HIGH ONGAR PRIMARY SCHOOL The Street, High Ongar, Essex, CM5 9NB

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1 HIGH ONGAR PRIMARY SCHOOL The Street, High Ongar, Essex, CM5 9NB MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE GOVERNING BODY HELD ON MONDAY, 6 OCTOBER 2014 AT 6.00 P.M. Membership: *Mrs. J. Griffin LA Governor Vice Chair *Mrs. O. Gross LA Governor *Mrs. J. Ogan LA Governor Chair *Mr. J. Knowles Community Governor *Mr. R. Benton Parent Governor Mrs. A. Crudgington Parent Governor *Mrs. K. Peters Parent Governor *Mr. I. Walker Parent Governor *Mr. A. Woollard Parent Governor Mrs. S. Fielding-Prior Staff Governor *Miss P. Bennett Headteacher Ex-Officio Miss E. Nelson Associate Member *Mrs. K. Smolen *Mrs. T. Nickolson * indicates attendance Member of teaching staff Clerk to the Governing Body GB178/14 GB179/14 1. GB180/14 2. GB181/14 3. GB182/14 The meeting commenced at 6.05 p.m. and the Clerk acted as Chair for the first four items on the agenda. The meeting was quorate at the start: (11 current governor posts thus minimum quorum needed was 6: 8 governors present at start of meeting.) APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received before the meeting from Antonella Crudgington and Emma Nelson and their reasons for absence were accepted. Penny Bennett advised that Kate Smolen would also be attending later in the evening. NOTIFICATION OF ANY OTHER BUSINESS None. DECLARATIONS OF NEW BUSINESS INTERESTS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST It was NOTED that there were no declarations of new business interests or any conflicts of interest with any of the items on the agenda. Action Chair.1

2 4. GB183/14 GB184/14 GB185/14 ELECTION OF CHAIR/VICE CHAIR To decide the period of office to be served by the Chair/Vice Chair Governors AGREED that the term of office for both positions should be one year. To elect the Chair of the Governing Body The Clerk asked for nominations for the position of Chair and Andy Woollard proposed Judith Ogan, seconded by Kate Peters. Judith Ogan briefly left the meeting at 6.07 p.m. so that governors could discuss her nomination. Governors unanimously AGREED that Judith s knowledge and expertise were invaluable to the school especially with an imminent Ofsted inspection likely. Judith Ogan returned to the meeting at 6.08 p.m. To elect the Vice Chair of the Governing Body Judith Ogan then took charge of the meeting and asked for nominations for the position of Vice Chair. Andy Woollard proposed Judith Griffin and Kate Peters seconded his nomination. Judith Griffin briefly left the meeting at 6.09 p.m. Governors unanimously AGREED that Judith Griffin be appointed Vice Chair and, when she returned to the meeting at 6.10 p.m., she said she was happy to carry on as Vice Chair. There were no objections to either appointment. 5. GB186/14 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING/MATTERS ARISING/FOLLOW- UP OF ACTION TAKEN Judith Ogan asked everyone present to confirm that the minutes of the meeting held on 22 September 2014 were a true and accurate record of that meeting. Each page was examined and it was AGREED they were true and accurate; the minutes were signed by Judith at the end of the meeting. The Chair advised governors that Mrs. Paola Sanders (SENCo) would be happy to come back to speak to governors in the future (re new SEND arrangements minute nos GB167/14-GB171/14 refer) if they wished. The Chair reminded governors that currently Ofsted telephone giving one day s notice before an inspection so the group of governors who will be available to speak to the Inspector (Kate Peters, Andy Woollard, Judith Griffin and herself) have met to make sure they have a range of evidence available to share with the inspector. There were no matters arising. Kate Smolen arrived at 6.15 p.m. A governor asked Have you heard from the HMI Inspector? Penny Bennett Chair.2

