SCALBY SCHOOL
Governing Body Meeting
Wednesday 10th December 2014 at 5.00pm.
Item / Minute / Action /FGB
14/16 / Attendance. Individuals present shown in bold type.
Local Authority Governors Mr J Scoble (JS) (Chair), Mr R Cannon (RC), (V Chair), Mr A Backhouse(AB)
Community Governors Mr M Goode (MG), Mrs S Williamson (SW), Mr P Noble (PN).
Parent Governors Mrs S Hartley (SH), Mr G Casper (GC), Mr A Newton (AN), Mr A Robson (AR), Mrs C Wareing (CW).
Staff Governors Mr D Read (DR) (Head Teacher), Mrs S Cammish (SC), Mr C Robertson (CR)
School staff M McCluskie (MM), (Deputy Head Teacher), Mr B Evans (Assistant Head Teacher), Mrs M Garfield (MG2) (Assistant Head Teacher) Mr N Penn (NP).
Clerk Mr. R Hobson (RH)
FGB
14/17 / Meeting with staff
Governors had attended an informal meeting with staff prior to the commencement of this meeting. It had been a useful and enjoyable occasion.
FGB
14/18 / Apologies for absence
Apologies had been received from Mr Newton and Mrs Williamson.
FGB
14/19 / Declaration of interest
To invite members to declare any interest in matters which are the subject of, or are connected with, any item of business on the agenda. No declarations were made.
FGB
14/20 / Confidential agenda items
To consider if an agenda item needs to be treated as confidential and excluded from the published minutes. None selected
FGB
14/21 / Minutes of the last meeting. (Previously distributed)
The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 10th September 2014 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
FGB
14/22 / Matters arising from the minutes not otherwise covered on this agenda.
FGB14/9 2
The committee terms of reference used by the Governing Body had been previously circulated to governors. The documents now require minor alterations to reflect the changed cycle for the re-approval of policies. The Chair and Head Teacher agreed to liaise to make these amendments.
This had been completed and the revised document would be circulated to governors.
FGB14/10 1.3
The 5A*-C including maths and English result was 58%, below both the Fischer Family Trust (D) of 65% and below last year when it was 65%. The main reason for the reduced scores had been national changes to the English assessments implemented at short notice. This had been previously reported to the Governing Body. This has provided considerable volatility in the national scores, with many schools falling short of previous years, and some exceeding previous scores. Governors noted that it would be useful to compare the changes in English scores at Scalby with schools in similar situations. This should be possible through Raise on line.
The Head Teacher confirmed that raise on line had been recently published
Analysis for presentation to the Governing Body was not yet complete. However, the comparison was not as bad as seemed possible. The analysis would be ready in time for presentation at the committee meetings in January. This would also be the meeting at which the governors would receive their data packs and additional information that would be useful for both the Ofsted practice exercise, and future live inspections. / Clerk
Head
Clerk
FGB
14/23 / Governor Committees Receive reports from committees held since the last Full Governing Body Meeting. (Previously distributed). Meetings of both committees had been held on 15th October and 19th November. The Chairs of both committees introduced the minutes and hi-lighted the key issues. Relevant updates were provided. Governors had an opportunity to review any matters recorded in the minutes.
1. Finance and General Purposes Committee.
1.1. Matters covered were: -
o Budget monitoring
o Budget planning and resource allocation formula
o Health and safety reports
o Premises development projects.
o Policy reviews
o Budget management
o Performance management and appraisal
o Health and Safety
o Pay
o Approval of overseas educational visits
1.2. The following update was now provided: -
1.2.1. Educational visits
1.2.1.1. Governors agreed to move the annual report on this item from the autumn term to the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting in June. The activities for the year would be completed by then. The annual review cycle would need to be amended.
2. School Improvement Committee
2.1. Matters covered were: -
o Data on attendance, exclusions, bullying, and racist incidents
o Self Evaluation Form
o Policy reviews
o Inclusion
o Literacy
o Homework
o Quality assurance
o Behaviour
o Teaching and Learning report.
o Pupil progress praising stars reports
o Year 11 challenge
o Year 7/8 literacy catch up.
o Head of Year team
2.2. The following update was now provided: -
2.2.1. The Raise on line document includes a report on exclusions by calendar year. This is different to the academic year previously reported to governors. It is therefore currently showing a reduction year on year, which is different to the information previously provided. The reasons for the numbers of exclusions had been previously explained.
2.2.2. Governors re-affirmed their support for the school’s use of necessary exclusions. The maintenance of good order, and a working environment in which students can thrive, is paramount. It is emphasised by many of Ofsted’s own publications and public announcements. Governors with experience of pupil discipline committees dealing with exclusions had frequently commented on the outstanding efforts made by the school to support students to remain within the school.
