NLAGB AGM November 2016 DETERMINING THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL FOR YOUR SCHOOL

THINK LONG AND HARD

Think children

Structural reform March 2016 – The White Paper ‘Educational Excellence Everywhere’ highlighted the policy intention that all primary and secondary schools would be academies, or in the process of becoming an academy, by 2020 . May 2016 – Announcement by the Secretary of State that legislation would not be brought in to enable blanket conversion of all schools to academy status by 2022 but the government did reaffirm its ambition that all schools would become academies.

Structural reform October 2016 – Secretary of State for Education, Justine Greening, announced that the government will not be bringing forward the planned Education for All bill which would have included provisions to convert schools to academy status in ‘underperforming’ or ‘unviable’ authorities but confirmed their ambition that all schools should benefit from the freedom and autonomy that academy status brings. She went on to state that the focus was on building capacity in the system and encouraging schools to convert voluntarily.

July 2016 In her article in the NGA newsletter Governing Matters, Chief Executive Emma Knights highlighted: The fact that governors were crying out for information they could trust and many of them did not trust information on academies coming from the DfE. Questions were being raised about the ‘partial agenda’ and concerns were being raised about the inconsistency of advice. That there is little evidence that academisation has had positive effects on educational outcomes. Concern about the shortage of sponsors in the right places. That NGA have produced questions that governors should ask when considering academy status. A suggestion that ‘Growing your own group’ (Federation or MAT) may be a more secure option than going with a sponsor as it offers opportunities to shape ethos and vision.

When considering forming or joining an academy trust, governors must fully understand and appreciate the changes to legal and financial responsibilities.

Key points from presentation by Jenny Bexon-Smith, Regional Schools Commissioner for East Midlands and Humber at the NGA Regional Conference 1st October 2016 Began by saying she was going to talk about the direction of travel – ‘what she could make of it’. Highlighted the fact that the new Secretary of State was taking time to reflect before making further announcements. Said structures remain part of the debate but the focus is now on Standards and Quality. Commented that the focus needs to be back on children – suggesting there is a debate to be had about the balance between knowledge and skills. Stated that outcomes are now overly complicated.

Highlighted that although academies and MAT’s remain the preferred option she admitted that academies still have to prove that they deliver good standards and expressed the view that there is still a lot to be done. Stressed that no school should be left in isolation and formal collaborative arrangements are needed for schools to really challenge each other. Emphasised that governor power to challenge was absolutely crucial. Stated that governors must particularly challenge ‘Baronial heads’. Recognised the contribution having a strong and challenging chair had made to her own development when she was a head. Stated that any structural change must not just be about ‘changing the deckchairs’. It must facilitate making a difference to the outcomes for children.

Reflected on the fact that in this region sponsor capacity is a real issue. The RSC does not have a budget for funding school improvement initiatives so where intervention in underperforming academies is required, the RSC has to rely on working with MAT’s and Teaching Schools. The view was expressed that if a school can demonstrate the capacity to make its own improvements then the RSC will not impose changes. There was an admission that in many MAT’s governance is not right – highlighted the current general confusion at all levels about roles within Trust Boards (difference between members and trustees etc.) Commented that although not all members should be trustees and should be ‘hands off’, they must not become remote.

Stated that governance arrangements are being very closely scrutinised when any applications are made for changes within MAT’s. Will not be allowed to expand unless governance is right. View expressed that RSC’s should be able to have more direct communication with chairs of governors rather than having to go through headteachers.

What does a School Led System look like in 2022? (slide used by RSC) What kind of education system should we be aiming to create? Every child has access to a good school which means 90% of schools at least Every school is a giver and receiver of support Every school is part of a formal collaboration that develops “next” practice and research potential Teachers, leaders and support staff have a 10 year career plan that is realistic and deliverable Governance will be world class and we can name it and describe it

How will NLAGB continue to monitor the emerging national picture and feed back to all governors in North Lincolnshire to inform your discussions? Chair attending the NGA Annual Conference in Manchester on 19th November when David Carter, National Schools Commissioner, Belita Scott, National Lead for Governance at Ofsted and Emma Knights, NGA Chief Executive will be presenting. Continuing our close involvement with NGA. Working closely with the Authority and the Diocese to explore all options and facilitate/support discussions. Continually updating the NLAGB website with information as it comes to our attention.