3 advised that she has not actually spoken to him although she had received a response to her to him stating that he would be getting in touch. 6. GB187/14 GB188/14 GB189/14 GB190/14 ORGANISATION OF GOVERNING BODY & COMMITTEES Reconstitution of the Governing Body under the 2012 regulations; The Chair reminded governors that all schools must reconstitute by September 2015 and, as Jean Steele had recently resigned, now may be a good time to reconstitute to the previously agreed number of 12. We must have 2 x parent governors, 1 x Headteacher, 1 x staff governor and 1 x Authority Governor. Governors were asked if they thought this was a good idea and did they have any comments and everyone AGREED the school should reconstitute now. Currently the school has 4 parent governors and 3 Authority governors so the Clerk advised the Chair that decisions on any category should be discussed but governors should not be involved in deciding their own particular category. The Chair suggested that as only 2 parent governors were present (Russell Benton and Andy Woollard) that they should be the nominated parent governors AGREED; there were no objections. A governor proposed that the Authority governor should be the Chair (Judith Ogan) and governors again AGREED. The Clerk will inform Governor Services that all remaining governors will become co-opted governors and request that the new Instrument of Government is prepared accordingly. A governor asked if their term of office started again and the Clerk informed the meeting that it was her understanding that if a governor s category changed i.e. from parent to co-opted then a new term of office would commence; existing parent governor terms of office would remain as before. Consider Governing Body s Committee Structure; The Chair pointed out that, since Jean Steele s resignation, the Communications & Development Committee was without a Chair and since the last Ofsted inspection the governing body had been running two monitoring groups (as well as two committees). She suggested that the school could merge the monitoring groups into the committee structure, which has existed for at least the last ten years. One committee could deal with Data & Finance (replacing Finance & Resources) and the other committee could deal with Teaching & Learning (replacing Communications & Development). One governor commented that this would be a sensible approach but one committee was currently lacking in numbers. The Chair acknowledged this and said committee membership would be discussed shortly. Another governor felt the suggestion would modernise the governing body. Governors were asked if they felt this was the way forward and did they have any reservations. There were no objections AGREED - but one governor felt that there should be an equal split. It was suggested by the Chair that we trial the new arrangement for a term to see how it works. It was acknowledged that the new committees will have separate responsibilities although there will be some crossover between data and teaching & learning. One governor asked How would we make sure Clerk to inform Governor Services Chair.3

4 we are monitoring leadership and Early Years? The Chair responded that this would be covered by both committees, we would need to make sure each committee knows what the other is covering so there is no overlap or gaps. GB191/14 GB192/14 GB193/14 GB194/14 GB195/14 GB196/14 7. Kate Smolen asked Is there a member of staff on each committee? The Chair responded that at present there is only one member of the teaching staff on one of the committees. The Chair also stated that another member of the teaching staff could become an Associate Member and commented that it would be very helpful to the governing body if staff did wish to be involved. The Chair asked that each monitoring group should meet this term. Someone asked Will this be in an evening? The Chair responded that timing will depend on the committee membership. One governor felt that the same evening would be more convenient. Another governor asked Should it be, where possible, that we meet in school time when results are fed back to the committee? Another opinion was that the school do the same as at present for monitoring meetings. The Chair summed up by stating that the new arrangements need to suit everybody and meet our needs. New Terms of Reference for the new committees will need to be agreed. Constitution for Governing Body Committees (incl. Staff Pay and Staff Pay Appeals Committees); Governors were reminded that the Terms of Reference for the Staff Pay and Staff Pay Appeals Committees had already been agreed last term. Ian Walker arrived at 6.40 p.m. Review of membership of Committees/list of functions to be delegated to committees/individuals; The Chair read through the Responsibilities on Governing Body 2014/15 list and all governors were happy to continue with their previous responsibilities. It was AGREED that the Achievement of Pupils at the School monitoring group would now consist of Judith Griffin, Olive Gross, Sarah Fielding-Prior, Andy Woollard and Emma Nelson. The Quality of Teaching in the School monitoring group would consist of Judith Ogan, Kate Peters, Antonella Crudgington, Ian Walker and James Knowles. It was AGREED that the previous focus on attendance was no longer necessary as our attendance figure (up to July 2014) was 95.9%. The Chair reiterated that attendance at committee meetings is not exclusive and governors are welcome to attend any. To adopt a Code of Practice for School Governors; Those governors not present at the last meeting duly signed a copy of the Code (N.B. Emma Nelson had signed her declaration on 25 September 2014). HEADTEACHER S REPORT New Terms of Reference to be agreed Antonella Crudgington to complete Chair.4

