A message from the Director

Dear Colleagues,   Welcome back from the Education Team. We do hope that you have all had a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.   To new starters in our church schools, academies and MATs a particular warm welcome. We look forward to working with you.   As we re-engage with work following the holidays. I think it is helpful to do so in the sure knowledge that our work and commitment to the grand project that is education is helping to shape lives and to build communities. If you need a reason to get back to it, hopefully that is motivating.   Also, as we gear up for a new calendar year and academic term let us not lose sight of the fact that we are still in the Christmas period, being in Epiphany; the Christmas story is still playing out. On Sunday we were reading about the visitation of the wise men and the foregrounding in that story of the Easter story through the gift of myrrh. The Christian story moves on next weekend to the baptism of Jesus, another deeply symbolic message for us about new life. For many of us in our church schools and MATs (and in non-Church schools too), the Christian narrative underpins what we do, as the Church of England vision for education puts it, being involved in something that is deeply Christian that serves the common good.   In all our schools in the Diocese of Leeds may the message of living life to the full, of loving and of learning permeate all you do this year. And be encouraged by the language of our diocese which speaks of being confident, of growth, of transformation and of community, all essential qualities as we help in the work of forming lives – both adult and child!   Again, welcome back, have a great term and thanks in anticipation of your commitment and hard work this year.  With best wishes Richard Canon Richard Noake Director of Education

Keeping in touch

The work of the Education Team goes from strength to strength and we continue to get positive feedback on the our work with schools. The vast majority of our schools now buy into the Enhanced Service Plan (our service level agreement) and receive bespoke support from our advisers who work with school leaders, including governors. All of our advisers are experienced and have been headteachers. Providing support across nine local authority areas and working with twelve multi academy trusts gives the team a unique insight into the ever changing educational landscape. Each school has a named adviser who can work with governors by providing support and challenge through bespoke visits and training. Do ask your named adviser about how they can best support your governing board.

Meet Rob Rob Andrews works in the Education Admin Team in our Leeds Office. Rob has many roles, one of which is on the administration of governance matters. It's always good to put a name to a face so if you hear from Rob, this is what he looks like.

News Updates

News comes out around the Christmas period which we sometimes miss out on because we have our 'real lives' to be getting on with. Here are some which may be of interest to governors. Gavin Williamson, the Education Minister, has confirmed that Ofsted are to bring back routine inspections for outstanding schools. Read more here. Ofsted published their initial findings following the first batch of inspections under the new Education Inspection Framework. Read more here. In November the DFE published their latest guidance on Character Education in schools. This guidance is for school leaders and teachers considering the rationale for character education and personal development, and the practicalities of provision and delivery. You can find it here. The Higher Education Policy Institute has published a report on learning additional languages. Details here. A report from the BBC found that pupils in some of the poorest regions of England are losing out because parents cannot afford to fill a funding shortfall with donations. Read more here. You will be aware that Ofsted’s new approach to inspection includes ‘deep dives’ into subject areas. Governors are not expected to complete deep dives but, should you wish to understand the rationale, Ofsted have produced a video resource to explain their thinking. You can view it here. On the subject of deep dives. Many of our schools across the diocese are small rural schools. Ofsted produced an update on their view of deep dives in schools such as this back in October. Details here. In another publication, Ofsted released figures stating that 415 schools, serving 210,000 pupils, that haven’t been judged ‘good’ or better since 2006. As a result Ofsted wants to run “non-judgemental” and longer inspections to support “stuck” schools to improve – claiming the current “carousel of consultants” and government initiatives aren’t working. Read more here.

Governor Support- a series of training events

'Very useful, inspiring and an excellent learning opportunity' 'Superb' 'Informative' 'Friendly delivery' 'Excellent and challenging, it's a shame not all our governors were present!' Clear and precise information, well structured, appropriate to all my governors' 'Lots of really useful nuggets! Thank you.' These are examples of the very positive feedback we have had from schools who have already accessed this training. This is your last chance to book for this year. There are three sessions this year: Wednesday 15th Jan 6-8.30pm Wednesday 1st April 6-8.30pm Wednesday 17th June 6-8.30pm This is your last chance to book: Further information here on our Governor Support Series of training. Or contact info.ed@leeds.anglican.org

Training for 2020/21 We are currently putting together our Governor training package for next academic year. If you have any suggestions we would love to hear from you. Please email your ideas to info.ed@leeds.anglican.org.

This term we are also running the following courses which may also be relevant to Governors

Crossing the Threshold: Collective Worship Development Day 22nd January 2020 Church House, Leeds Further information

New SIAMS Framework for Senior Leaders & Governors  13th February 2020 Church House, Leeds Further information

Valuing All God's Children: Equality, diversity and prevention of bullying in a church school context.  18th March 2020 Church House, Leeds Further information

Finally...

© Anglican Diocese of Leeds, 2019 Diocesan Education team Church House, 17-19 York Place, Leeds, LS1 2EX  0113 200 0540 info.ed@leeds.anglican.org www.leeds.anglican.org/education/home Why am I receiving this email? This email from the Diocesan Education Team is sent to those who have asked to receive it by 'subscribing' or who receive it because they have a relationship with the diocese, holding an office or position in a church in the diocese, a church school or access our services through the Enhanced Service Plan. However, if you do not wish to continue to receive these emails, simply use the 'Unsubscribe' button below.  Under no circumstances are email addresses shared with third parties.