School Governance

School governance involves a balance of power and relationships. The governing body needs to have a close, supporting working relationship with the headteacher, but must also be able to challenge senior management on important decisions. In this section, you will find a selection of articles dealing with governing body issues such as school improvement, fundraising, recruitment – and the contribution that individual governors can make.

Should 'suitable education' be defined by parents or LA? | School Governance

Whose opinion takes precedence in a dispute over provision, asks Michael Segal - parent or local authority?

"Fitness to teach": a guide to the law for education providers | School Governance

Your teaching staff must have the health and physical capacity to teach, but in assessing this you must make sure you comply with disability discrimination rules, says Yvonne Spencer

Workplace stress: protect staff and avoid litigation | School Governance

Employers looking to prevent and defend claims of stress, and employees who are suffering from stress at work, should make time to read the complex litigation involved, urges Tamara Ludlow

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: impact on information sharing | School Governance

If you work with children or vulnerable adults, there are difficult decisions regarding when to disclose sensitive information. Chris Webb-Jenkins examines the impact of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 on this issue

Reinstating an excluded pupil | School Governance

Michael Segal explores a school's legal position in implementing a reinstatement order, and how far they are obliged to enforce it

Governors: getting involved in your school's sport | School Governance

Governors have a great chance to improve pupils opportunities for taking part in physical activity, with the government's school sport strategy

Admission appeals: how to avoid litigation | School Governance

Admissions authorities and statutory appeal panels can avoid potential litigation from parents by using tactical decision making, says Yvonne Spencer

Secondary school partnerships: the role of governors | School Governance

Schools and colleges that work in partnership provide a better offer to their students, make faster progress and improve their performance, says Robert Hill

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: how it will affect your school | School Governance

Chris Webb-Jenkins walks you through the new vetting and barring regime, which comes into effect in autumn 2008

A mature governor reflects on 40 years in the education system | School Governance

After celebrating her 80th birthday, Joan Sallis looks back and makes a plea for stability

Governor participation: getting to know your school | School Governance

Can individual governors really make a difference? Joan Sallis looks at how and why governors should get under the skin of their school

Self-evaluation forms: going departmental | School Governance

Anne Clarke, principal of Benton Park School, discusses the value of departmental SEFs

Reviewing your school complaints procedure | School Governance

Michael Segal explains why a clear school complaints procedure is vital

The new codes for admissions and appeals explained | School Governance

It is vital to know the new changes to the law — especially if your school is its own admissions authority, writes Ingrid Sutherland

Achievements and failures of 'local management' | School Governance

School governor and former headteacher Peter Downes takes the long view on what 'local management' set out to achieve 25 years ago and where he believes it has gone partially wrong

Building Schools for the Future: Involvement for governors | School Governance

Phil Williams, chair of governors of Kelmscott Secondary School, gives a personal view of his school's involvement in the first wave of the Building Schools for the Future scheme

Legal basics for teachers: Structure and responsibilities of governing bodies | School Governance

Mark Blois provides an update and overview on governing body structure and the complex demands made of governors - and possible changes on the horizon

Overcoming common outsourcing concerns: BSF | School Governance

Steve Smith makes the case to governors for outsourcing the ICT element of Building Schools for the Future projects

Appointing a headteacher - advice for governors | School Governance

Joan Sallis gives advice for governing bodies on appointing a headteacher

Parent governor representatives | School Governance

Recent research into the experiences of parent governor representatives (PGRs) found confusion over the role, lack of respect and communication difficulties, writes David Gordon

Developing medium term financial plans | School Governance

Lindsey Wharmby puts cost prediction and risk assessment under the spotlight

Bringing school governors into Circle Time | School Governance

If you thought that Circle Time was just for children, think again! Jenny Mosley explains why the Whole School Quality Circle Time Model focuses first on enhancing the mental health of the adults

Academies: independence and freedom — or state control? | School Governance

While academies have some characteristics of maintained schools, they retain independent status in law. So which rules apply? Richard Gold clarifies

Building partnerships to boost creativity | School Governance

Becky Swain from Creative Partnerships explains the initiative's aims and how it works with schools to help develop contexts for effective creative learning

What are school governors for? | School Governance

Many of the difficulties faced by governing bodies stem from the unresolved tensions between three competing rationales for their work, writes Alan Dyson

When conflicting governor priorities create anxiety | School Governance

How can governors overcome a perceived conflict between being united on the school's behalf and representing distinct interest groups?

