Federation Governor Minutes 03-12-12 - Shacklewell Primary School

MINUTES
Federation of Grazebrook and Shacklewell
Governing Body
3 December 2012
To
From
Present
In attendance
All Members
Elaine Petruckevitch
Clerk to the governing body
Matthew Anstee, Nadine Cartner, Simon Clarke, Beverley Dickinson,
Anton Francic, Duncan Howard, Helen Khinich, Patrick Middleberg,
Caroline Millar, Ben Plant, Clare Spindler, Michelle Thomas, Rob Whan
Derek Hewie, Nicole Reid
Nadine Cartner opened the meeting at 5.30pm
Agenda Item Decision / Resolution Action
Part 1 non-confidential business
1. Governing
body
organisation
1.1 Apologies/consent for absence
There were no apologies for absence.
1.2 Declarations of interest in items on the agenda
There were no declarations of interest in items on the
agenda.
1.3 Membership of the governing body
It was noted that there were vacancies for three community
governors. Copies of statements from four applicants for the
vacancies were received. In response to a question about
how the applications were solicited, it was noted that Ben
Plant had approached a number of community and
voluntary organisations including the Turkish/Kurdish
voluntary sector, “teach first” and also past governors of
Grazebrook and Shacklewell but not much interest had
been shown except from past governors.
Following a discussion, It was agreed to delegate the
appointment of community governors to a committee with
ratification by the governing body at the next meeting. It
was further agreed that Nat Goodden, Duncan Howard and
Clare Spindler would be members of the committee and
that Ben Plant would chair the committee and make the
necessary organisational arrangements. It was also agreed
that the committee would take into account the previously
agreed criteria for appointing community governors and the
governor skills audit that had been recently undertaken.
It was noted that the CRB checks for Matt Anstee and
Clare Spindler were outstanding.. It was agreed that Matt
Anstee and Clare Spindler would provide the school with
the appropriate documentation.
Nat
Goodden/
Duncan
Howard/
Clare
Spindler/
Ben Plant
Matt
Anstee/
Clare
Spindler
It was further noted that CRB checks were valid for three

years across the schools
Copies of a code of practice for governors were received. It
was agreed to adopt the code of practice and that individual
governors would abide by the code .
Governors
1.4 Review of committee membership/link governors
It was agreed to adopt the terms of reference for the
resources and teaching and learning committees.
It was agreed that Nat Goodden would become a member
of the teaching and learning committee.
Nat
Goodden
It was noted that governors had been sent a copy of the
link governor guidance.
It was noted that the special educational needs coordinator
was also the inclusion co-ordinator and that Nicole
Reid was the literacy co-ordinator for both schools and
Michelle Thomas was the maths co-ordinator for both
schools.
It was agreed that Matt Anstee would become link governor
for literacy, Clare Spindler for maths and Caroline Millar for
inclusion as well as special educational needs.
Matt
Anstee/
Clare
Spindler/
Caroline
Millar
2. Minutes of
the last meeting
2.1 Approval of minutes
It was agreed to accept the minutes of the meeting held on
26 September 2012 as a correct record.
2.2 Matters arising
There were no matters arising not included elsewhere on
the agenda.
2.3 Urgent action
There was no urgent action to report.
3. Report of
the head
teacher
Grazebrook
Copies of the headteacher report for Grazebrook were
received.
Achievement of pupils
Early years foundation stage profile
It was noted that a table showing the profile of the
reception class at the end of the summer term 2012 was
included in the headteacher report. It was further noted that
on average all groups attained more than the expected six
points.
Pupil progress in core subjects
It was noted that a table setting out the average point
scores (APS) in reading, writing and maths by identified
groups for each of years 1 to 6 at the end of the summer
term 2012 compared with age expected was included as
part of the headteacher report. It was further noted that the
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average point score for each year group was at or above
age expected. In response to a question it was also noted
that an increase of three points over a year was satisfactory
progress and increases above three points were classed as
accelerated progress.
In response to a question about why more pupils in similar
schools achieved levels 5 it was noted that both
Grazebrook and Shacklewell schools needed to increase
the number of pupils achieving level 3 and level 5.
School targets 2013/pupils on track
It was noted that 81% of year 6 pupils were on track to
achieve a level 4+ in both English and maths against a
target of 87%. It was further noted that 97% and 95% of
year 6 pupils were on track to make two levels of progress
since key stage one in reading and maths respectively.