5 Penny Bennett advised governors that she would be happy to provide them with a written summary of her Headteacher s Report. Copies of the recent confidential LA Review were circulated for governors to read and the Headteacher stressed that the contents should remain confidential. GB197/14 GB198/14 GB199/14 Currently the school has 144 children on roll. Whilst in the past the school has been top heavy with boys the current split is equal i.e. 72 girls, 72 boys. One reception child has been allocated a place but has not joined the school yet and one Year 1 child was permanently re-housed in July so both KS1 classes currently number 29; governors were reminded that there is no limit to KS2 class sizes. A governor asked Is there a physical limit to the number we can have on roll? Penny Bennett stated that classrooms do have a limit and the school requires about 146 on roll, in order to afford the expensive staff we employ (140 is too low). The annual census (PLASC) was done last Thursday so we will be funded on 144. Another question was asked How does it compare with other local schools? Penny Bennett said some local schools do have extra capacity (their buildings have more classrooms) but most are not full e.g. Chipping Ongar has about 10 more on roll than ourselves, Shelley School has much less with a high capacity of unfilled places both are one form entry schools. One governor commented that there are noticeably less children in the area (of primary school age) and felt this was a knock-on effect of the recent financial crisis. Penny Bennett spoke about Disadvantaged Pupils (previously Pupil Premium) and said 5 new children that have joined us are all within this category. Funding for them will not follow until April A governor asked Have we managed to get all necessary information from parents re KSI Free School Meals? Penny Bennett confirmed that the office staff had done their utmost to get the relevant information. Two long standing children in KS2 have this year been flagged up as Disadvantaged but did not appear on last year s Pupil Premium list. Penny Bennett then spoke about SATs. Attainment is good and our results are above floor targets in KS1 and KS2. A question was asked about percentages and Penny was able to confirm that one child = 5% in KS1, and this is slightly less in KS2: Pupils achieved 95% level 4 for reading (in line with last year); 91% level 4 for writing (in line with last year); Overall 90% for English (91% last year) Overall 81% for Maths (91% last year) down by 10% = 2 children. There were no level 6 s this year pointed out in LA Review; we should be targeting Year 6 s and Academically More Able. Chair.5

6 Level 6: Essex National Reading 0 0 Writing 2% 2% Maths 6% 9% GPS 2% 4% GB200/14 GB201/14 GB202/14 GB203/14 Academically More Able children require a completely different curriculum in terms of the level of work and expectation. One governor asked How do you write a curriculum for one child? Penny Bennett reminded governors that 2 levels of progress is expected progress and 3 levels of progress is better than expected progress. More 3 levels of progress should in theory enable children to reach level 6. Dave Green is currently running a Maths group with children in Year 5 (he did extension group work last year also). Jo Wilson (retired SENCo) is also doing some extension group work with Year 5 & 6 children (reading and writing). Penny Bennett suggested that the Teaching & Learning group could look at some level 6 papers to be used by the children to see the level expected of these children. Three levels progress in reading was 19% this year which is not around the expected 30%. Penny then went on to explain about the 3 pupils who just missed the 3 levels progress by a few marks following SATs analysis. It was found that the children who were borderline, 2 or 3 marks out, fell down on test technique which was explained. Progress was solidly good last year well above floor targets and better than expected. In two out of three subjects (writing and reading) we achieved 100% with two levels of progress; maths was 95% (difference being one child who did not actually finish the paper). The teacher assessed the children to achieve 3 levels of progress. Governors were reminded that levels will not be used nationally in the future, but we are still using them at High Ongar in the immediate future until alternatives are clear. Ofsted should use their discretion when looking at these results. We have a slight concern this year with the reading result so Penny intends to ask the HMI for advice about this. A parent governor asked Does it become public knowledge how children are ranked? He had concerns about the effect on children. Another governor commented that a child could be the 20 th each year but have made much progress. Penny Bennett stated that schools will also be ranked. Penny Bennett outlined the predictions for summer b = average KS2, 2b = average KS1, end of year outcomes: Governors to look at papers Chair.6

