2015 16 academic year learning and development programme ... · asbestos and its effects on health....

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2015 – 16 Academic Year

Learning and Development

Programme for Governors

London Borough of Brent

Governor Support Services

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Introduction This booklet includes the details of all the courses that governors can attend over the 2015-16 academic year. As the year progresses governors will be advised when additional courses are arranged. The governing body has a strategic role in our schools which means that governors decide what they want the school to achieve and set the framework for getting there. The governing body is also responsible for the safeguarding of the children in their care and the school’s financial management. The local authority’s expectation is that all governors and governing bodies:

possess a basic understanding of school performance and financial data to be able to engage in debate and decision making processes;

are able to deal with strategic issues and help bring both support and constructive challenge;

maintain a strategic overview of standards, quality of teaching and setting targets

have robust and transparent financial procedures in order to oversee the strategic management of the school budget and ensure that money is well spent

Although not mandatory, training is key to strong governance. It assists governors in fulfilling their statutory duties and responsibilities. It helps governors to keep abreast of the many changes taking place in education and supports them in raising standards in schools.

The Council provides training for all governors and you are encouraged to attend courses that are offered. It is essential that all new governors attend the new governors’ induction course, finance course and safeguarding course within the first three months of taking up office. All governing bodies should have adopted a Code of Practice. Brent recommends the National Governors’ Association (NGA) document, where governors and board members commit to ‘…consider seriously our individual and collective needs for training and development, and will undertake relevant training…’

It is also essential that governors who sit on the Finance/Resources Committee are able to answer correctly some key questions relating to the very serious and legal responsibility they are undertaking in relation to holding the school to account for its finances.

Governor Support Services will schedule a finance related course every term.

Experienced governors, especially members of the finance committee and pay committees are also strongly encouraged to attend refresher training every two years.

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It is suggested that ‘governor training’ is a standing agenda item for governing body meeting. A member of the governing body should take responsibility for monitoring training and set up a file in which to keep copies of the certificates that members have attended. This file could be used as evidence to Ofsted that governors are taking responsibility for their own Continuous Professional Development, which is the Council’s expectation. ``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` In addition to the courses and support offered by the SLA, the Governor Support Service can also provide bespoke training and support for governing bodies. This bespoke training and support for individual governing bodies is subject to an additional cost, and includes:

interpreting data

‘Getting to Good’

Pupil Premium and PE Funding

Monitoring and evaluating the School Development Plan (SDP)

Review of governance Please contact Helen Tulloch to discuss governance support available to Brent schools. Mentoring for chairs or aspiring chairs is also available via Brent’s NLG (National Leader of Governance), at no extra cost. During the year all courses will take place at Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ. Full details with booking codes are included on the following pages but can also be found on the SLA Online web-site www.bestbrent.co.uk where you can book. Please note our cancellation policy 1. Courses that do not attract the minimum number of delegates will be

cancelled a week before the start date. 2. Where a course has to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g.

tutor unavailability, venue issues, severe and unexpected weather conditions etc.) we will make every effort to inform delegates as soon as we can.

3. Booked places that are not attended and not cancelled will incur a full charge cost to the school without exception.

Best wishes Governor Support Service

http://www.bestbrent.co/

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List of courses

Course title Page

1 Clerks’ Briefing

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2 Safer Recruitment Training

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3 New Governor Induction

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4 Introduction to Safeguarding: the governors' roles and responsibilities

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5 Health and Safety

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6 Asbestos Awareness

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7 School's Finance

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8 Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS)

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9 Headteacher's Performance Management

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10 Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Governors' Responsibilities

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11 The role of the governor in promoting positive educational outcomes for looked after children within their school setting

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12 Level 3 Safeguarding for Designated Leads

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13 The Pupil Premium

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14 Making sense of British values

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15 Inspecting SMSC and Equalities

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16 Pay Appeals 20

17 HR Disciplinary 21

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Clerks’ Briefing

Trainer Helen Tulloch, Governor Support Coordinator

Target audience Governing body, and management committee clerks

Course description This session is intended to keep clerks up to date and

informed about current legislation and initiatives. There is allocated time for clerks to share their practice and to discuss any concerns or seek clarification about aspects of their work.