In response to a question it was noted that the meaning of
“on track” was a statement of where pupils were currently
and not a prediction for the end of year.
It was noted that key stage one targets for 2013 were 83%,
80% and 88% of pupils to achieve level 2b+ and 47%, 30%
and 43% to achieve level 3+ in reading, writing and maths
respectively.
Quality of teaching
Teaching profile
It was noted that 12 (86%) teachers were judged to be
good or better and 2 (14%) required improvement with none
inadequate. It was further noted that these figures excluded
7 newly qualified teachers (NQTs) and of these 1 was
already good and 6 required improvement. It was also
noted that if newly qualified teachers were included then 13
(62%) teachers were judged as good or better.
Behaviour and safety of pupils
Accidents
It was noted that there had been five reportable accidents
so far in the autumn term, two involving children and three
involving members of staff.
Attendance
It was noted that attendance was 96.4% in the first half of
the autumn term 2012 and 95.6% so far in the second half
of the autumn term
Exclusions
It was noted that there had been two fixed term exclusions
of one and five days both relating to the same child so far in
the autumn term 2012.
Health and safety/fire drills
It was noted that a fire drill was carried out on 9 October
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2012 and the school was evacuated in 2¾ minutes.
Leadership and management
Performance management
It was noted that the performance management of teachers
was completed and that support staff would be appraised
during the spring term 2013.
Parent/pupil/staff survey
It was noted that the results of the parent and pupil surveys
were included in the headteacher report. It was further
noted that governors thought that the results of the pupil
survey would benefit by being shown as a percentage
consistent with the results of the parent survey. In response
to questions it was agreed that Michelle Thomas would
publish the results of the surveys in the school Bulletin and
issues arising from the pupil survey would be referred to the
school council
It was noted that answers to questions 6-11 of the parent
survey reflected the way the school communicated with
parents, for example, parents may not know about the anti
bullying procedures in place. It was agreed that Michelle
Thomas would refer these issues to the parent council.
Michelle
Thomas
Michelle
Thomas
Michelle
Thomas
Pupil roll
It was noted that there were currently 472 pupils on roll and
that Hackney Learning Trust held a central waiting list and
was responsible for offering available places.
Budget monitoring
It was noted that detailed budget monitoring was
undertaken by the resources committee.
Free school meals
It was noted that 111 pupils were in receipt of a free school
meal.
Staffing profile and development
It was noted that Nicole Reid had been appointed as head
of school for Shacklewell. It was further noted that the
Federation had recruited two assistant headteachers, one
for Grazebrook and one for Shacklewell and was recruiting
a third assistant headteacher for Grazebrook.
It was noted that the Federation was recruiting temporary
teaching assistants to meet the needs of pupils with new
statements of special educational needs.
It was noted that two teachers had been recruited at
Grazebrook to replace two teachers who were leaving at
the end of the autumn term.
Premises management
It was noted that work was still to be completed for the
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general and emergency lighting upgrade due to a missing
light in each classroom that may be contributing to the low
lighting levels. It was further noted that the works on
glazing and fire resisting glass and smoke seals to selected
doors were completed. It was also noted that the
refurbishment of key stage one toilets had been completed.
It was noted that a successful bid for a £5 000 security
grant had been made to LB Hackney for works to secure
the nursery area.
4. Report of
the head
teacher
Shacklewell
Copies of the headteacher report for Shacklewell were
received.
Achievement of pupils
Early years foundation stage profile
It was noted that a table showing the profile of the
reception class at the end of the summer term 2012 was
included in the headteacher report. It was further noted that
attainment was lower than Grazebrook because pupils
entered the school at lower levels but nevertheless on
average all groups attained more than the expected six
points except the group of pupils in receipt of a free school
meal.
Pupil progress in core subjects
It was noted that a table setting out the average point
scores (APS) in reading, writing and maths by identified
groups for each of years 1 to 6 at the end of the summer
term 2012 compared with age expected was included as
part of the headteacher report. It was noted that the
teaching and learning committee had asked for the formats
of the Grazebrook and Shacklewell reports to be the same.
