HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL. CASSIOBURY JUNIOR SCHOOL Bellmount Wood Avenue, Watford WD17 3PD

Transcription

1 HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL CASSIOBURY JUNIOR SCHOOL Bellmount Wood Avenue, Watford WD17 3PD MINUTES OF THE SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (SDC) MEETING TUESDAY 3 RD JUNE 2014, 6PM Attendance: Sally Overhead Chair Alison Campbell (Headteacher) Tamsin Sinclair Sally Cooper Jan Godecharle Paul Cox Tanya Gordon Rev Dave Middlebrook Ashfaq Shah Liz Elgar - Clerk 1. WELCOME / APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 1.1 Apologies Apologies for absence were received from Samina Sheikh, Natalie Booth and Albert Churchman Apologies for lateness were received from Tamsin Sinclair The SDC consented to all apologies. 1.2 Welcome: The SDC welcomed new Community Governor Ashfaq Shah to the meeting. 2. TEACHER PRESENTATION: SEN CHANGES Clare Smith Clare circulated the document titled SEN Changes Overview as at 3 rd June 2014 and gave a smartboard presentation 2.1 Clare reported that she was due to complete her final training on changes to SEND on 8 th July 2014, which would not allow much time to get the school s SEND Policy revised to incorporate changes and ratified however all schools are working to the same timescale. 2.2 Clare spoke of the main changes taking place to SEND: Statements are to become known as Educational Health and Care Plan There will be greater multi-agency involvement Children and young people from age 0-25 can be issued with an Educational Health and Care Plan The assessment process will be shorter It will be more child and family-centred Appropriate intervention and support can be provided earlier Tamsin Sinclair arrived at this point

2 2.3 Clare explained that School Action and School Action Plus would no longer exist and there would be one single category of SEN, as well as changes to the definition of SEN. 2.4 Clare talked through the To do list! section of her presentation, explaining that actions to be completed once she had undergone her final training would be revising the school s SEN Policy and also writing a local offer, of which she showed an example written by Bexley. 2.5 Questions Sally Overhead asked how children without Educational Health and Care Plans would be watched and monitored in the absence of School Action and School Action Plus. Clare replied that outside agencies would be more involved to ensure that children not on the SEN register, or those in transition, receive the necessary support or intervention Sally Overhead asked if it the process of obtaining Educational Health and Care Plans would be easier than it had been to obtain statements. Clare replied that the same criteria would apply however the statutory timescale would be shorter Rev Dave Middlebrook asked if the persistence of determined parents had a visible effect on the time it took for an individual child to receive SEN provision. Clare replied that in practice, children with more assertive parents often received support quicker, particularly where parents had knowledge of the workings of the education system and made contact with the relevant authorities and also where obtaining a statement would give the child an advantage regarding selection for a secondary school place. She added however that that behaviours presented by children when at home with their family can be different to what they present with at school. 3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING, HELD ON 4 TH FEBRUARY RE Policy (Item 1.2.1): The SDC noted that the words minor changes had been repeated. 3.2 The minutes were otherwise agreed to be an accurate record of the meeting. 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING 4.1 Login details for blue folder (AP2 / Item 1.2.5): Liz Elgar reported that she now had access to the governors page of the school website however she did not have permission to upload to or edit the blue folder. The Headteacher agreed to contact Gordon in IT support to enable this. AP1: Headteacher 4.2 Sex and Relationship Education (AP3 / Item 5.2.2): The SDC noted that Samina was continuing to liaise with Muslim parents regarding Sex and Relationships Education within her role as a member of the Sex and Relationship Education Working Party. 4.3 Extra-ordinary meeting for policy review (AP4 / Item 5.3): Sally Overhead did not recall having agreed to form a working party with Samina Sheikh and a third governor after the findings of the parents survey were known, in order to review [the following] policies however she agreed to look back over her notes regarding Behaviour Principles. AP2: SO

3 4.3.2 The Headteacher clarified that the school prospectus was not a statutory document however she kept one up-to-date online, as it was useful for parents. 4.4 Homework (AP7 / Item 8.4.3) The Headteacher reported that she had delegated to the Deputy Headteacher the task of contacting the Headteacher of Nascot Wood School regarding its recent ban on homework and what the rationale has been behind it and also the task of carrying out a parents survey on homework The Headteacher reported that a wide mix of views were already apparent from parents on homework however all seem agreed that they did not want their children to be given homework in the school holidays. 4.5 SEN Policy (Item ): The Headteacher reported that the SEN Policy could now not be revised until the autumn term, as certain actions had to be completed beforehand (see Item 2). AP3: Clerk [for agenda of next meeting] The governing body noted that all other points for action had been either fulfilled or would be covered within the agenda of this meeting 5. CONFLICT OF INTERESTS: No conflicts of interests were declared. 6. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT 6.1 SEF: Update and review The Headteacher circulated a pre-ofsted checklist, which included a briefing on what would be expected of governors speaking to Ofsted inspectors, which she also agreed to circulate separately (see Item 13.2) Sally Overhead agreed to contact the Headteacher in order to arrange an extra-ordinary meeting for all governors to go through the SEF in greater detail and with the opportunity to ask questions. AP4: SO 6.2 School Improvement Plan (SIP): Verbal update and review for spring term The Headteacher circulated and talked through the following documents within the spring term review, which she gave SDC members time to read and which she explained addressed the main criteria for Ofsted: Plan 1: Improve Effectiveness of Teaching and Learning. Review Actions, May Plan 2: Develop Distributive Leadership Plan 3: To Facilitate and Sustain a Cohesive School Community Throughout Expansion The Headteacher explained that there is a clear difference between the data according to teachers assessments of children and the data according to RAISEonline and how that data is interpreted by Ofsted will depend on individual inspectors Paul Cox asked the Headteacher to give an update on the progress of High Ability Writers. The Headteacher reported that she had seen great progress during her involvement in nurture groups and that that much support and encouragement was being given however it would be unusual for all pupils to consistently reach their targets, plus this group would not be given much value-added.

