Issue - meetings

The Department for Education (DfE) has issued guidance for the reconstitution of governing bodies in all maintained schools including governing bodies of Federations. All governing bodies of maintained schools are required to constitute under the School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2012 or the School Governance (Federations) (England) Regulations 2012, by 1 September 2015.

The Head of Education Improvement introduced this item to the Panel. She explained that the Department for Education (DfE) had issued guidance for the reconstitution of governing bodies in all maintained schools including governing bodies of Federations. All governing bodies of maintained schools are required to constitute under the School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2012 or the School Governance (Federations) (England) Regulations 2012, by 1 September 2015.

She added that the reconstitution of governing bodies may result in a surplus in the number of Local Authority governors on governing bodies. The guidance sets out a process for the removal of surplus governors once governing bodies have reconstituted.

Edward Joseph asked how this would affect the future of our schools.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning replied that the Council would have to look to work more in partnership with governing bodies.

The Head of Education Improvement added that there would be an increasing emphasis on governing bodies to make sure that progress was being made at the school in improving outcomes for all pupils.

Councillor Sarah Bevan asked how we make sure that the governors themselves are scrutinised.

The Head of Education Improvement replied that that would be monitored through the Ofsted inspection process.

Councillor Nicholas Coombes commented that he was generally in agreement with these changes as there were many routes to becoming a governor.

Councillor Liz Hardman said that a lot of Councillors may be disappointed with the outcome of this process, but asked if a list of unsuccessful applicants will be kept.

The Head of Education Improvement replied that when vacancies arise they would be shared with Councillors in advance of advertising.

The Chair said that she recognised the need for schools to focus on the areas that they need support in. She also wished to commend the work done by officers within Governors Support.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the changes in the appointment and the reduction in the number of local authority governors on the governing body of maintained and federated schools.