School targets 2013/pupils on track
It was noted that 69% of year 6 pupils were on track to
achieve a level 4+ in both English and maths against a
target of 79%. It was further noted that 84% and 82% of
year 6 pupils were on track to make two levels of progress
since key stage one in reading and maths respectively.
It was noted that key stage one targets for 2013 were 77%,
77% and 85% of pupils to achieve level 2b+ and 28%, 27%
and 38% to achieve level 3+ in reading, writing and maths
respectively.
Quality of teaching
Teaching profile
It was noted that 12 (80%) teachers were judged to be
good or better and 3 (20%) required improvement with none
inadequate. It was further noted that these figures excluded
5 newly qualified teachers (NQTs) and of these 1 was
already good and 4 required improvement and it was
expected that of these 4 teachers, three would be good by
the end of the autumn term 2012. It was also noted that if
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newly qualified teachers were included then 13 (65%)
teachers were judged as good or better.
Behaviour and safety of pupils
Accidents
It was noted that there had been no reportable accidents so
far in the autumn term
Attendance
It was noted that attendance was 95.6% in the first half of
the autumn term 2012 and 96.6% so far in the second half
of the autumn term
Exclusions
It was noted that there had been no exclusions so far in the
autumn term 2012.
Health and safety/fire drills
It was noted that a fire drill was carried out on 9 October
2012 and the school was evacuated in 2½ minutes.
Leadership and management
Performance management
It was noted that the performance management of teachers
was completed and that support staff would be appraised
during the spring term 2013.
Parent/pupil/staff survey
It was noted that the results of the parent and pupil surveys
were included in the headteacher report.
Pupil roll
It was noted that there were currently 399 pupils on roll.
Budget monitoring
It was noted that detailed budget monitoring was
undertaken by the resources committee.
Free school meals
It was noted that 111 pupils were in receipt of a free school
meal.
Staffing profile and development
It was noted that an assistant headteacher at shacklewell
was taking maternity leave.
It was noted that two teachers had been recruited at
Shacklewell to replace two teachers who were leaving at
the end of the autumn term.
Premises management
It was noted that there were delays in the building works
scheduled for the summer holiday that the works included
• replacement of cold water tanks
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• replacement of fire doors
• boxing pipes and decoration in the toilet area
• installation of blending valves to the hot and cold
water feeds
It was noted that a successful bid for a £4 000 security
grant had been made to LB Hackney.
It was noted that PDR Constructions have approached the
school to use part of the top pitch as their building
compound whilst erecting a six story block of flats on the
back of Arcola Street. However, it was further noted that
the company was no longer able to undertake the
development. In response to a question about why the
school had not been consulted it was also noted that the
LB Hackney had granted planning permission some time
ago.
5. Report of
the visits of
the school
improvement
partner
Grazebrook
6. Report of
the visits of
the school
improvement
partner
Shacklewell
7. Self
evaluation/
school
development
Copies of the report by the school improvement partner of
visit 1 to Grazebrook on 19 October 2012 to look at pupil
progress and set targets were received. In response to a
question it was noted that there were four visits per year,
two in the autumn term and one in each of the spring and
summer terms focusing on the achievement of pupils, the
quality of teaching, pupil behaviour and safety and
leadership and management respectively. It was further
noted that the level of support depended on the grading of
the school and Grazebrook received core support.
It was noted that much of what was in the report was
covered in the items on the report of the headteacher and
target setting.
.
Copies of the report by school improvement partner of visit
1 to Shacklewell on 17 October 2012 to look at pupil
progress and set targets were received.
Copies of the one day review carried out by Hackney
Learning trust were received. It was noted that the one day
review was in addition to the to the core visits. It was further
noted that Shacklewell had been in receipt of enhanced
support but this report removed the school from the
process. It was also noted that the last Trust Action Group
(TAG) meetings would cease.
It was agreed that Michelle Thomas would pass on the
formal recognition by the governing body of the hard work
of staff. It was further agreed that Ben Plant and Michelle
Thomas would compose an article to go out in the Bulletin.
It was noted that the self evaluation reports were combined
with the school development plans.
It was agreed that Michelle Thomas would e-mail the self
7
Michelle
Thomas/
Ben Plant/
Michelle
Thomas
Michelle
Initialed……………………….

plan
Grazebrook
8. Self
evaluation/
school
development
plan
Shacklewell
9. Target
setting
10. Reports
from
committees
evaluation/school development plan for Grazebrook as
soon as it was available.