Guidance on using biometric technology | School Governance

Joan Sallis continues her series looking at the issues that concern governors, by focusing on the use of biometric technology in schools

Promoting governor and parent partnership | School Governance

Former headteacher and current chair of governors Mike Walton argues that a closer relationship between parents and governors will benefit the whole school community

Trust schools: the benefits, the law and the future | School Governance

The option to collaborate with outside partners is under-used — but it offers benefits that educators would be wise to take note of, as Richard Gold explains

Extended services – the inside story | School Governance

Liz Rowbotham looks at how extended services have worked for one community college

Governor expectations | School Governance

Joan Sallis tackles another of the issues that are important to governors

Effective governance and excellent leadership | School Governance

Mo Laycock, Headteacher, Firth Park Community Arts College describes the effective model of governance which has contributed to three Ofsted results of 'outstanding' leadership at the school

Engaging governance: teaching and learning involvement | School Governance

Rather than see governors as a nuisance to be endured, schools instead should be working with them as an invaluable source of help and advice, argues Colleen Arnold of the National Governors Association

Creative collaboration in fundraising | School Governance

Small schools have limited resources and some funding streams can be very restrictive. Paul Ainsworth describes how one group of schools is seeking to overcome these problems

What's your fundraising vision and strategy? | School Governance

Brin Best explains why your school’s fundraising work will not be truly effective unless it is underpinned by a clear vision and strategy

Ensuring race equality in education | School Governance

Professor Kay Hampton looks back on what has been achieved since the Macpherson report, and sets out the contents of a good race equality policy

Extended services – the inside story | School Governance

Liz Rowbotham, Full Service Extended School Manager at Hengrove Community Arts College, explains her methods of running and evaluating extended services with the help of partnerships

Expectations of governors | School Governance

Joan Sallis considers the relationship between the headteacher and governor, and explores mutual expectations and issues of respect

Requirements to teach excluded pupils | School Governance

Maintained schools in England are now responsible for providing full-time education for excluded pupils from the sixth day of their exclusion

The rise of the career of a deputy headteacher | School Governance

David Morley, a deputy headteacher for the last five years, examines the challenges facing deputy heads in the 21st century, how the role of deputies has changed in recent years and why fewer deputy heads are moving on to headship

A fresh look at reporting and accounting | School Governance

No organisation can operate effectively without good quality information, provided in good time. Governors need the right sort of information, provided in an accessible format, to play their full part in effective governance. Martin Pounce reports

Differences between primary and secondary governance | School Governance

Joan Sallis examines some of the different issues that affect governors in primary and secondary schools

Welsh education reaches a new milestone | School Governance

The National Assembly elections on May 3 2007 marked the completion of the second four-year term of devolved government in Wales. Allan Tait presents some of the key issues facing school governors in Wales

New powers to outlaw religious discrimination | School Governance

Schools are being advised to review their policies and practices to make sure that they are not doing anything that discriminates against pupils on the grounds of religion or belief

Adapting behaviour policies to new powers | School Governance

New guidance on behaviour and discipline in schools hit the headlines during Easter 2007 – largely because of its suggestions on the importance of rewarding good behaviour as well as punishing bad

Promoting Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) | School Governance

Judith Harwood, senior regional adviser on the secondary strategy for school improvement, reports on the breadth of the pilot work being undertaken in secondary schools to promote Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL).

Appointing heads remains a crucial role | School Governance

School governors can play a crucial role in safeguarding the future leadership of schools by taking a more systematic approach to the recruitment and appointment of headteachers.

Study calls for reform of governing bodies | School Governance

An independent report compiled for the government has suggested that a number of key aspects of school governance need to be reformed.

Governor briefing: changes in the focus of education | School Governance

In two respects the focus of education has shifted in the 2000s.

The economic benefit of going green | School Governance

Sima Goldsmith considers the environmental and financial implications of the sustainable schools agenda

Leaving the scene: but the play must go on | School Governance

Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), analyses the vital role an outgoing head has to play in the succession process.

Exploring new models of governance | School Governance

In a recent edition of School Governor Update David Marriott explored whether there was a future for governance.

It's harder to stop than to start! | School Governance

A proposed change in the law would raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco. Peter Downes discusses the implications for schools.

Permanent exclusion of a pupil with SEN | School Governance

QUESTION: What considerations should we apply when considering permanent exclusion of a pupil with special educational needs?

Exclusions: the new guidance and regulations explained | School Governance

Schools should take note of new reporting and training requirements, as well as changes to appeal panel representation rights, says Ingrid Sutherland.