7 KS1 L2+ - Reading, Writing Maths = 100% L2b+ - Reading 85%, Writing 80%, Maths 95% L3 - Reading 50%, Writing 40%, Maths 35%. There is an issue with Maths in KS1 ( data) that we are addressing. KS2 L4+ - Reading 96%, Writing 80%, Maths 96% L4b+ - Reading 96%, Writing 80%, Maths 96% L5+ - Reading 50%, Writing 50%, Maths 46% L6 - Reading 8%, Writing 12%, Maths 17%. One-to-one work is also going on in school. A question was asked about the new families that joined the school this term Are the 3 x KS1 children all SEN? Penny Bennett confirmed that these pupils were vulnerable in terms of their learning and we would be monitoring them closely after we have baselined them. GB204/14 A governor asked Are we having another LA visit this term? Penny Bennett advised that she did not know at present. The LA review had been carried out by 3 inspectors (two Early Years experienced, one an Early Years specialist). Penny Bennett also pointed out that the LA Review documentation is headed up Grade 4 School Review when the school is not in that category and she added that she would be addressing this error with the LA. The key issues from July 2014 are: GB205/14 Lack of consistency in quality of teaching on the day (data, teacher, books); Focus on higher attainers (pitch at highest level, differentiation); Teachers need to do more modelling of work (scaffolding) and Ofsted need to see this; Pace in lessons needs to improve; Marking not consistent; Child initiated play (Early Years); More visual prompts for SEN children in KS2; Preparing pupils for L6 in Year 6. In addition the school has identified the following: KS1 Maths; Issues with reading in KS2. Chair.7

8 GB206/14 What is going well is: Quality of written work; Quality of writing and skills applied; Good and outstanding teaching in school; Marking bubbles; Assessment accurate in Early Years; Good level of development in Early Years is now 75% (previously 45%); Impact of pupil premium; Governors actively involved in monitoring. GB207/14 GB208/14 GB209/14 GB210/14 New National Curriculum In terms of changes to the national curriculum, teachers are getting to grips with Maths; there will however be children who have gaps because of higher expectations and because they will not have been taught certain elements. Teachers are working hard to incorporate the new curriculum and we will need new resources in 2015/16. Computing now includes programming, apps etc. Some training is needed as well as software. A governor asked Can we outsource this? Penny Bennett felt this could be expensive for 5 classes and that the school did not have the money. PE & Sports Funding The school is looking for another dance coach. We also intend to purchase more basketball tuition (requested by children) and we have sought quotes for new playground/court markings and a bike/road track. The school is also organising a KS1 lunchtime club (Mondays) for sports multi skills. LDG meeting Penny Bennett reminded governors that we belong to a group of 13 local primary schools and that the heads work together to support each other. The schools collaborated to agree the Local Offer and have organised some twilight training. The schools also organise moderation between themselves. The Chair of the LDG is hosting a meeting for members of governing bodies on 25 November at 7 p.m. Ongar Academy The Secretary of State has given the final seal of approval and the Academy is currently interviewing for a Principal. They intend to open in September 2015 and will be a four form entry school. The Academy intends to be a school for local children and deliberately wishes to keep it small (in terms of secondary school size). The Chair pointed out that High Ongar will be a feeder for the academy. It will be important to consider our developing relationship with them as we share local provision. Kate Smolen advised governors that some parents have been informed they will have to pay 600 in travelling costs if they choose to send their child to a secondary school outside the area. Governors to note date Chair.8

9 GB211/14 8. GB212/14 New Ash Class Teacher Penny Bennett was delighted to confirm that the school has appointed a very enthusiastic teacher. She is available to start after half term and will come in for parents evenings and for transition. OFSTED ACTION PLAN To discuss new Ofsted governor responsibilities The Chair circulated an extract from the Ofsted School Inspection Handbook (August 2014) and drew attention to the first 2 bullet points which had been introduced following the trojan horse report. Promoting British values had been asked for at a recent inspection governors agreed that the school does promote British values through Christian values (assemblies), democracy (school council, school to which we are proud to belong ), tolerance etc. With regard to further bullet points, the school has clarity of vision and considers succession planning. A governor pointed out that the curriculum is constantly changing. The Chair reinforced the importance of reviewing impact, data, challenging and holding the Headteacher to account, use of data dashboard and understanding data, ensuring solvency and probity (finances), supporting the Headteacher, monitoring performance management and salary progression, engaging with stakeholders and attending meetings. She summed up the changes as being significant. The Chair also circulated a summary of What the school needs to do to improve further from our last inspection report as a reminder. The first 4 bullet points were used to set up the Quality of Teaching group and the remaining 6 bullet points refer to levels of attainment. Leadership and Attendance being the last two areas to address. GB213/14 GB214/14 GB215/14 GB216/14 GB217/14 The Chair proposed that: i) Keep visit reports up to date; ii) Governors to monitor the new computing curriculum/issues etc. Andy Woollard and Russell Benton to visit on 3 and 5 Nov respectively; iii) Re marking, Penny Bennett was asked if she was planning a further book inspection? Could governors be involved again? Penny agreed to arrange another work scrutiny and invite Kate Peters and Judith Ogan; iv) Penny felt someone needed to come in and look at Early Years. Judith Ogan said she would contact Antonella Crudgington and would also visit Ash Class herself; v) Provision for academically more able children Olive Gross agreed to continue her monitoring of both More Able and Gifted & Talented. Governors then discussed possible dates for committee meetings and AGREED to hold this term s meetings on Monday, 3 November 2014 at 6.00 p.m. and 7.15 p.m. A Woollard/R Benton P Bennett J Ogan/A Crudgington O Gross Governors to note new date Attainment Group Judith Griffin to give a report to the meeting Chair.9

