prospectus 2012 - bradford · summer term prospectus 2012 5 safer recruitment training workshops...

Summer Termprospectus

Bradford District School Governor Service

2012

Training and development is a vital aspect of effective governorship. Training assists governors to deal with the various issues that occur, keeping up with educational change, and in supporting schools to raise standards.

Governors play a key role in school life and their commitment demands time, skill, and energy. With the expectations and challenges facing them, training and development for governors has never been as important.

The School Governance & Workforce Development Team aims to support governors in:l fulfilling their strategic planning role in the school

l understanding and fulfilling their accountability role by providing information as required

l acting as a critical friend in the management of the school

l developing appropriate skills and knowledge to be effective

l working in partnership with senior management, staff, parents, the local community and, where appropriate, the diocesan authorities.

Governors rightly recognise the importance of in-service training for staff in schools. Governors too, are key players in raising standards and need support and training to an equal degree. The School Governor Service is committed to supporting governors in acquiring the skills and knowledge they require to meet their responsibilities effectively.

The School Governor Training Programme

Governors play a vital role in raising standards and attainment of pupils in schools. Training and development is a necessary means of equipping you with the skills and competencies to do so.

The School Governor Service provides a comprehensive training and development programme for school governing bodies and school management, and offers a wide range of opportunities intended to widen governors’ knowledge, broaden skills and brief on specific responsibilities.

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School Governance & Workforce Development TeamGovernor Training Programme Summer Term 2012

Access to information, gaining skills, and increasing confidence

“All governors need training to improve their effectiveness and to keep abreast of developments that may affect their school and their role as governor. The governing body has an overall responsibility for the training of its members. The aim is to ensure governors have access to consistent information about their role, their responsibilities and the expectations of them, as well as the way in which they should be working with their headteacher”. Department for Education, Governor Training – An Overview, (March 2011)

The Importance of Governor Training

We have scrutinised the Education Act (2011), the Inspection Framework (2012), and the National College’s Chairs of Governors Training & Support and have structured our course provision to ensure these areas are covered.

This means that some courses have fallen out of the programme, some have been amended in content and emphasis and some are new.

In structuring the course provision:

l We have ensured the requirements arising from the Inspection Framework are included.

These are: o Pupils’ achievement o Teaching quality o Quality of leadership and management o Pupils’ behaviour and safety l The Education Act 2011 gives prominence to the

role of governors in securing school improvement. We have included sessions on the Education Act and its implications for governance e.g. the reconstitution of governing bodies.

l We will ensure that chairs and clerks receive the training they require to work effectively to meet their responsibilities

l We will also link courses across the terms of the academic year, so, for example, the governor with responsibility for safeguarding could attend linked but separate courses. Similarly, there are human resource and finance / budget related courses in each term

l We will develop e-learning provision. See page 10 for details about how your school can subscribe to Modern Governor E-Learning opportunities at a considerably discounted rate.

With this in mind the School Governor training programme priorities this year include:

l Better access to data and information to challenge effectively and support the head teacher

l Clarifying accountabilities and responsibilities to focus more strongly on strategic direction

l Provision of high-quality training for chairs of governors

l Facilitating and encouraging the appointment of trained clerks

l Encouraging schools to adopt more flexible models of school governance

These are reflected in the training offered to governors.

Governors in Bradford contribute to the programme and support our promise to provide a high quality service provided by experienced professionals to meet the needs of individual governors and governing bodies.

You will receive the Governor Training Prospectus at the beginning of each term. The programme can also be found on the Bradford Schools Online website at www.schools.educationbradford.com

You will also receive Notepad and Governor Area Briefing Notes for information about new initiatives and developments.

Summer Term Prospectus 2012 3

You can use the booking forms inserted at the back of each term’s programme to book a place on any course. Alternatively you can call School Governor Service on (01274) 385629, fax (01274) 385983 or e-mail [email protected]

Please let us know if you cannot attend a course which you have previously booked. It is very disappointing for both governors and tutors when less than the expected number of governors attend, and we endeavour to avoid cancellations at all costs.

Bespoke courses for Individual Governing Bodies or Areas

Governing bodies can request bespoke courses on an individual or area basis. For more information please use the contact details above. These can be:

Learning Together Courses – Tailor-made 2 hour courses for your governing body delivered in your school at a time and date to suit you, designed for an individual governing body or a cluster group of governing bodies in a local neighbourhood.

Mini Courses - One hour on the agenda of a meeting of your governing body. Mini courses present topical perspectives on school governance and related topics. You may have your own ideas for Mini courses that we are happy to develop with you.