Mixed messages on inclusion policy | School Governance

The House of Commons Education and Skills Select Committee undertook a major review of special education in 2005-2006 and published a report that asked the government to clarify its policy on inclusive education. This article summarises the questions that the Select Committee asked, outlines the government response to these, and provides a brief analysis of this response.

Exclusions: guidance and legislation from the top | School Governance

Exclusion is now one of the main ways of dealing with extreme behaviour. Headteacher Suzanne O’Connell examines recent guidance and legislation on the subject.

Seeking strengthened leadership and capacity | School Governance

Headteacher Trevor Bailey explains why Worle Community School and Westhaven Community Special School, both members of the Weston-Super-Mare Federation, have jointly entered the Trust School Pathfinder programme and what benefits he hopes becoming trust schools will bring.

The importance of windows on the school | School Governance

Many governors’ influence in their schools falls short of the model suggested by law, regulations, training, and the perceptions of politicians and the press.

Cyber-bullying: protect your pupils and the school | School Governance

New technology can be a comfort or a threat. Vicky Lapins outlines legal duties on educators to keep children safe.

The veil case, employment, and religious discrimination | School Governance

What should employers do when faced with requests for allowances to be made at work on religious grounds? Helen Badger takes a look at the law.

Headship and the teaching conundrum | School Governance

Anne Clarke explores the role of the headteacher and asks: ‘Is the notion of a headteacher an out-of-date concept?’

How real is our influence? | School Governance

The title of this article may seem far-fetched given the high profile of governor power in the past 25 years and the volume of paper – statutes, regulations, circulars, guides and magazine articles – drowning us.

New exclusion guidance brings in training | School Governance

The government has updated its guidance on exclusion from schools and pupil referral units.

Overhaul for school records of staff vetting | School Governance

Schools are having to tighten up their record keeping after an Ofsted survey found confusion surrounding procedures for vetting staff.

Truancy: when should the LA prosecute? | School Governance

Q: can a parent be prosecuted for not sending a child to school when there is an education supervision order in force?

School transport: basic law and best practice | School Governance

New initiatives, including travel plans and school transport advisers, are being introduced. Managers ignore these at their peril, writes Ingrid Sutherland.

Governors and head: make it a relationship that works | School Governance

Who is responsible for what? When do you delegate — and where do responsibilities overlap? Richard Gold explains.

Appointing staff: learning how to read between the lines | School Governance

Did the referee mean to praise the candidate or warn you off? Is a string of previous jobs a negative factor? Headteacher Carole Farrar looks at how to weigh up the information when appointing early years staff.

Appointing staff to work in early years settings | School Governance

Carole Farrar, an experienced headteacher, takes you through the process of appointing new staff members.

Keeping your staff safe | School Governance

Faye Spalding provides an overview of your responsibilities to your staff.

Your equal opportunities policy - an audit | School Governance

We all have policies; we monitor them, we evaluate them and every year or so we review them. Lynn Cousins suggests a different approach.

Managing and accounting for funds you have raised | School Governance

Nathan Archer, from the children’s house consultancy, guides you through the regulations relating to managing any money that you have raised from outside sources, and reminds you of the legalities surrounding local fundraising.

Using national healthy school status to achieve the five outcomes for children | School Governance

Colin Noble explains how achieving national healthy school status supports the new ‘whole-child’ agenda.

Every Child Matters: how can headteachers lead change? | School Governance

Schools should be at the centre of professional support for children and heads should champion change, argues Nick Johnson OBE.

Equality for all? | School Governance

Dr Diane Bebbington discusses the implications of a new initiative to address inequalities.

Ofsted's report on extended services | School Governance

EYU draws out the key points for early years education and childcare.

Communication with parents | School Governance

Carole Farrar starts a series on communicating with parents by looking at what makes effective communication.

Creating an effective school | School Governance

Creating an effective school

Providing choice in good faith | School Governance

Headteacher Ian Bauckham attacks some common myths about faith schools and argues that their abolition would seriously reduce parental choice as well as being detrimental to the government’s commitment to raising standards.

Manx-style: a view from across the water | School Governance

Sue Moores, headteacher of a secondary school in the Isle of Man, compares the island’s educational system with that of England and concludes that she won’t be moving back here!

Blank sheet or inheritance – extended schools and the 'community schools movement | School Governance

Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) looks at the lessons that can be learned from the community education movement to help ensure the success of extended schools.

Good leadership: how, where and why? | School Governance

School leadership is being reviewed by the DfES. Former head Roger Smith looks at assumptions about what makes a good leader and ponders on where the review will lead.