4 6.2.3 The Headteacher remarked that SEN teacher Clare Smith was very proactive and had made a significant positive impact within a short space of time Rev Dave Middlebrook asked the Headteacher if there had been other significant changes that had had a positive impact. The Headteacher replied that there had, one of these being the appointment of School Business Manager Rhona Anderson in the autumn of 2013, as she attends SLT meetings once per month to report on matters that were previously compartmentalised. She also reported that the Literacy leader was also attending SLT meetings once per month Sally Overhead asked the Headteacher how staff had adapted to being split across two buildings, to which the Headteacher replied that the transition had been difficult to start with however they now seemed more settled and unified. She added that there would be a greater cohesion when more of the new buildings are occupied The SDC agreed that Albert Churchman s leading the exercise in evaluating the effectiveness of the governing body had been very useful and that members would continue to ensure that they reported back on their visits to the school at full governing body meetings Paul Cox asked the Headteacher if she expected Ofsted take the school s recent expansion into account when delivering its rating. The Headteacher replied that she felt it would depend on the individual inspectors however she was confident that staff had all worked as hard as possible to sustain standards and progress. Tamsin Sinclair added that any governors speaking to the Ofsted inspectors could mention the school s expansion and its positive effects. 7. PUPIL PREMIUM 7.1 Updated report: The Headteacher reported that she had updated her report to incorporate data from the spring term and would produce a final analysis when all data had been received. AP5: Headteacher 7.2 Achievement data: The Headteacher explained that achievement data was based on teachers assessments and not formal tests however it was looking very positive, particularly for reading and Maths. 7.3 Numbers of children attracting Pupil Premium funding Sally Overhead asked how many children on roll attracted Pupil Premium funding. The Headteacher explained that there were six in Year 3, eight in Year 4 and five in Year 5and yet Year 3 are ahead in achievement despite a relatively high number of children attracting Pupil Premium The Headteacher also reported that the current Year 2 due to start the school in September had six children attracting Pupil Premium funding. She observed that numbers were not increasing as expected, possibly because there are now more incoming children from deprived families who are working and therefore not eligible for free school meals. 7.4 Duration of Pupil Premium funding: Ashfaq Shah asked how long individual children qualify to attract Pupil Premium, to which the Headteacher replied that all children who have been eligible to receive free school meals will attract Pupil Premium funding for up to six years afterwards. 7.5 Trends in underachievement: Sally Overhead asked if there were exceptions to the trend of underachievement among children in receipt of free school meals. The Headteacher replied

5 however that there remained a strong correlation between children who underachieve and children who receive free school meals and it is still the most reliable indicator of children more likely to underachieve. 8. REVIEW IMPLEMNTATION OF GOVERNING BODY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 8.1 The SDC agreed to take this item off its agendas going forward and refer to the full governing body for all matters regarding the implementation of the Governing Body Development Plan. AP6: Clerk [for agendas going forward] 9. REPORT ON GOVERNOR VISITS 9.1 Informal visits: Tamsin Sinclair reported that many informal visits had been made by governors, e.g. during Aspirations Week, where governors had a considerable input. She reminded governors that not every visit need be formal and that governors were welcome to attend school events such as assemblies or sports day on an informal basis any time, which parents may also attend in a governor capacity. 9.2 Purpose of visit: Tamsin reminded governors to state the purpose of their visit when completing the sign-in sheet on arrival at the school. 9.3 Governors paired with year groups: Tamsin explained that she was in the process of pairing governors with year groups, ensuring that governors are not paired with their child s year group and also trying to ensure that there is a relatively experienced governor in each pairing. 9.4 Girls Maths and Higher Ability Writers: Tamsin appealed for governors to visit to observe Girls Maths and Higher Ability Writers, both areas currently being focused on. 10. REPORT ON CURRICULUM WEEKS AND ENRICHMENT SESSIONS 10.1 Body Week The Headteacher reported that Body Week, which commenced on Monday 10 th February, had engaged the children very successfully and that all Maths and Literacy teaching during that week were linked to the Body topic The Headteacher was proud to report that two children, siblings in Years 3 and 4 respectively, had put their First Aid training undertaken during Body Week into practice on encountering an elderly woman who had broken her ankle when they aided putting her in the recovery position Headteachers thanked all governors who helped the children with cooking during Body Week Science Enrichment Week: The Headteacher reported that Science Enrichment Week commenced on Monday 24 th March and was also a success Aspirations Week