2.2.3. Whilst reducing exclusions is a legitimate target it cannot be at the expense of the majority. An explanation of the reasons for exclusions has been recorded on several previous occasions. Governors asked for this narrative to be included in the Ofsted preparation pack, so that all may vigorously support the school on this matter.
2.2.4. Anecdotal, evidence from the informal meeting with staff earlier in the evening was that new staff, both experienced and newly qualified, recognised pupil behaviour in this school as outstanding. Governors welcomed this.
2.2.5. Governors had also taken the earlier opportunity to assure staff that their efforts are recognised by the Governing Body. The Praising Stars analysis received by the School Improvement Committee does include the performance of departments, and hi-lights particular achievements.
3. Joint session of both committees
3.1. Matters covered were: -
o School Development Plan
o Staffing update
o Ofsted preparations
o Teaching school hub
o Pupil premium
o Combined Cadet Force
o New web site and video
o Attendance panel meetings
4. Governors were content that the committees had dealt appropriately with all matters. Governors approved the committee reports. / Clerk
Head
FGB
14/24 / Head Teacher report
1. The Head Teacher had previously distributed his report for governors to review. He now hi-lighted and updated certain items, and invited questions and comments.
2. The Head Teacher expressed disappointment that recruitment problems and situations out of the control of the school had again weakened teaching in the English department. Governors noted the arrangements put in place and looked forward to a successful recruitment in early spring.
3. Governors welcomed the strengthening of the science department by the appointment of a lead practitioner.
4. The Head Teacher noted that immersion days and extra curricula activities would assume greater importance in the future. The challenge to keep students engaged with school would increase as reported elsewhere in these minutes. Governors welcomed the activities in the current report.
5. Governors noted that pupil numbers remain high and asked about indications for admissions for next September. The Head Teacher reported that the school was heavily over subscribed with first choices.
FGB
14/25 / Head Teacher items
1. Performance Management report
1.1. The summary report of the pay review committee was shared with governors. Committee members present confirmed that sample documentation had been reviewed and described the process as rigorous and transparent. The Education Development Advisor involved was recommending the Scalby model to other schools.
1.2. Several pay awards had been confirmed. All main scale teachers had been awarded a one point increase. Not all eligible staff had crossed the threshold from UP1 to UP2. Some had missed targets and one had not demonstrated “ a significant contribution to school beyond the classroom”. Governors asked about what happens in those situations. Individuals had been advised how to meet targets and the significant contribution criteria. There is no obligation on staff to move to the UP2 scale.
1.3. Governors thanked the pay review committee for their work.
2. Pupil premium review.
2.1. The representative from a National Support School for Pupil Premium (Roundhay School in Leeds) had visited on 6th November). Her report had arrived just prior to the committee meetings on 19th November and had been shared with governors. Governors had agreed to return to this matter to allow the school to provide a considered response to the report. The Head Teacher now gave a presentation on that response.
2.2. The initial verbal, feedback on the day of the visit had included the following observation; -
o The school was better than they expected.
o They thought the behaviour of students was outstanding and better than Roundhay.
o They were impressed with the commitment of everyone they met.
o The spending plans linked to action planning was the most thorough they had seen.
2.3. The reported hi-lighted that: -
o Low attendance is a cause of under-achievement. At Scalby pupil premium students are twice as likely to be absent as non-pupil premium students.
o Fixed term exclusions are much higher for pupil premium students and lead to absence from lessons and disengagement.
o The Heads of Year could be deployed more effectively.
2.4. The Head Teacher explained the school’s response to the issues hi-lighted. He agreed that attendance for pupil premium students remains an issue, though it is improving. The school are also targeting pupil premium students in interventions where possible. He acknowledged that high fixed term exclusions cannot help pupil premium students, but it is not as significant an issue as suggested in the report. He presented an analysis of the 43 pupil premium students in year 11 last year. 24 were targeted at 5+ A*-C inc. E & M. 12 of them missed that target. But of the 12 only 3 had received exclusions, and only one was a recidivist with 3 or more exclusions.
2.5. The comment about the deployment of the Heads of Year was referring to the need to provide first aid cover on a rota basis. However, this does not stop them working as they have access to a computer terminal and a phone, their basic tools. Governors noted that Heads of Year are likely to recognise, and take a robust view of tactical illnesses!
2.6. The Head Teacher described the strategic response to the recommendations.
o Continue to make attendance a priority and focus intervention on pupil premium students.
o Conduct a whole school review of behaviour aiming to maintain standards yet reduce fixed term exclusions.
