ROSE BRIDGE ACADEMY
LOCALGOVERNING BODY
Meeting of the LocalGoverning Body
Held on Tuesday 1st December 2015, 5.30 pm
Autumn Term 2015 (2)
MINUTES
GOVERNORS PRESENT: Mrs C Clothier, Mr I Davies, Mr P Harmer (Chair), Mrs D Wood (Headteacher), Mrs J Wood (Vice Chair), Mr J Pugh, Mr J Morgan, Mr J Nicholson
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr L Fazackerley (Deputy Headteacher)
Mr P Scarborough (Deputy Headteacher)
Mrs T Connolly (Assistant Leader - English)
Mrs J Jones (Business Manager)
Mrs Y Gaskell (Clerk to the Governing Body)
- APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Received from Sue Darbyshire.
1b. POSITIVE THOUGHTS
The following positive thoughts were noted:
- School performance of We Will Rock You – several Governors had attended the performance and praised the students and staff.
- Y7/Y8 Rugby team victories in recent cupmatches.
- Visit to the U21’s Manchester United v Liverpool match at Leigh Sports Village on 30.11.15
- Perfect Week – The Headteacher explained that we had been the host school for all secondary schools in the Local Authority. A number of agencies had been into school working with students and families. This had enabled the Academy to develop good relationships with new people/agencies. A full report would be circulated duly.
- ITEMS TO BE INCLUDED UNDER ANY OTHER BUSINESS
None declared.
- DECLARATION OF PERSONAL, PREJUDICIAL OR PECUNIARY INTEREST
None declared.
- HEADTEACHERS TERMLY REPORT
The Headteacher presented her report and explained:
Following further disputes with users and residents the decision had been made to close the Sports Centre in the evenings.Two complaints had been received from Hirers and the local press had been involved however, this was now resolved. The date of closure had been set for the 14.12.15 but due to problems with floodlights and flooding on the MUGA, all bookings in respect of this facility had already been cancelled.
4.1 External ‘mock’ of DfE monitoring visit report
- Sue Darbyshire had visited school alongside Mr D Burnett to conduct a mock DfE visit and the outcomes were detailed in theAction Plan. The main outcomes were:
a)It had been decided that the Academy would seek to appoint a new School Improvement Partner. The current officer, Damian Roach, had been in place prior to the appointment of the Headteacher and Jack Pugh and Jim Nicholson had advised that the partner should ideally be changed every 3-4 years. This was agreed.
b)The need for additional training in Maths and English Leadership had been identified. Both members of staff had attended Leadership Training. Further training would involve visits to other schools and investigation to identify other training and development opportunities was currently being carried out.
c)Inconsistencies in marking for Teaching & Learning. Jenni Machaj to review policies, and weekly visits to every class to monitor marking had been put into place.
4.2 Staffing Update
The changes to staffing were discussed asper the HT report. Amendments had been made to the Admin staff to cover the maternity leave of HL. Currently the academy has no vacancies.
4.3 School Achievement (including Progress and Attainment)
Results were shared again through the HTs report. The gap for disadvantaged students had narrowed. With current predictions, there is an improving trend. The Raise On Line data had now been received (02/12/15) however, some of this data was misleading as it had taken into account one pupil who had been the victim of a fatal accident early in the year, one student who should have been disappliedand others who were non-attenders as a direct result of this incident. The Headteacher had raised this with the Local Authority who had access to the results checking of Rose Bridge High School.
Q: Would this be resolved before the validation of the Raise Online report? (PS)
A: The Headteacher was unsure but it may be unlikely.
A copy of the full report would be annotated and discussed in detail at the next Governors meeting.
4.4Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment in the School
This item was marked as confidential. Further information in Confidential Items.
4.5Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare
Data on fixed term inclusion showed the following for 2014-15:
1 fixed term exclusion – RBA 1.62%, National Average 3.68%
2 or more fixed term exclusion – RBA 0.16%, National Average 1.34%.
Attendance figures remained in line with national average. Persistent absence triggers are to be reduced to 10%, previously 15%. Academy attendance is currently 95.8%. PA 2014-15 is 1.8% which is well below national average.
We have received 155 first choice applications from current Y6 pupils and further late applications were still expected. Although the Pupil Admission Number was 150 it was decided that we should stay with the 155 as an official figure but extend it to 160 if necessary. This was agreed.
Q: Had there previously been a request from the LA for an extra 30 places? (JN)
A: Yes but this could potentially mean a significant rise in whole school population, so a staged approach would be taken towards this. Feel that our strength is as a small school.
Q: Is there a reason for the rise in intake numbers? (ID)
A: Several factors mainly that the dip in school age population had risen this year, 2
newhousing estates had been built in the vicinity, Open Evening 2015 and the fact that
ourchildren are such good ambassadors were thought to have contributed.