Course objectives To explore new legislation or initiatives and agenda items for the term.

To provide an opportunity for updating and sharing information.

To encourage suggestions around improving efficiency in the role.

To provide networking opportunities.

Term Date Time Room Course Code

Autumn Thursday 24 September 2015

10am - midday 4th floor meeting rooms 1 & 2

GOV/1516/01

Spring Tuesday 19 January 2016

10am - midday Training room 3 GOV/1516/02

Summer Wednesday 20 April 2016


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Safer Recruitment Training

Trainer Nicki Parker, Consultant

Target audience Headteachers, governors and any member of staff involved in recruitment.

Course description Based on the original DfE course, this session explores the background and context of safer recruitment, defines a safe recruitment process and considers a strategy for maintaining a culture of safeguarding in schools. The regulations continue to require one member of any recruitment panel to have undertaken safer recruitment training. However, since September 2014, it is for school leaders to judge what training will be appropriate for them.

Course objectives Understand the importance of having safer recruitment procedures in place.

Develop the skills needed to put safer recruitment processes in place.

Promote a ‘best practice’ approach to safer recruitment within your organization.

NB: Please contact Audri Alexander to book onto this course: [email protected]


Autumn Monday 30 November 2015

9.30am – 4.30pm

Training room 4 SFR/1516/01

Spring Monday 14 March 2016 9.30am – 4.30pm


Summer Wednesday 8 June 2016

9.30am – 4.30pm


mailto:[email protected]

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New Governor Induction

Trainer Joanna Palmer, Governance trainer

Target audience All new governors, management committee members and

associate members. Existing governors are also encouraged to attend this course as a refresher.

Course description These sessions will explain and define the role of a governor in terms of time commitment and accountability. The course will provide foundation knowledge and information required to be an effective governor. The course will also explain the difference in the strategic role of a governor and the management role of a headteacher.

Course objectives To explore governors’ roles and responsibilities as defined in the Governors’ Handbook.

To learn how to effectively challenge, support and hold senior leaders to account.

To determine the difference between strategic leadership and the day to day management of the school.


Autumn Friday 16 October 2015 Full day 9.30am – 4.30pm

Training room 3 GOV/1516/04

Wednesday 11 November 2015

6pm – 8pm Training room 2 GOV/1516/05

Tuesday 24 November 2015


Spring Monday 29 February 2016

Full day 9.30am – 4.30pm


Tuesday 15 March 2016 6pm – 8pm Training room 2 GOV/1516/08

Tuesday 22 March 2016 6pm – 8pm Training room 2 GOV/1516/09

Summer Monday 23 May 2016 Full day 9.30am – 4.30pm


Wednesday 8 June 2016


Monday 20 June 2016 6pm – 8pm Training room 2 GOV/1516/12

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Introduction to Safeguarding: the governors' roles and responsibilities

Trainer Helen Elliott, Governance Trainer

Target audience All governors and board members who have not previously

undertaken Child Protection training, this course will provide an overview of the legal framework for safeguarding and child protection in schools and the role of the Governing Body as outlined in the statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education 2014.

Course description This session should ensure that governors have an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the legal framework for safeguarding, the key elements of safeguarding the welfare of children and the particular responsibilities of governors.

Course objectives The Legislation, policies and procedures for safeguarding children.

How schools work in partnership with other organisations to safeguard children.

What is meant by abuse and possible indicators.

Responding to concerns of maltreatment , abuse or bullying.

Safe working practice in schools including e-safety.

The role of governors in ensuring the safety and protection of children.


Autumn Wednesday 4 November 2015

6pm - 8.30pm Training room 4 GOV/1516/13

Friday 13 November 2015 10am -12.30pm


Spring Thursday 3 March 2016 10am -12.30pm


Monday 14 March 2016 6pm - 8.30pm Training room 3 GOV/1516/16

Summer Monday 16 May 2016 10am - 12.30pm


Tuesday 7 June 2016 6pm - 8.30pm Training room 2 GOV/1516/18

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Health and Safety

Trainer Ian Roberts, Health and Safety Adviser

Target audience All governors and management committee members,

particularly governors with responsibility for Health and Safety and members of the premises committee.