It was agreed that Anton Francic would e-mail Ben Plant
and Michelle Thomas models on how to monitor progress.
Copies of the self evaluation/school development plan for
Shacklewell were received. It was agreed that Caroline
Millar would ensure that the self evaluation/school
development plans for Grazebrook and Shacklewell were
discussed at the next meeting of the teaching and learning
committee.
9.1 Approval of targets for Grazebrook for 2014
It was noted that a table setting out all the targets for 2014
was included in the headteacher report and that key stage
two targets for 2014 for the current year 5 were 85% of
pupils to achieve level 4+ in both English and maths with
90% to achieve level 4+ in English and 95% in maths. It
was further noted that 100% and 97% of pupils were
expected to make two levels of progress since key stage
one in English and maths respectively. It was agreed to
accept the recommendation of the teaching and learning
committee to adopt all the targets for 2014.
9.2 Approval of targets for Shacklewell for 2014
It was noted that key stage two targets for 2014 for the
current year 5 were 80% of pupils to achieve level 4+ in
both English and maths with 85% to achieve level 4+ in
English and 90% in maths. It was further noted that 95%
and 97% of pupils were expected to make two levels of
progress since key stage one in English and maths
respectively. It was agreed to accept the recommendation
of the teaching and learning committee to adopt all the
targets for 2014.
10.1 Resources Committee
Copies of the minutes of the resources committee held on
17 October 2012 were received.
10.2 Teaching and Learning Committee
Copies of the minutes of the teaching and learning
committee held on 23 October 2012 were received.
In response to a request, it was agreed that Elaine
Petruckevitch would e-mail committee papers to all
governors.
Thomas
Anton
Francic
Caroline
Millar
Governors
Governors
Clerk
11. Policies Copies of the schedules of statutory and non statutory
policies for the federation were received.
It was agreed that Simon Clarke would ensure that the
resources committee reviewed the school prospectus.
Simon
Clarke
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It was noted that copies of the assessment, behaviour,
early years, equality, home school agreement, lettings and
volunteers policies were e-mailed to governors.
12. Support/
training
13. Urgent
business
14. Dates of
future
federated
governing
body
meetings
It was agreed to adopt the policies subject to changing the
reference to “gifted and talented” in the assessment policy
and the reference to drugs in the behaviour policy.
It was agreed that Caroline Millar would ensure that the
teaching and learning committee reviewed the curriculum
policy.
It was agreed that Michelle Thomas would prepare a report
on the “Federation vision” for the next meeting of the
governing body.
Copies of a skills audit were received. It was agreed that
Simon Clarke would write a development and training plan
based on the skills audit.
It was noted that copies of the training brochure and
booking forms for 2012/13 were e-mailed to governors. It
was further noted that Duncan Howard and Helen Khinich
had attended induction training which they found to be
useful. It was agreed that all governors should attend
induction training.
There was no urgent business.
.It was agreed that Ben Plant and Michelle Thomas would
discuss ways to rationalise governing body and committee
reports.
It was noted that meetings of the resources committee
would be held at Grazebrook and meetings of the teaching
and learning committee at Shacklewell with governing body
meetings alternating between the two schools.
Friday 7 December 2012 Federation staff party at 6.00pm at
Shacklewell
Tuesday 14 December 2012 Shacklewell lunch at 12pm
Tuesday 18 December 2012 Grazebrook lunch at 12pm
Wednesday 19 December 2012 early years activities at
2.30pm
Thursday 20 December 2012 Shacklewell carol singing at
10.00am l
Monday 28 January 2013 at 6.00pm (resources)
Monday 4 February 2013 at 6.00pm (teaching and learning)
Monday 4 March 2013 at 6.00pm (governing body)
Monday 13 May 2013 at 6.00pm (resources)
Monday 20 May 2013 at 6.00pm (teaching and learning)
Monday 1 July 2013 at 6.00pm (governing body)
Governors
Caroline
Millar
Michelle
Thomas
Simon
Clarke
Governors
Ben Plant/
Michelle
Thomas
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The meeting closed at 8.15pm
Signed________________________________
Date__________________________________
Elaine Petruckevitch
Clerk to the governing body
Governor Services
The Learning Trust
1 Reading Lane,
London E8 1GQ
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