
from Kent.
7. Headteacher Recruitment, Induction and Development
Jim Watt reported on the meeting with John Wakeling
against the papers which had been circulated. Following
discussion it was agreed that John Brailsford would pass
to John Wakeling the HGRG view that there should be one
recruitment document for both governors and officers not
the two currently planned. There was information in the
officers document that governors would find very useful.
All documents should be made available to governors at
the start of the process.
JB
HGRG felt that governors should be involved in
discussions of the revision of appraisal processes.
8. Representing Hampshire Governors
Jim Watt would further
amend this in the light of discussions. In
particular emphasising the Area rather than the
patch in the diagram and in the text. The money for
reprinting was agreed.
9. Selection of HGRG Officers 97/8
Hugh Deed indicated that he had been Chair of HGRG since
its inception and it was now time for him to stand down.
During
discussion John Brailsford and Jim Watt both indicated
that they would not be able to find the time. Peter High
felt that he was too new and lacked the office support
systems necessary. In the absence of any progress the
matter was deferred to the next meeting.
JS
Agenda
10. Area/Patch Items
Fareham & Gosport Area - HGRG agreed to refer the areas
concerns over capital funding to the National Governors
Council and also express concern at the apparent lack of
response to the e-mail address
JB/HD
(Done)
11. County Governor Forum - Draft Agenda
This was accepted with no amendments or additions. The
Clerk was to ask whether the new Chairman of Education
might make a statement outlining the new administration's
initial thinking on any policy changes which may affect
Hampshire governors.
JS
12. Chairs Items - None
13. Education Committee Items - In the absence of an HGRG
nominee there was nothing to report.
14. Treasurer's Items - John Brailsford proposed a budget for
97/8 of £7500 which was adopted.
15. Review Matters to Communicate - deferred
16. Any Other Business - none
17. Draft dates of future meetings - These were agreed.
HGRG CGF
Autumn Term
Wednesday 22nd October 1997 Thursday 6th November 1997
Budget Meeting
Thursday 11th December 1997
Spring Term
Monday 23rd February 1998 Wednesday 11th March 1998
SummerTerm
Wednesday 10th June 1998 Thursday 25th June 1998
The meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.
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