New Governors

The ‘Induction Course for New Governors’ runs at various points in the year across the District. The School Governor Service will send a ‘Welcome Pack’ to all new governors, which will include details of the next available Induction Course. Our aim is to ensure that all new governors can attend an Induction Course within three months of their appointment.

Clerks to Governors

There is an individual Induction session available for clerks (please ring the School Governor Service to arrange) and termly workshops specifically designed for clerks of subscribing schools. These useful and informative workshops ensure that clerks are up-to-date with the latest developments and the procedures and rules applying to governing bodies.

My Training & Development Record

It can be very useful to keep a record of the training undertaken.

Use the grid below to keep a personal training record, including the impact on your activity as a governor. Link governors should also keep a record of the training undertaken by members of the governing body.


How to book a course


Date Course Impact

Please contact the School Governor Service, on 01274 385629, fax 01274 385983 or e-mail [email protected]


Available 2012 Summer Term courses and training sessions


Safer Recruitment Training WorkshopsTutors: Child Protection & Human Resource Advisory Teams

Friday 20 April 2012, 9.00am – 5.00pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford BD4 7EBOrThursday 10 May 2012, 9.00am – 5.00pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford BD4 7EB

Safer Recruitment Online Training 2011-2012

Induction for New Governors Tutors: School Governance and Workforce Development Team, colleagues from Human Resources, Information Management, and School Funding Teams

Since 1 January 2010 it has been a mandatory requirement in education recruitment to have a minimum of one person trained on Safer Recruitment per selection panel.

Training workshops have been commissioned, via NCSL, to support the understanding and implementation of DfE guidance ‘Safeguarding Children & Safer Recruitment in Education’ (2006), which includes best practice and mandatory requirements (measured by Ofsted).

Participants will be able to:l identify the key features of recruitment that help deter or prevent the

appointment of unsuitable peoplel consider policies and practices that minimise opportunities for abuse/

offences or ensure its prompt reportingl review the recruitment and induction policies and practices of your school

with a view to making them safer.

The workshop includes an assessment, so governors must be able to attend for the full day.

www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/safeguarding/safer-recruitment

To apply for access to the training use the links above to the application form. The form will ask you to enter the name and email address of the headteacher at your school to request they submit an online reference to verify your identity, the requirement for you to undertake the training and confirm that you have been subjected to the relevant identity and security checks.

The induction course assists newly appointed governors to contribute effectively and quickly to support schools in raising standards. The course is a must for all recently appointed governors, including headteachers, staff governors and associate members.

It will provide you with an overview of school governance, your role as a governor, the responsibilities and expectations of you, and the ways in which you should work with the headteacher and school leadership team by:l Increasing your knowledge and understanding of governors’ responsibilitiesl Raising your awareness of national and local educational issues and their

impact on governing bodiesl Assisting you to use your new skills and knowledge for the benefit of pupils. You will have opportunities to meet and exchange views with other recently appointed governors, and there will be opportunities for discussion and group work in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

There is a choice of two dates and venues.

Monday 14 May 2012, 9.15am - 3.30pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EBOrFriday 15 June 2012, 9.15am – 3.30pm, Victoria Primary School, Cartmel Road, Keighley, BD21 2RD

E-Safety Training for Governors Tutor: Tim Pinto, eSafety Manager, Yorkshire and Humber Grid for Learning (YHGfL)

Tuesday 15 May, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford BD4 7EB

Governors as Leaders Tutors: School Governance and Workforce Development Team

Tuesday 22 May, 7.15pm - 9.15pm, Victoria Primary School, Cartmel Road, Keighley, BD21 2RDORTuesday 3 July, 6.00pm – 8.00pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford BD4 7EB

The Equality Act 2010: What Governors’ Need to Know Tutors: Diversity and Cohesion Team and the Equalities Team, Bradford MDC

Monday 28 May, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EB


This session provides an introduction to E-Safety issues in schools and how the implementation of appropriate policies can support the safe and responsible use of ICT for staff and pupils. E-Safety and cyber bullying are key issues regarding safeguarding children and young people. Schools have the responsibility of protecting children in their care and educating them for when they are away from school premises. Additionally, they have a key responsibility in reaching parents and carers.Specifically, the session will provide governors with insights into the issues and legal perspectives surrounding e-safety and cyber bullying following the passage of the Education Act 2011 e.g. staff being able to search mobile phones, inappropriate content etc. It will highlight positive steps governors could take to support their schools to ensure that pupils remain safe and know how to report abuse when using modern technologies.