There are currently 9 students on Child Protection plans. The CLA report was shared. This shows 10 students, there are two students on Child Protection plans who are currently living with relatives but expected to be taken into care in the near future, therefore this would increase the number of CLA by 2.
4.6Effective Leadership and Management
Governors were advised that the information in this section of the report may be amended as a result of the Raise Online report. Any changes would be notified at the next Governing body meeting.
4.7Pupil Premium Action Plan
The Headteacher had been in contact with the LA School Improvement Consortia and requested an external review. A meeting would take place on Thursday 3rd December.
JN (Pupil Premium Governor) confirmed that he was meeting with Carla Grady on Monday 7th December15.
A report on the outcome of both of these would be presentedat the next meeting of the governing body.
4.8PiXLand Doddle
Paul Scarborough and Lee Fazackerley delivered an in depth presentation on PiXL and Doddle(copy attached). PS explained that this scheme is similar to the SSAT whereby members share good practice. 50% of schools are involved in PiXL nationwide. LF reported that Doddle links with PiXL but due to a later inception date, is currently running 12 months behind. It is a tool that has been devised to help with grading and target setting in view of the new ‘life without levels’ system. It can be tailored to individual curriculums within school and provides resources and tests to support this curriculum. Reporting to parents will be more detailed and informative as a result. An inset day is to take place on the 4th January 2016 which is dedicated to Doddle.
Q: As Doddle is primarily online based, are we confident that all students have access to the internet at home? (JN)
A: Not all students do have access however, the resource can be accessed via mobile telephones. Within the Academy, the IT department are currently ensuring that all classrooms have adequate equipment to work effectively and access to the internet is available to all students at break and lunchtimes and before and after school. Students can access the REC room.(PS)
Q: When do we envisage Doddle to be fully operational? (JN)
A: September 2016 (LF)
4.9 Draft SEF for Governors
The Headteacher distributed a copy of the school annual self-evaluation cycle and a copy of the Self Evaluation booklet for Governors and advised that a copy of the latter would be updated termly in future. A governor requested that future copies be dated on the front cover in future, this was noted and agreed.
- SEN REPORT AND LOCAL OFFER
Chris Clothier presented her report and explained that:
a)Two Y11 students had recently had their statements converted to EHC plans in preparation for further education. Mark Farrell from the LA had attended transfer reviews.
b)The Y7 early lunch arrangement for SLC was working well and was to be reviewed in January16. In addition, both the breakfast club and lunchtime clubs numbers had increased dramatically. The breakfast club had been funded by Pupil Premium for the past 18 months and now had approximately 20 students attending regularly.
c)Maths and English group sizes for Years 7 & 8 within the SLC were no more than 15 with four adult supervisors. This had enabled Janet Burrows to use her Maths recovery training in more depth.
d)The Local Offer (SEN report) was agreed and will be shared with parents and students before the final version was posted on the website.
- PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT REVIEW
This item was marked as confidential. Further information in Confidential Items.
- FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
7.1 The Business Manager referred to the budget information that had been circulated in advance of the meeting. She reported that there were no concerns with the current
budget. The increase on roll, as previously mentioned, would have a positive impact on
the new budget in September 2016.
All pay progressions had been implemented as recommended for the Teaching staff and backdated to the 01/09/15 and all increments due in April 16 had been built in for support staff.
Reference was made to the staff changes that had taken place and were contained in the report.
Adjustments had been made to the budget headings as a result of the closure of the Community Lettings facility on the 11th December 2015.
Energy budget – we have queried the fact that we haven’t received any Gas Bills as yet. The Energy Conservation unit were looking into this for us.
It had been a good decision to buyback into the LA Managed Maternity Leave Scheme due to the number of staff that we have had on maternity leave during this financial year.
The following virement was requested within the Reprographics Budget as a result of the lease of the photocopiers:
Credit H010 D1Y £4020.00 (Leased equipment)
Debit H010 D5B £4020.00 (Reprographics)
This would help with Consistent Financial Reporting (CFR) reporting
The virement was approved by the Governors
Pupil Premium Grant – we had been invited by the LA to take part in a trial to provide more accurate information to ensure that students who were entitled to a free school meal could claim one and in turn this would provide accurate records for Pupil Premium funding. Parents/Carers had been asked to complete a form. A meeting was schedule for the 03/12/15. Feedback of the impact of the trial would be reported back to the Governors.
Discussion took place about the use of the 5% Top Slicing that was retained in a holding account by the Trust. The Business Manager would arrange to meet with the Financial Director at Platt Bridge Community School in January 2016 to discuss the best way to record this financially for CFR purposes.
DFC funding had been used to support the refurbishment projects that had taken place over summer.