The challenges facing independent schools | School Governance

Headteacher Carole Hawkins lays to rest the common perception that independent schools enjoy a privileged and problem-free position in today’s education market.

Making the most of your governors | School Governance

Headteacher Anne Clarke takes a close look at the roles and responsibilities of school governors and highlights the importance of creating a positive and trusting relationship with them.

Headteachers – myths or post occupants? | School Governance

Richard Bird, former headteacher and now legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), suggests that heads – and those appointing them – should consider the myths they need to match.

Headship and the teaching conundrum | School Governance

Anne Clarke explores the role of the headteacher and asks: ‘Is the notion of a headteacher an out-of-date concept?’

Allegations against education staff: is age a risk factor? | School Governance

Barbara Lawrie, principal education social worker for Education Bradford, gives a summary of her research into possible risk factors that may be significant in allegations made against education staff.

Safer recruitment and vetting in the education service consultation paper | School Governance

Jenni Whitehead summarises the 2006 consultation paper on 'Safer Recruitment and Vetting in the Education Service'.

Developing a whole-school food policy | School Governance

A whole-school approach to food and health is fundamental to establishing good dietary habits and an understanding of the links between good nutrition and future health. In this article Anna Denny shows how shools can support children in leading a healthy lifestyle.

Where has all the money gone? | School Governance

The cashless school will bring a dramatic range of benefits for students, parents and schools.

Working with the media to promote your school | School Governance

Many communities are keen to know what is happening in local schools and the profile of your school can be raised and presented in a positive light by successful use of the media. This counters a great deal of the damage done to the public view of education by more generalised central reporting, where sensationalism is the main criterion for publishing/reporting. By Linda Trapnell

Organising a school event? | School Governance

There is always room for enhancing the curriculum through the creation and development of special events in school that pull teachers, pupils, local businesses and the wider community together, writes Rosemary Cairns

Foundation schools - in control of their destiny? | School Governance

Richard Bird, legal consultant to the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), looks at the advantages currently enjoyed by schools with foundation status and ponders where they fit into the government's vision for the future.

Stamping out bullying | School Governance

Bullying continues to hit the headlines. Despite the efforts that schools have made to get on top of the problem, three out of five secondary pupils say that they have experienced bullying. Former headteacher Roger Smith looks at ways of dealing with the instigators.

School admissions: still a postcode lottery? | School Governance

Headteacher David Dixon considers the inequalities of the schools admissions system, including negative effects on social cohesion and the ability of some schools to raise achievement and attainment.

The education of vulnerable children: keeping them safe | School Governance

Does the law help or hinder those charged with protecting such pupils?

Ingrid Sutherland cuts a path through existing, new and ‘improved’ guidance.

Educational psychologist's duty of care | School Governance

What duty of care does a school educational psychologist owe a pupil and, if the psychologist is negligent, what damages will the LEA be liable for?

Educational negligence: extent of LEA responsibility | School Governance

When does an LEA education officer owe a duty of care to pupils? How far does this duty extend? Michael Segal looks at important new case law.

SENDIST or family court: who has final say? | School Governance

One of our pupils is in care and has a statement of SEN. Her parents disagree with the statement's provisions and plan to appeal to the special educational needs and disability tribunal. Which takes precedence, SENDIST or the family court?

Are you ready for the new Ofsted inspection regime? | School Governance

The new framework comes into effect this September. It will give schools more freedom — but this comes with tough new duties, says Mark Blois.

School admissions: how well is the system working? | School Governance

Amelia Wallington looks at what schools can do to counteract increasing appeals from parents.

Transforming the culture of Prince Henry's Grammar School Specialist Language College | School Governance

Michael Wilson, Lecturer in Education Management, and Jon Prosser at School of Education, University of Leeds.

Evaluating the impact of the new relationship with schools | School Governance

A new report evaluates the New Relationship with Schools (NRwS) in trial local authorities and schools.

Supporting looked after learners | School Governance

The joint DfES/DH guidance Education of Children and Young People in Public Care (May 2000) recommended that schools assign a senior member of staff as designated teacher to act as a champion for looked after children. A new guide for school governors on their role in helping schools support these children will be helpful to SENCOs in defining the designated teacher role and offering useful information and explanations about what ‘looked after’ means.

Pointers and pitfalls in staff recruitment | School Governance

The Government has just published an Independent Study into School Leadership, which includes recommendations on training and recruitment of leaders. This article examines the current shortage of leadership candidates, and contrasts this with the surplus of NQTs.

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