Governance has an increasingly high profile in the drive to raise educational expectations and outcomes. How should governors react, for example, to the new opportunities and challenges posed by considerations of academy status, the inspection regime, curriculum reform and behaviour and admissions? One response is to consider the role of governors as leaders; taking a greater responsibility in shaping the direction of the school through effective challenge, training and development, and clarity about quality standards.

There is a choice of two dates and venues.

The Equality Act 2010 replaced all existing equality legislation including the Race Relations Act, Disability Discrimination Act and Sex Discrimination Act. Governors need to know the implications of this new consolidated act for their schools.

The session will consider:lNew duties and key dates lInformation collectionl Engagement with new protected groups lStaff and leadership obligationsl Accountability and decision making processes

Performance Management – The Governors’ RoleTutors: Chris Clark, Ros Garside and Yasmin Umarji, Senior Area Achievement Officers, Children’s Services, Bradford MDC

Tuesday 29 May, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Victoria Primary School, Cartmel Road, Keighley, BD21 2RDOrThursday 5 July, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EB

The session is for governors involved in Performance Management and how this supports school improvement. Attendance should be a prerequisite for governors reviewing the head teacher’s performance. The session is designed to develop the skills of governors in setting objectives and participating in the performance management review meeting.The session covers the principles of Performance Management, how this sits with the monitoring and evaluation cycle of school, and the responsibilities of governors for the Performance Management process. With the ending of the School Improvement Partner (SIP) role, the committee setting the head’s performance targets is likely to have greater responsibility for performance management of the headteacher. Governors need to consider the evidence that they will require to evaluate current performance and set new targets. This may include seeking external support and the session will consider how governors might gain access to this.Choice of two dates and venues.

Safeguarding Children Compliance Framework Tutors: Human Resources Advisory Team

Wednesday 30 May, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Victoria Primary School, Cartmel Road, Keighley, BD21 2RDOrTuesday 10 July, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EB


The session provides an introduction to the Safeguarding aspects of the new Ofsted framework from a Human Resources perspective. The session will assist governors’ appreciation of their roles and responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The session will be of interest to all governors and of particular relevance in considering issues of recruitment and vetting, child protection, and safeguarding. Specifically, the session will provide an:

l Awareness of the statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children

l Knowledge of the ‘Single Record’ (CRB, List 99 requirements)l Handling allegations against staff in child protection cases

Choice of two dates and venues

Dealing with Parental Complaints Tutors: School Governance and Workforce Development Team

Tuesday 12 June, 6.00pm – 8.00pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EB

The session will assist you to manage parental complaints confidently at each stage of the process within the Local Authority (LA) and School Complaints procedures and help prevent escalation. The session includes reference to your obligations under Freedom of Information and Data Protection legislation. The session will also assist you in the selection and presentation of information at hearings.

Children in Care: The Care System and Statutory Responsibilities for School Governors

Tutors: Looked After Children Education Team

Thursday 14 June, 7.15 pm - 9.15 pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EB

There are currently a growing number of children in care (often called looked after children) in Bradford, over 500 of school age. The Children and Young Persons Act (November 2008) states that there must be a designated member of staff for pupils looked after by a local authority.

New Statutory Guidance for school governors was published in November 2009. This session will help governors understand the care system and their responsibilities in supporting children in care and their responsibilities under the guidance. The local authority guidance was updated in March 2010. The DfE has introduced the pupil premium payments to schools that have had children in care for six months or more. Ofsted in their new inspection framework are likely to be looking at the progress of vulnerable children including Looked After Children (LAC).

The session will enhance governors’ understanding of their statutory role and issues around children in care, which includes:l an overview of the care systeml encouraging designated teachers to take up trainingl school policy on educational provision and support for looked after childrenl the school’s role in co-operating with and supporting the local authority

regarding the education of looked after children.

Effective Financial Governance Tutors: School Funding Team

Wednesday 20 June, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EB

This session is primarily intended for governors who serve on a finance committee (or its equivalent). The topics it will cover include: setting the annual budget, agreeing financial priorities, medium term financial planning, monitoring expenditure against the budget, variations to spending plans including virements, financial systems and procedures, delegated authority to the head teacher, and financial benchmarking. With the recent national changes in school funding arrangements, this will be an area of increasing importance for governing bodies.

Governors’ Responsibilities for Personnel Issues / Human Resource MattersTutors: Human Resource Advisory Service

Thursday 21 June, 7.15pm - 9.15pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EB


The session offers an introduction to recommended personnel practices and an appreciation of relevant employment law for new governors, those thinking about becoming members of the governors staffing committee or governors wishing to refresh or update their knowledge.