Bank interest figure had been reviewed based on the current levels and the Business Manager had also requested bank income from the LA based on the balances that they had held for us.
The estimated balances figure would be adjusted as a result of the year end adjustments that would be carried out by Haines Watts Accountants. The budget would be reviewed as a result.
7.2 The limit on reporting write offs was now £500.00 in line with CFAT Financial Regulation Manual. As a result there was nothing to report.
7.3 The audit of voluntary funds had been completed and balanced. They accounts were given to Haines Watts during their visit to school. The balance figure was£1271.69.
7.4 The levels of financial delegation had been approved by CFAT and had been presented at the previousGoverning Body meeting 29.09.15.
7.5 Review of Scheme of Financial Regulations – approved by CFAT and presented at last
Governing Body meeting. Liaison with Michelle Frost re: expenditure limits and approval
of contracts, wording relating to Job Titles and Responsibilities, tendering
procedures/quotes, petty cash, fixed assets/loan of assets is ongoing. A meeting will take place with Michelle to discuss and amend as necessary to reflect the requirements of RBA
7.6 Notification of Suppliers – checked and signed by the Chair.
7.7 Audit Update –Haines Watts auditors had been in school week commencing
09.11.15 and we are currently awaiting their report. The visit appeared to go well and we were able to provide them with all of the information that they required. During the visit they
requested information on the Building and Asset figures on transfer to Academy.
These were provided by the LA Insurance Section and were as follows:
Buildings £22,163,139,54
Contents £2,686,121.95
Total: £24, 849,261.49.
Work was still required on the Year End adjustments by the accountants for our Year End returns.TheBusiness Manager will provide a report to Governors when it is available.
The Business Manager also reported that the Haines Watts auditors had praised the work of the Finance Team and in particular our Payroll records saying that they were the best of the seven academies that they had recently visited. Positive comments were also made about the
invoice records that were in place. The Governing Body asked that their congratulations be passed on to the team.
The Responsible Officer (Michael Prior) visited the academy on the 26/11/15.The focus of the visit this time was: Payroll, Banking and ICT systems.
Positive commentswere made during the visit with one recommendation that we provide review dates on all our policies.
7.8 Approval of Risk Register for RBA –Provides information on risk management and
ensuringsound systems are in place. Template provided by Platt Bridge and amended to
reflect the needs of RBA.
The Risk Register was approved by the Governing Body.
- POLICIES FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL
LA Safeguarding Model Policy updated – The Headteacher explained the slight changes that had been made to the original Policy and a copy of the updated one was circulated. This reflected the changes made by RBA to include more up to date guidance around FGM, CSE, and radicalisation. Governors agreed to adopt the LA policy.
- GOVERNOR REPORTS
Jim Nicholson advised that he had attended Safeguarding Training and the Performance Management Review Meeting Training. He had a meeting scheduled with Carla Grady at the Academy for Monday 7th December15 to discuss Pupil Premium.
The Headteacher requested that any Governors attending training inform the Clerk via
email in order to keepourrecords updated.
- ITEMS REQUESTED FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE LA
Asset Management –school plan currently being redrawn due to building work.
Changes to Persistent Absence Measure – discussed under ‘Headteachers Report’
Governors noted the revised Ofsted Framework – updated September 2015.
- GOVERNING BODY MINUTES
The minutes of the previous meeting, which had been circulated in advance,were approved and signed by the Chair of the Governing Body. There were no matters arising.
- APPROVAL OF SCHOOL VISITS
Poland/Auschwitz Easter 2016 – The Headteacher outlined the main details of the trip. Three members of staff would be accompanying the students (Jill Robinson, Helen Wilton and Tony Machaj) and whilstfree teacher places had been given by the tour operator the decision had been taken that the Academy would fund the three teacher places and the free places would be used to reduce the amount that the students would have to pay. The trip will take place over the Easter Break with only the use of one school day being required.
- CORRESPONDENCE
None received.
- ANY OTHER BUSINESS
None declared.
- CONFIDENTIALITY
The Headteacher requested that the information relating to Performance Management and Staffing Changes be marked as Confidential.
- DATES OF NEXT MEETINGS
9TH February 2016
15th March 2016
10th May 2016
5th July 2016
CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS:
4.9Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment in the School
Quality of Teaching and Learning had been judged at 80% performing at good or better. A very small number of staff were currently on support plans and were all engaged and making good progress. One member of staff who had been deemed inadequate had subsequently left the Academy on mutually agreed terms. Academy Review observations had verified the figures.
- PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT REVIEW
A meeting of the Pay and Review Committee had taken place on the 2nd November 2015. All recommendations were accepted and agreed and taken to the Board for final confirmation. The Board agreed to all of the recommendations and pay awards had been implemented and back dated to 1st September 2015.