In this edition:
- Board meetings at this time
- Monitoring during restrictions
- Appraisal of the Headteacher
- Admissions
- School Inspections
- Senior Leaders' Briefing
- Education Team News
- ESP Online - coming soon
- Governor Vacancies
- Additional Updates
- Upcoming Training
Board meetings at this time
Our advice to governing boards continues to be to prioritise providing support to school leaders and staff where needed, to allow them to get on with operational matters.
School leaders are rightly placing their focus on supporting the well-being of pupils and staff. We advise boards to be aware of the additional pressure and workload faced by school leaders at this time as they seek to steer school through this highly dynamic and demanding period.
A recent article by a headteacher in The Guardian gives an insight into the life of school leaders at this time. You can read it here.
Boards should;
- continue to hold meetings virtually.
- stick to those matters of statutory compliance.
- use the delegated role of the chair where necessary.
- ensure all decisions are minuted.
- make the most of the expertise of professional clerks.
Some boards are continuing to meet face to face. We advise against this as it increases the risk to individuals and the school as a whole. An individual governor having difficulty accessing a meeting virtually is not a reason for the whole board to meet, for example some of our schools have set aside a 'Covid-safe' room for a governor to get online access to a meeting.
Monitoring at this time
It has been brought to our attention that some boards are being given advice that governor monitoring, in the way we used to know it, should resume this term. Tasks such as virtual tours of schools and interviews with pupils have been suggested. Our advice is that this isn't appropriate at this time, school leaders are rightly focussing on keeping schools open and supporting the well-being of pupils and staff and we would urge boards to consider whether previous monitoring activities are essential at this time. There are questions which the board can be asking in relation to the current context at their meetings. If you would like support as to how this should be approached contact your named adviser.
Headteacher Appraisals - book your External Adviser now
The latest DFE guidance requires governing boards ‘to use their discretion and take pragmatic steps, to adapt performance management and appraisal arrangements to take account of the current circumstances’. It is recognised nationally that the current circumstances will mean it is highly unlikely that staff, including school leaders, will meet some if not all of their appraisal targets.
All of our team are approaching their work on headteacher appraisal with care and pragmatism, prioritising wellbeing and ensuring governors are well supported in providing a worthwhile and supportive appraisal process. Speak to your named adviser if you wish to use the Diocese to provide external advice or contact info.ed@leeds.anglican.org. Don't forget that for schools in the ESP there is a saving of 40% on this support.
School Admissions
An admissions briefing paper was sent out last week to all schools who are their own admissions authority. It includes guidance on statutory timelines for policy review. For those that missed it you can read it here.
School Inspections
Routine Ofsted and SIAMS inspections will continue to be suspended until at least January 2021. Ofsted have started to carry out visits to schools. We held a well regarded Ofsted briefing for schools this week. If you are unsure of the expectations of these interim visits, further details can be found here.
Senior Leaders' Briefing
We were joined by over fifty colleagues for our Senior Leaders' Briefing last week and we have since received very positive and helpful feedback. The next briefing will be held on Wednesday 27th January 6pm - 7pm, put the date in your diary.
Education Team News
Most schools have bought into the Enhanced Service Plan (ESP) already this year. With costs held again for the forthcoming year the package is even better value. As well as up to three half days of support, schools which join the Enhanced Service Plan can access training at a 40% reduction, free network meetings and external support for headteacher performance management at a reduced cost. Please check that your school has bought into the package, your subscription not only supports your school but also the wider family of church schools. It is this buy in from so many of you that allows us to support schools in times of crisis or through recruitment processes at little or no cost.
Our team are visiting schools, where school risk assessments allow, or meeting virtually to support school leaders. This includes governors, should you wish to access support for your governing board then don't hesitate to get in contact with your named adviser.
We are increasingly asked to provide the full breadth of school improvement support, beyond supporting church school distinctiveness, and act as school improvement partner to our schools. This is a service which we can provide, you can read more here.
