Being Rated as Outstanding for Governance: A workshop for the Cornwall Governor Network Conference Bob Damerell

The Pre inspection Test You have 30 seconds in which to answer each question. 1. Give one action point from your school’s last inspection. 2. Give one priority from your current School Development Plan. 3. Give one strength of the school as shown in performance data and recorded in your school self evaluation.

The Pre inspection Test cont. 4. Are teacher’s performance objectives linked to school priorities? How do you know? 5. Name one group of pupils causing concern. 6. What is being done to promote ‘Parent View’? 7. How is pupil Premium money being spent?

The Pre inspection Test cont. 8. When did you last make a visit to the school with an agreed focus and talk to staff and/or pupils? 9. Apart from today have you engaged in governor training in the last 6 months? Give details. 10. Can your governing body prove that you provide challenge to the headteacher? How?

Why put you through this? ‘And there is another area where I need to drive reform faster – governance. … Ofsted, in their new inspection framework, will now be asking searching questions on governance – including assessing how well governors hold the head and senior leaders to account.’ Michael Gove July 2012

Why put you through this? 1.Inspectors ask to meet with as many governors as possible to test their knowledge and understanding. 2.There are some things about the school that all governors should know. 3.Being prepared means you can approach inspection with confidence.

Core Responsibilities of the Governing Body from 2013 Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction; Holding the head teacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils; Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

Core Responsibilities of the Governing Body To help schools provide the best possible education for their pupils by:- Thinking and working strategically to help raise standards. Monitoring and evaluating progress towards the school’s priorities and targets. Supporting the Head teacher and staff as well as challenging their expectations. Accounting to all stakeholders for the school’s overall performance and for the decisions they have made.

Ofsted and governance – the inspector checklist inc subsidiary Overall contribution to strategic direction * Safeguarding * * Statutory responsibilities* * Relationship with staff* + support SI ideas Support and challenge ** Engagement with pupils/parents * Vision/ethos/direction * Contribute SE/know SW* Support strengthen l’ship* HT re Q of T, achievement + behaviour + safety PM to improve T, L&M * Financial management * Pupil premium * Pupil data Sport premium Impact of T&L Training Supp HT or hindering SI Salary progress decisions

From National College Chair of Governor Training 2012 What Ofsted inspectors do Data analysis Validation of self- evaluation Ask pupils, parents, teachers, governors – triangulation Lesson observation Comparison Work sampling Discussion between inspectors What governors can do Data analysis Self-evaluation Ask pupils, parents, teachers = governors triangulation Visit school and classrooms Comparison Discussion between governors and staff

What You Need to ‘Evidence’ ‘Governors have a good awareness of the school and a clear view of the strategic direction of the school through regular visits, including to lessons and focus groups.’ Comment from inspection report chosen by senior HMI (His use of bold)

What You Need to ‘Evidence’ ‘Governors carry out their own monitoring and use this to evaluate how well all aspects are doing. They clearly understand how well pupils are progressing, making it their business to quiz the school about any concerns, should they arise.’ Comment from inspection report chosen by senior HMI (His use of bold)