6 The Headteacher reported that Aspirations Week had commenced on Monday 19 th May and that she wished to repeat this themed week in successive years, as she felt that it had been the most successful themed week yet The Headteacher told how contributors had spoken to the children about such topics as coping with redundancy, adapting to new circumstances and rebuilding their careers in a very positive way Once again, the Headteacher thanked those governors who had attended for the positive impact this had had Themed weeks: The Headteacher reflected on how the approach of running a theme through all subject areas appears to be more effective than basing themed weeks on one single subject, as it is more interchangeable through the curriculum. 11. STAKEHOLDERS 11.1 Park and Stride / Fullerians drop-off: The Headteacher reported that she was still attempting to get Herts not to vary the planning conditions for the Fullerians however they had not yet notified her of a committee date. She agreed to report back on any developments. AP7: Headteacher 12. POLICY REVIEWS All policies for review had been circulated to SDC members prior to the meeting 12.1 Sex and Relationship Education The Headteacher explained that the Sex and Relationship Education Working Party had been formed with the intention of making the process of drafting the Sex and Relationships Education Policy more inclusive however unfortunately it seemed so far to have had the opposite effect, as parents have scrutinised the policy more closely and more children are being withdrawn from Sex and Relationship Education lessons The Headteacher reported that she was continuing to look at alternative options for materials for use in Sex and Relationship Education, as some parents had said that they would be willing to use certain materials at home but would not be happy for their children to use them in groups however she felt it important that lessons include as many of the children as possible Rev Dave Middlebrook asked the Headteacher if those parents withdrawing their children from Sex and Relationship Education had stated why they were doing so. The Headteacher: replied that they had, although they did not have to Sally Overhead asked if those parents withdrawing their children from Sex and Relationship Education were of a broad cultural or ethnic range. The Headteacher replied that the majority of these parents were of Pakistani origin Rev Dave Middlebrook raised the possibility of those children who had attended Sex and Relationships Education lessons conveying knowledge and accounts of the lessons to children who had not attended. The Headteacher remarked that the children were generally very respectful of one another however this would be a point to consider The SDC ratified the Sex and Relationship Education policy Teaching and Learning

7 The Headteacher explained that the revised policy had been based on the previous one but now has a clearer layout and is more specific regarding non-negotiable practices as well as being more appropriate now the school has more staff and a bigger cohort. She added that it addressed recommendations made by the Learning Partners following their visit to the school in March Paul Cox asked if the policy acknowledged the importance of fun in learning. The Headteacher explained that this is implicit in the school s approach to Teaching and Learning and the schools policies and vision are all focused on engaging children The Headteacher reported that the Curriculum, Assessment and Target- Setting and Marking policies would also be revised according to the Learning Partners recommendations The SDC ratified the Teaching and Learning Policy Child Protection Code of Conduct The Headteacher confirmed that the revised policy was the latest version of the Child Protection policy issued by Herts, with changes highlighted and relevant details for Cassiobury Junior School added The SDC ratified the Child Protection Code of Conduct. 13. AOB 13.1 Preparation for secondary school entrance exams The Headteacher reported that following consultation with Sally Overhead, she had circulated her newsletter informing parents that the school would be giving Verbal Reasoning guided reading sessions in small groups during the summer term and that Year 5 would sit their SATs in test conditions in to help prepare them for secondary school entrance tests The Headteacher explained that despite the school s original stance of not supporting preparation for secondary school entrance tests, she now felt compelled to make some provision in the interests of equity, as other schools were doing so also. She told how she had considered many different options on how to implement this and chosen the one she felt would be most effective while causing least friction The Heateacher added that she had also explained the context of this decision to parents and that the school is making the argument to secondary schools that selection by entrance exams has a detrimental effect Ofsted Briefing: The Headteacher circulated a briefing on what will be expected of governors speaking to Ofsted inspectors New Parents Evening and Open Evening Rev Dave Middlebrook agreed to attend the New Parents Evening (for current Year 2 parents) on Wednesday 25 th June in place of Albert Churchman and also to attend the Open Evening on at 6pm on Wednesday 2 nd July Sally Overhead agreed to circulate an to all governors appealing for them to attend both events. AP8: SO 14. DATES OF MEETINGS IN Monday 3 rd November 2014, 6.00pm Monday 2 nd February 2015, 6.00pm

8 Monday 1 st June, 2015, 6.00pm The SDC Chair thanked all for attending and brought the meeting to a close at 8.20pm