2.7. Governors asked what was the key to improving performance of pupil premium students. The Head Teacher re-affirmed the attendance issue, and beyond that it is quality first teaching, and strategic interventions to attempt to fully engage students. Strategies like the year 11 challenge which has started much earlier this year, and uses a range of rewards as encouragement for attendance and engagement. Recent use of standardised reading test suggests there is a possibility that some may have a sufficiently low literacy level to require a reader in some exams. This is being followed up.
2.8. Governors asked if the reading tests are being used across the school. They are now, but it is a recent intervention. Governors also asked about learning styles. The lesson observations are designed to encourage a range of strategies to meet this need.
2.9. Governors noted a recommendation of greater co-operation between the inclusion officer, Heads of Year, and colleagues in the attendance team. The Head Teacher explained that the inclusion officer is a new and developing role. The Senior Leadership Team was aware of, and would take on board the suggestion.
2.10. Governors noted the reference to a difference in attitude to “the children of the estate” as referred to by staff. The Head Teacher expressed surprise at this appearing in the report. It wasn’t his experience. The staff governor present supported this assertion. The Head Teacher agreed to prepare a considered response for the School Improvement Committee.
3. Curriculum review
3.1. The Deputy Head Teacher gave a presentation outlining the revised curriculum model, and the new assessment categories and criteria. These changes have to be implemented over the next 3 years. The presentation is attached to these minutes. A Department for Education document “Progress 8 measures in 2016” is also attached. This describes how the performance of schools will be judged.
3.2. The government have legislated to deliver what is described as an academically rigorous curriculum and assessment regime. It will only apply to English schools. The content has been specified, and in many subject areas restricted. The levels of performance to achieve a “good pass” grade have also been raised due to a mismatch between the former letter delineated grades, and the new numbered grades.
3.3. Governors recognised this is a very challenging situation for schools. The restrictions to content and subject choice, the increased difficulty of linear exams, and higher standards required to achieve a “good pass’, has the potential to cause widespread disengagement by pupils.
3.4. The use of vocational courses has in the past given a considerable boost to the less academic pupils. This has had a positive carry over into the academic subjects. Schools will have a dilemma in future. To direct pupils to the measured subjects that go towards the schools published results. Or to deliver an appropriate curriculum.
3.5. There is no indication so far about how Ofsted would view this matter. At the moment they are data driven. It is wrong that there should be a mismatch between the needs of the school to achieve targets, and the duty to provide an engaging, meaningful, and appropriate curriculum for all students. One of Ofsted’s own publicly stated aims.
3.6. Governors asked about the previously important measure of levels of progress across the Key Stages. This is also difficult to prepare for at the moment. Simultaneous government alterations to the primary curriculum have produced an “assessment system without levels”. There will therefore be no base line from which to judge progress. Requests to the Department for Education to resolve this dilemma are being met with a deafening silence.
3.7. Governors expressed disappointment at the national direction of travel and the inadequate sketch map of how to get there. Governors asked that updates to the preparation for the changes should be a standing agenda item for the School Improvement Committee.
3.8. Governors thanked the Deputy Head Teacher for his comprehensive presentation.
4. Local Authority support for attendance
4.1. The Head Teacher described the work done by the attendance manager and attendance officer. Matters are improving but there is a lot to do. They are currently support by an Education Social Worker employed by the Local Authority but attached to the school. In the new financial year this arrangement will end. The Education Social Workers will be reduced in number, will not be attached to schools, and would work with families requiring support. This is likely to require employing additional part time capacity on the school staff.
4.2. Governors asked if additional funds would be allocated to school. No, the change is a response to very significant budget cuts imposed on the Local Authority by central government. The cost to the school would be in the region of £16k. / Head
Clerk
FGB
14/26 / Urgent Items agreed by the Chair.
The Chair reported that he had been designated as a National Leader in School Governance. A budget had been allocated that he could draw on for his work in support of Governing Bodies. He had carried out some support work in local schools. The Local Authority had indicated that they would make use of his services, but no request had been received so far.
FGB
14/27 / Dates of future meetings
1. Full Governing Body Meetings at 6.30 pm on Wednesdays 25th March and 8th July
2. Committees on Wednesdays 21st January, 4th March, 13th May, and 10th June. Start times will alternate as shown below: -
5.00 pm / 6.45 pm
21-Jan-15 / Fin, Staff & Gen / Sch imp
04-Mar-15 / Sch imp / Fin, Staff & Gen
13-May-15 / Fin, Staff & Gen / Sch imp
10-Jun-15 / Sch imp / Fin, Staff & Gen
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