Course description This course is designed to develop Health and Safety awareness for school governors.

Course objectives To have a clearer understanding of their health and safety responsibilities and the role of the governing body.

To have appreciation of general legal requirements and understand the importance of effective health and safety management in schools.


Autumn Tuesday 15 September 2015

10am - 1pm Training room 4 GOV/1516/19

Spring Monday 11 January 2016 6pm - 9pm Training room 2 GOV/1516/20

Summer Tuesday 12 April 2016 10am - 1pm Training room 4 GOV/1516/21

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Asbestos Awareness

Trainer Ian Roberts, Health and Safety Adviser

Target audience All governors, management committee and board members, particularly those with responsibility for Health and Safety.

Course description To provide an awareness and development of knowledge to governors of the hazards and risks posed by asbestos containing materials (ACM’s) within education establishments and an overview of the legislative measures in place to safeguard staff and others affected by the work activities of such establishments.

Course objectives Have an awareness of the nature and properties of asbestos and its effects on health.

To be familiar with the types, uses and likely occurrences of asbestos in buildings.

Have an awareness of the general legislation in relation to health and safety and asbestos in particular.

Have an increased awareness of asbestos survey reports and other relevant documents.

Have an increased awareness of the role of asbestos analyst and air monitoring techniques.

Have basic overview of the types of asbestos removals and current methods of removal in buildings.

Know the procedures to be followed when coming into unintentional contact with ACM’s and an understanding of the appropriate emergency arrangements.


Autumn Thursday 17 September 2015

6pm - 8pm Training room 4 GOV/1516/22

Spring Friday 15 January 2016 10am - midday Training room 4 GOV/1516/23

Summer Thursday 14 April 2016 6pm - 8pm Training room 4 GOV/1516/24

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School's Finance

Trainer Norwena Thomas, Senior Finance Analyst

Target audience For governors, management committee members and board members new to finance in relation to good governance. For those who are considering joining the finance committee.

Course description This session will focus on basic good financial management, including suggestions for general good practice and information about the audit process.

Course objectives To look at the functions of the finance committee.

To sign post governors to where they can find information and support.

Budget forecasting.

Budget monitoring.


Autumn Monday 2 November 2015 10am - midday


Spring Wednesday 3 February 2016


Summer Wednesday 29 June 2016 10am - midday Training room 2 GOV/1516/29

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Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS)

Trainer Norwena Thomas, Senior Finance Analyst

Target audience All governors and board members, particularly members of the finance committee.

Course description This course will take you through the 23 questions required to be answered as part of annual submission of this return.

Course objectives By the end of the session participants will:

Know the 23 questions and the reason behind each question.

Provide examples of evidence that can be used to support responses to the SFVS questions.

Understand the reporting requirements in relation to this return.


Autumn Thursday 3 December 2015


Spring Wednesday 20 January 2016


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Headteacher's Performance Management

Trainer Alison Bell, Principal Employment Relations (ER) Officer

Target audience All governors and management committee members,

particularly those who are members of the Headteachers Performance Management Panel and/or the pay committee.

Course description This training session has been developed for school governors. It will provide an overview of the main changes to the School Teachers Pay and Conditions document (STPCD) 2014 and will focus on Leadership pay. The session will also provide guidance on how to effectively manage headteacher performance.

Course objectives To highlight the key changes and explain what the implications are for governors.

To provide guidance on the revised framework for setting pay for leadership positions, including leadership progression arrangements.

To explain how governors should set pay when appointing new headteachers.

To review the new headteacher performance standards, and to provide guidance to school governors on the effective management of headteacher performance, including setting headteacher’s objectives.

To summarise revisions to Brent’s Model Pay Policy.

To clarify the action school governors will be required to take to keep their schools ‘on track’.


Autumn Monday 12 October 2015 10am - midday Training room 3 GOV/1516/30

Monday 19 October 2015 6pm - 8pm Training room 3 GOV/1516/31

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Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Governors' Responsibilities

Trainer Gillian Edwards, Primary SEND Consultant

Target audience All governors, management committee board members

particularly those with responsibility for SEND.

