PAPER D

 

 

CHILDREN’S SERVICES SELECT COMMITTEE- 26 NOVEMBER 2004

 

THE DEVELOPING ROLE OF SCHOOL GOVERNANCE WITHIN A CHILDREN'S SERVICES FRAMEWORK

 

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR CHILDREN’S SERVICES

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

 

This report is to update the Select Committee on the developing role of school governance within the Children's Bill and 'Every Child Matters' national framework.

 

 

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

 

  1. To receive and note the report.

 

  1. Determine whether any further action or information is required.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

1.                  The quality of school governance is assuming an increasingly important role in the overall judgement by the Local Authority and external agencies, such as OFSTED, on the effectiveness of schools.

 

2.         From September 2005 a new section 10 schools inspection regime will be implemented by OFSTED. This will be the first inspection process to take account of the five outcomes for children in respect of the Children's Bill. It will draw together, for local schools, the relationship between these outcomes, the local Preventative Strategy and the requirements of the section 10 framework for primary and secondary schools.

 

3.                  The prime responsibility of school governance is to act as the local community scrutiny of the school and its performance. Under delegated management governors of a school are responsible for:

 

·         ensuring the quality and appropriateness of provision to enable all pupils to achieve their potential;

·         holding the school accountable for its performance;

·         ensuring through senior managers that funds are appropriately targeted to improve pupil achievement.

 

Governance must first challenge and then support the school's progress. 

 

4.         In meeting the needs of the five outcomes of the Children's Bill and the Local Preventative Strategy school governance must take a wider view of the schools actions in relationship to the community its serves. Connections must be made between, on occasions, conflicting responsibilities, as in exclusion and the support of looked after children. Governors must become more focused to the child and identifiable groups of children in carrying out their duties and responsibilities to the school and community.

 

5.         In meeting these changing needs the Authority is reviewing its range and process of governor training. Members may wish as part of this scrutiny to discuss future training needs for LEA governors.

CONSULTATION PROCESS

 

External consultation with schools will take place on publication of the new OFSTED section 10 regime in the spring 2005. Some consultation with, and information to governors has already occurred in the recent Isle of Wight Governors Conference.

 

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

 

The report itself does not have any financial implications. However, if Members make decisions regarding LEA governor training these may have time and/or financial implications.

 

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

 

Every Child Matters

Local Preventative Strategy

OFSTED Section 10 Framework

 

Note : This item will be supported by a powerpoint presentation

 

Contact Point : Keith Simmonds Principal Inspector - 823405 - [email protected]

 

 

JILL WAREHAM

Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services