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NATIONAL SCHOOL SURVEY - WIRRAL IN TOP 25%

The National School Survey has been produced. The school survey is a collaborative tool developed by the Audit Commission in partnership with Ofsted, Estyn, the Wales Audit Office, councils, headteacher and governor associations. The primary purpose of the school survey is to act as a source of evidence about schools’ perceptions of the support they receive from their council and the services provided locally for children and young people.

In the autumn term following each national survey, the Audit Commission produces a series of analysis reports for each participating local authority. The reports compare their schools’ responses with the average (and the top and bottom quartile for England or Wales or with the average for their statistical neighbours). The reports also include comparisons with the last survey and between primary and secondary schools.

Analysis of the survey through the ‘top 25%’ analysis can identify top rated Councils in each of the 5 Every Child Matters Outcome areas. The Audit Commission provide an online guide to the councils given the highest ratings by their schools for each question in the survey, which should help to identify areas of good practice across England and Wales.

Evaluating this top 25% analysis Wirral features in the top 25% for 48 out of 63 questions. When reviewing other local authorities performance in regard to inclusion in the top 25% Wirral is ranked 7th overall in relation to 25% analysis.

Schools and governing bodies obviously rate Governor Support highly, as we came just higher than the national average. We received a 2 marginally below 1 in the ratings last year, so my question to governors is - How can we improve our service to you? Please let me have your thoughts and ideas on this question and we will endeavour to continue to offer all of our schools and governing bodies the best possible service.

To find out more about the survey:
http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/localgov/audit/childrenandyoungpeople/schoolsurvey/pages/default.aspx

Information for Local Authorities from the DCSF.

The School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009 will come into force on 2 November 2009 to replace the School Staffing (England) Regulations 2003. Local authorities will need to make themselves familiar with the legislation so that they can apply the new regulations from 2 November. To view the regulations, visit the Office of Public Sector Information website

The regulations introduce a duty on the governing body to ensure that the headteacher complies with and benefits from entitlements laid out in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document

They also place a duty on the governing body to respect the work life balance of the headteacher and require that at least one person involved in the recruitment of school staff has undertaken safer recruitment training. Other amendments remove minor inconsistencies, and clarify the intention of some of the regulations

Building a 21st century school system
With the publication of the White Paper 'Your child, your schools, our future: building a 21st century schools system', Ed Balls has set out his plans to transform our schools sytems to meet the challenges of the 21st century. There is also a letter to governors reinforcing the key proposals, which may already have been forwarded to you by your headteacher.

Improving Economy and Efficiency in Schools

Internet Safety Awareness

A series of four booklets for school governors to assist their ICT knowledge and responsibilities have been written by the National Governors Association. These will be in the NGA magazine. The first one is available for download via the e-safety section of their website.

News and Events

The documents improving LAC Attainment in secondary schools and Roles and Responsibilities of the Designated Teacher are intended to help governors and designated teachers understand the role of the governing body and the role of the designated teacher within the school. As schools implement the guidance they may find the pages on developing good practice particularly useful as there is a checklist of relevent questions to be asked. Statutory Instrument No. 1538 Child and Young Persons (England) Regs are also included.

Guidance for Schools regarding the attainment of looked after children in primary schools

Guidance for Schools regarding the Attainment of Looked After Young People in Secondary Schools

Guidance for Governing Bodies regarding the Role and Responsibilities of the Designated Teacher for Looked After Children

Governors' Briefing Note - Extended Services

An Invitation to Listen to Wirral's Disability Issues Radio Programme
7 Waves Community Radio

Extended Services : a quick guide for governors.

Teachers TV for Governors

Changes in Regulations to Special Educational Needs Legislation and Explanatory Note

School Admissions Code

Revised School Admissions Code and School Admissions Appeals Code came into force on 10 February 2009

School Charging Guidance

Guidance on charging for school activities and visits recently been revised

Safer Recruitment Training

Chair of Governors Letter 18th Feb 09
Annex A CGOS Letter
Annex B COGS Letter

www.governornet.co.uk - Information for school governors