Course description This course will look at the SEND Code of Practice with regard to SEN in schools. It will also explore the role and responsibilities of governors in relation to SEND.

Course objectives To explore the new legislation and what it means for governors.

To examine the changing role of the governor with responsibility for SEND.


Spring Friday 15 January 2016 10am - midday Training room 3 GOV/1516/32

Thursday 21 January 2016 6pm - 8pm Training room 2 GOV/1516/33

Summer Tuesday 19 April 2016 10am - midday Training room 2 GOV/1516/34

Thursday 26 May 2016 6pm - 8pm Training room 2 GOV/1516/35

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The role of the governor in promoting positive educational outcomes for

looked after children within their school setting

Trainer Nayna Joshi

Target audience New and Existing School Governors with responsibility for vulnerable groups including looked after children.

Course description The role of the Governor in promoting positive educational outcomes for children in care.

Course objectives An introduction to the work of the Virtual School.

An appreciation of the local context for children in care and the pupil profile of the Brent Virtual School.

An understanding of the Governing body’s statutory responsibilities for Children in Care and the role of the Designated Governor and Designated Teacher.

Awareness of good practice around the effective use of pupil premium and Personal Education Plans in supporting Children in Care.

Consider how school policies, practices and culture should reflect the needs of Children in Care.


Autumn Wednesday 21 October 2015


Spring Monday 21 March 2016 6pm - 8pm Training room 3 GOV/1516/37

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Level 3 Safeguarding for Designated Leads

Trainer Helen Elliot, Consultant

Target audience This course is for Designated Safeguarding Leads. Headteachers and governors with responsibility for safeguarding are welcome to attend.

Course description Governing Bodies should ensure their schools designate a senior member of staff to take lead responsibility for child protection. This person should have the status and authority within the school to carry out the duties of the post including committing resources and, where appropriate, supporting and directing other staff. Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) are required to have training every two years. This course will introduce new DSLs to the role and be a revision for existing post holders. As a level 3 session it will provide attendees with advanced information on reporting strategies, policies and procedures. It will also cover: - how to make your working environment safe for children, including safe practices and the procedures for dealing with allegations against staff; - what to do if you believe that a child is at risk; - who to approach and/or whom to report; - what actions to take and which legislation applies. It will look at the role of the designated person/child protection officer, information sharing, confidentiality, consent and what we should expect from children’s social care.

Course objectives To ensure participants understand the role and responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

To develop the competence and confidence of Designated Safeguarding Leads in carrying out their role.



Autumn Wednesday 21 October 2015

9.30am - 15.30pm

Training room 4 DSL/1516/01

Spring Wednesday 3 February 2016

9.30am - 15.30pm


Summer Wednesday 11 May 2016 9.30am - 15.30pm



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The Pupil Premium

Trainer Bill Bolloten, Consultant

Target audience All governors and board members

Course description The pupil premium was introduced in April 2011. It is additional funding to help schools close the attainment gap between children from low-income and other disadvantaged families and their peers. For 2013-14 funding has been set at £900 per pupil, and will increase to £1400 in 2014-15. Schools are accountable for how their pupil premium funding is used, and are required to publish online information about their funding allocation and how they plan to spend it. Ofsted now evaluates carefully how a school uses their Pupil Premium funding. Governors should play a full part in making decisions about pupil premium spending, as well as asking challenging questions about how effective actions are in improving achievement.

Course objectives Enable governors to understand what pupil premium is for, and who is eligible to receive it.

Learn how schools will be held accountable for how the pupil premium is spent and what the school needs to publish online.

Consider the range of ways that pupil premium funding can be used successfully to tackle gaps in attainment and support pupils from low-income families and other target groups.

Understand how Ofsted will evaluate the school’s use of the funding.

Learn about the importance of governors being actively involved in discussions on how the pupil premium is spent and evaluating its impact.