The Inspection FrameworkTutors: Intervention and Challenge Team

Monday 25 June, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Victoria Primary School, Cartmel Road, Keighley, BD21 2RDOrTuesday 26 June, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EB

We will consider the new inspection arrangements that commenced in January 2012 and the implications for governors.

Inspection is at the heart of school improvement. The Education Bill (2011) has focussed school inspection on:l The quality of teaching and learning l Leadership and management and l Good discipline and behaviour

What it means in practice is that schools will be judged on a smaller number of core aspects than before but these will be examined in greater depth. The changes will result in more streamlined inspections, with fewer judgements and grades, leading to sharper reports on the quality of education provided by schools and the most important aspects of their performance.

Choice of two dates and venues.

Staff Absence Strategies: the Governors’ RoleTutors: Human Resource Advisory Service

Wednesday 27 June, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EB

The session is for governors seeking to explore strategies to improve staff attendance levels. The session aims to provide governors with guidance on the management of staff absence, the promotion of good attendance at work procedures and the health and wellbeing of staff.

Partnership WorkingTutors: Ros Garside & Yasmin Umarji, Senior Area Achievement Officers, Children’s Services, Bradford MDC

Thursday 28 June, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EB

Collaboration between schools and other agencies is now essential to ensure that our schools can meet increasing demands through school to school support and by sharing their good practice. Partnership working across schools also provides increased opportunities and joined-up services for the children and communities they serve. Current educational policy expects the best schools and leaders to support those that are more challenged and Local Authority support has been reduced in line with this. Groups of schools working together can also improve value for money through shared purchase of resources.The course will cover:l The role of governors in being aware of and contributing to local

achievement partnerships and the development of other collaborative arrangements

l Examples of good practice in partnership working across schoolsl Models of formal collaborations, for example Federations and Trustsl Accredited models for headteachers and other staff who are available to

support other schools, for example National and Local Leaders of Education, Specialist Leaders of Education


Recruiting & Selecting the Right Staff Tutors: Human Resource Advisory Service

Monday 2 July, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EB

The governing body sets the policies and priorities for school, but staff are the people you depend on to make it happen. Finding and appointing the right staff has a direct impact on the quality of education in your school.

The governing body needs to be assured that the school has an effective, fair and legally secure recruitment and selection process.

The course takes you from preparing job descriptions to making appointments. It will also assist you to contribute with confidence in those appointments where school governors are directly involved.

The course will also develop the skills of governors taking part in performance review meetings and work with external advisers.

Preparing for the Chair Tutors: School Governance and Workforce Development Team

Wednesday 4 July, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EB

The course considers the role of the chair and the skills and qualities needed to be effective. Being a chair of governors is a key leadership role and governing bodies are central to the effective accountability of schools (including academies and free schools). In leading the governing body the chair plays a pivotal role in school improvement.‘Preparing for the Chair’ requires a clear view of the governing body’s role and statutory responsibilities and understanding how the vision for the school can be achieved.The session will assist chairs in managing change and challenging the school’s senior leadership team by:l Giving a clear lead when organising the governing body’s workl Delegating responsibilitiesl Ensuring other governors are fully informed and involvedl Managing meetings effectivelyl Establishing productive relationships with the headteacher and

senior leadership teaml Developing partnerships to support school improvementIf you have been asked to stand, or would like to know more about the role before you put yourself forward this course is designed for you.

Role of the Staff Governor Tutors: School Governance and Workforce Development Team

Monday 9 July, 4.30pm – 6.30pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EB

Can staff governors take part in staff appointments? Do they have to leave the room when governors discuss pay policy? How should I respond to a complaint against a colleague or the headteacher?There is support and training available. Staff governors will find working alongside other members of the governing body both interesting and rewarding in that their efforts will ensure that the work of the governing body fulfils its duties to all children.This session will assist you to recognise and deal with potential conflicts that may arise. It will help you to understand and clarify your role, examine relationships with the headteacher, colleagues, pupils and fellow governors and provide an opportunity to meet and network with other staff governors.All staff governors and any other governor wanting to know more about the role are welcome to attend.


Managing Change in Professional ContextsTutor: Michael Garside, Teacher Development Consultant, Bradford MDC

Thursday 12 July, 7.15pm – 9.15pm, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford, BD4 7EB

“Change is difficult to carry out on an individual level and even more difficult to instigate in an organisation. By understanding how we deal with change we are better equipped to carry it out, on a personal or organisational level.”(Green and Grant, Solution Focused Coaching 2003)

This event will demonstrate some models of change; explain the reasons why many people shy away from change and how governors can help colleagues to engage with change by using solution focused approaches.

