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2 To share ideas on developing a more supportive governing body to enhance school improvement. This will include: Recognising the need for change Acknowledging school leaders and governors as partners Valuing the expertise of governors Making more use of governors’ knowledge and skills Motivating governors Supporting governor induction Reviewing the structure of the governing body Incorporating governors into school teams Providing governors with a greater understanding Raising the profile of governors Theme of Presentation

3 Our School Large two form entry inner city primary school in west of Gateshead Well resourced facilities Very successful OfSTED in June 2007 … ‘outstanding school’ Consistent high performance in SATs Strong links with community – extended school provision Part of council’s PFI project – new school building in 2008 Governing Body Representatives from a range of professional backgrounds Core group of supportive colleagues Commitment to get more involved and to be more effective Capacity for change and improvement Contextual Background

4 To review the present and plan for the future To enter into professional discourse and learn from others To gain a greater understanding of what is happening elsewhere To share our own vision and aspirations To put our ideas to the test Reasons for Involvement

5 Tomorrow’s Governing Body Destiny “The Result” Dream “The Opportunity” Discovery “The Challenge” Design “The Process”

6 Greater accountability School Workforce Reform Governor recruitment New school School leaders and governors as partners * Team Health Check * Need for Change

7 Vicar, school nurse, councillors, managers etc - finance/management information - project/operations management - citizens advice - retail management - union work - teaching - community work - health service - clerical * Governor’s Profile * Valuing Governors’ Expertise

8 Chairperson skills, management skills, team work etc Sub-committees/working parties e.g. finance and general purposes, health and safety, performance management etc * Matrix Skills Spreadsheet * Making the Most of Governors’ Knowledge and Skills

9 Visit to school Induction pack - Governing body information - School information - Important policies School – Governors’ Contract * Governors’ Induction Pack * Supporting Governor Induction

10 Senior Leadership Team - Headteacher, 2 x Assistant Headteachers, 5 x TLRs, Chair and Vice-chair of Governors Curriculum Teams - TLRs, class teachers, associate staff, link governors * Staffing Structure * Incorporating Governors into School Teams

11 Utilisation of knowledge and skills Feeling valued Greater understanding Improved attendance Raising the Profile of Governors

12 Offered an opportunity to gain a new understanding and perspective Provided defined time to review and evaluate present arrangements Recognised that it was time for change to prepare for the future Governors’ working party appointed New ideas drawn up and being trialled Benefits of Involvement

13 “Governance is excellent”. … “The governors make a strong contribution to the success of the school”. …. “Governors play a full and important part in the school’s development”. OfSTED June 2007 External Recognition