10 GB218/14 GB219/ Judith Griffin reported that Early Years was good now 75% (national average 52%). Boys literacy was identified as an area of concern so in response to this a boy friendly literacy area was set up to promote boys writing. The Year 1 s achieved better than expected progress and SEN progress was better than expected in writing and maths, and as expected in reading. It was decided that Judith Griffin would circulate her written report and governors were urged to bring any questions to the committee meetings. Gifted & Talented Olive Gross to give a report (previously circulated) Olive Gross stated she had looked at what is happening and what is planned for the future. Lots are being done and the school is looking ahead. Our children have the chance to do work with Epping St. John s (through the LDG) which is running a Maths Day for more able children as well as a Maths competition. GOVERNOR MONITORING, DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING Nothing to report. ONGAR ACADEMY This matter was covered under the Headteacher s Report. ANY OTHER BUSINESS A governor commented on the fact the pedestrian barrier by the school gate had been damaged and asked if the school knew when the damage occurred and had the Highways Department been informed; the Headteacher confirmed that they had been informed by . The problem of inconsiderate parking by parents was briefly discussed and Penny Bennett informed governors that she was aware that a local school had recently acquired an A frame which was being displayed outside the school and it had had a very positive impact on parents parking at that school. Penny was seriously considering purchasing one for High Ongar (cost approx ). The meeting ended at 8.40 p.m. Dates/Times of future meetings 3 November 6.00 p.m. - Teaching & Learning Committee 7.15 p.m. Finance & Data Committee 1 December Full Governing Body Meeting 7.00 p.m. 12 January Agenda Planning Meeting for Chair, Vice Chair, Chairs 8.30 a.m. and Vice Chairs of Committees, HT + Clerk only 2 February Full Governing Body Meeting 7.00 p.m. J Griffin to circulate report O Gross to continue to monitor Chair.10

11 2 March 6.00 p.m. Teaching & Learning Committee 7.15 p.m. Finance &Data Committee 23 March Full Governing Body Meeting 7.00 p.m. 27 April - Agenda Planning Meeting for Chair, Vice Chair, Chairs 8.30 a.m. and Vice Chairs of Committees, HT + Clerk only 11 May Full Governing Body Meeting 7.00 p.m. 15 June 6.00 p.m. Teaching & Learning Committee 7.15 p.m. Finance & Data Committee 13 July Full Governing Body Meeting 7.00 p.m. SUMMARY OF ACTION POINTS Minute No. Summary of Action Actioner GB131/14 Quality of Teaching Group to present report to next full governing body meeting (1 December) GB148/14 More time in Finance & Data meetings to be set aside to offer explanations etc. to governors K Peters J Griffin/ Clerk GB189/14 Contact Governor Services to organise new Instrument of Government Clerk following reconstitution GB192/14 New committees to decide on new Terms of Reference All governors GB196/14 Code of Conduct declaration to be signed A Crudgington GB201/14 Monitoring group to look at level 6 papers Teaching & Learning group GB209/14 LDG meeting at Ivy Chimneys Primary, Epping on (7 pm) All governors GB213/14 New Computing curriculum/issues to be monitored GB214/14 Work scrutiny to be arranged A Woollard/ R Benton P Bennett GB215/14 Visit to Early Years A Crudgington/ J Ogan GB216/14 Provision for More Able & Gifted & Talented O Gross Chair.11

12 GB217/44 New meetings date 3 November to be noted GB218/14 Report from Attainment Group to be circulated GB219/14 Provision for both Academically More Able and Gifted & Talented monitoring All governors J Griffin O Gross Chair.12