Michael Garside has been delivering coaching training to Bradford schools for more than eight years and is himself a qualified coach and counsellor.

E-learning Opportunities with Modern GovernorGoverning bodies have expressed a keen interest in e-learning opportunities.

In response, we have negotiated a very competitive agreement with Modern Governor, the market leader in the field.

Governing Bodies that purchase the full School Governor Service subscription can access the Modern Governor e-learning modules for an additional annual fee of £75.

What is Modern Governor?

The modules cover a wide range of topics in an interesting and interactive way in approximately twenty minute ‘chunks’ that governors can follow at their convenience. Each module can be revisited at any time as a refresher or point of reference.

E-learning Module Content“Concise, clear information presented in an accessible way.”

There are currently 21 e-learning modules in the Modern Governor catalogue. Further details can be found at moderngovernor.com/course-content/

Preview a Modern Governor e-learning module

“The courses are very well designed in terms of layout, clarity, content and accessibility.”

Want to see a module for free?

Use the link below to access the ‘Becoming a School Governor’ module:

moderngovernor.com/freecourse/

How to subscribeContact Linda Townsend at the School Governor Service on 01274 385626 or e-mail [email protected]


Courses for the 2012 Summer Term Training Programme

Book your place now on any of these courses by ticking the relevant boxes and filling in your name and school on the back of the form and returning to: School Governor Service, Future House, Bolling Road, Bradford BD4 7EB. Telephone 01274 385629 or fax 01274 385983 or book via e-mail: [email protected]

Safer Recruitment Training WorkshopFriday 20 April 2012 9.00am – 5.00pm at Future House

Safer Recruitment Training WorkshopThursday 10 May 2012 9.00am – 5.00pm at Future House

Induction for New GovernorsMonday 14 May 2012 9.15am – 3.30pm at Future House

E-Safety Training for GovernorsTuesday 15 May 20127.15pm – 9.15pm at Future House

Governors as LeadersTuesday 22 May 20127.15pm – 9.15pm at Victoria Primary School

The Equality Act 2010Monday 28 May 20127.15pm – 9.15pm at Future House

Performance ManagementTuesday 29 May 2012 7.15 – 9.15pm at Victoria Primary School

Safeguarding Children Compliance FrameworkWednesday 30 May 20127.15pm – 9.15pm at Victoria Primary School

Dealing with Parental ComplaintsTuesday 12 June 2012 6.00pm – 8.00pm at Future House

Children in CareThursday 14 June 2012 7.15pm – 9.15pm at Future House

Induction for New GovernorsFriday 15 June 20129.15am - 3.30pm at Victoria Primary School

Effective Financial GovernanceWednesday 20 June 2012 7.15pm – 9.15pm at Future House

Governors’ Responsibilities for Personnel IssuesThursday 21 June 2012 7.15pm – 9.15pm at Future House

The Inspection FrameworkMonday 25 June 2012 7.15pm – 9.15pm at Victoria Primary School

The Inspection FrameworkTuesday 26 June 2012 7.15pm – 9.15pm at Future House

Staff Absence StrategiesWednesday 27 June 2012 7.15 – 9.15pm at Future House

Partnership WorkingThursday 28 June 2012 7.15pm – 9.15pm at Future House

Recruiting & Selecting the Right StaffMonday 2 July 2012 7.15pm – 9.15pm at Future House

Governors as LeadersTuesday 3 July 20126.00pm – 8.00pm at Future House

Preparing for the ChairWednesday 4 July 2012 7.15pm – 9.15pm at Future House

Performance ManagementThursday 5 July 2012 7.15pm – 9.15pm at Future House

Role of the Staff GovernorMonday 9 July 2012 4.30pm – 6.30pm at Future House

Safeguarding Children Compliance FrameworkTuesday 10 July 2012 7.15pm – 9.15pm at Future House

Managing Change in Professional ContextsThursday 12 July 2012 7.15pm – 9.15pm at Future House

Name _________________________________________________________________________

School _________________________________________________________________________

E-mail _________________________________________________________________________

Contact No. _____________________________________________________________________

Do you have any special requirements? ______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

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The wording in this publication can be made available in other formats such as large print. Please call 01274 385629

Summer Term Prospectus 2012

prospectus 2012 - bradford · summer term prospectus 2012 5 safer recruitment training workshops...

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