Spring Monday 18 January 2016 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Training room 4 PPR/1516/01

Monday 18 January 2016 6pm - 8pm Training room 4 PPR/1516/02


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Making sense of British values


Target audience All governors and board members

Course description Providing for pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development is a statutory requirement for all schools, and a key aspect of how pupils are prepared positively for life in modern Britain. SMSC development will link closely to a school’s ethos and values, and will be visible throughout a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum. Through ensuring pupils’ SMSC development, schools are now required to demonstrate that they are actively promoting the 'fundamental British values' of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.’ In the Ofsted inspection framework from September 2015, the grade descriptor for outstanding leadership and management states that SMSC development and the promotion of British values will be ‘at the heart of the school’s work’.

Course objectives To enable governors to develop a confident understanding of what is meant by SMSC development and British values.

To explore some of the controversies about British values and some of the challenges that this requirement presents for schools.

To explore ways that schools can foster inclusive understandings of Britishness that embrace diversity and acknowledge the multiple ways of connecting with British society.

Consider how governors can play an active role to ensure that schools develop a positive school culture that effectively promotes SMSC development and equality and diversity.


Spring Monday 22 February 2016 6pm - 8pm Training room 3 GOV/1516/38

Tuesday 1 March 2016 10am - midday Training room 2 GOV/1516/39

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Inspecting SMSC and Equalities


Target audience Headteachers/principals, deputy headteachers, assistant headteachers and school governors.

Course description In the new Ofsted inspection framework from September 2015, the grade descriptor for outstanding leadership and management identifies that pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development and, within this, the promotion of fundamental British values, will be at the heart of the school’s work. School leaders are also expected to show how they promote equality of opportunity and diversity exceptionally well. Providing for pupils' SMSC development is a statutory requirement for all schools, and a key aspect of how pupils are prepared positively for life in modern Britain. Since April 2011, all schools have been bound by a part of the Equality Act 2010 called the public sector equality duty. Schools have a statutory requirement to meet specific duties to publish equality information and equality objectives. This course will review the requirements for schools on SMSC, and how the new Ofsted framework will evaluate the impact of effectiveness of school actions and interventions.

Course objectives Review the statutory requirements on equalities and SMSC.

Understand the role the equality duty and SMSC have in developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes pupils need for life in modern Britain.

To explore some of the controversies about British values and some of the challenges that this requirement presents for schools.

Learn how Ofsted will judge the effectiveness of actions on equalities and SMSC, and what schools should have in place.



Spring Thursday 3 March 2016 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Training room 4 EQU/1516/01

Thursday 3 March 2016 6pm - 8pm Training room 4 EQU/1516/02


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Pay appeals

Trainer Alison Bell, Principal Employment Relations (ER) Officer

Target audience For all members of governing bodies or members of management committees at all types of schools in Brent.

Course description A member of staff may seek a review of any determination in relation to his or her pay or any other decision taken by the governing body (or committee or individual acting with delegated authority) that effects his or her pay. This session has been designed to equip governors with the practical knowledge and skills to handle pay appeals effectively.

Course objectives To explain the background context (STPCD 2013 and Model Pay Policy) which is relevant to pay determinations and pay progression.

To explore the grounds for appeal and what should be taken into consideration.

To describe the stages in the pay appeal process, including the format of the appeal hearing(s).

To understand the range of possible outcomes and how to confirm your decision.

By the end of the session governors will have a better knowledge of the subject and will feel more confident if they were to be a panel member at a pay appeal.


Spring Monday 1 February 2016


Wednesday 24 February 2016

6 – 8pm Training room 3 GOV/1516/41

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HR disciplinary

Trainer Alison Bell, Principal Employee Relations Officer

Target audience All Governors

Course description This course covers a range of key information to enable you to conduct a fair hearing in relation to a management case presented about an employee at your school e.g. concerning Disciplinary or Capability issues. It will include the legal framework, roles & responsibilities, the format of a hearing, issues that may arise and the decision-making process. It is a practical session and participants should come prepared to share their experiences. Questions are welcomed.

Course objectives To provide information and guidance to help you conduct a fair hearing and make sound decisions.

To explore how to fulfil your role as a staffing committee panel member more effectively.

To know what support and guidance is available to enable you to fulfil your role.


Summer Wednesday 11 May 2015 10am – midday Training room 3 GOV/1516/42

Wednesday 25 May 2015 6 – 8pm Training room 3 GOV/1516/43

2015 16 academic year learning and development programme ... · asbestos and its effects on health....

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