School Governor - Teaching Expertise

The work of Ofsted comes under scrutiny from the Commons Education Select Committee

Nick Holt looks at the future for extended services in the new education landscape

In a new report, Fulfilling potential, the business role in education, the UK's largest employers' body, the CBI, welcomed the coalition government's reforms for expanding the number of academies and enabling new schools to be set up, which it considers should lead to greater innovation in the classroom

The new Department for Education demonstrates the unfamiliar look of coalition politics with Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather taking on the role of Minister of State for Children and Families under the new Conservative Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove

A recent Ofsted report has highlighted the role of governors in evaluating CPD. David Gordon examines the report and other sources of information that will be valuable to governors in this task

The long-awaited report of the Ministerial Working Group on School Governance comments on the performance of governing bodies and makes recommendations for change. David Gordon examines its findings

A new report has found that well deployed teaching assistants help raise a school’s attainment. David Gordon looks at the details

Outstanding e-safety provision requires clear leadership vision and whole-school involvement. David Gordon looks at new recommendations from Ofsted

What do the four main parties (Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green) have to say about education?

As Bike to School week approaches, David Gordon looks at what governors can do to make sure their school is ‘bike friendly’

Two recent Ofsted reports highlight the characteristics of schools that have excelled against the odds. David Gordon examines the reports and looks at what governors can do to help their schools achieve and sustain excellence

As the government warns schools to start planning for a period of austerity, David Gordon rounds up essential information to help your school prepare for the future

As Ofsted urges schools to make sustainability a top priority in their improvement plans, David Gordon looks at what governors can do to help their school go green

School business managers may sometimes be called upon to deal with staff behaviour that is causing problems – this week we look at how to deal effectively with this thorny issue

David Gordon looks at the problem of fraudulent admissions applications and provides a set of common ruses to look out for

School governors have been told that they can expect to be at the forefront of the government’s latest drive to improve behaviour in schools

This issue we take a look at ways of bringing governors into the fold when it comes to CPD and improving professional skills

Modular changes to A-Levels and the introduction of diplomas are just a few changes that have come to the secondary curriculum since September 2008. David Marriott offers a related guide for governors

Joan Sallis opposes the removal of 'untrained volunteers', such as parents and members of the community, from governing bodies - or the attempt to 'professionalise' them

Do we really need governors? Roger Smith considers the governing role of this seemingly random assortment of stakeholders

A no-nonsense whole school approach to behaviour can be led from the top, says deputy headteacher David Morley, who here shares tips on how

There is value in building a working link between school governors and school business managers says Crispin Andrews, who strongly advises bringing them into the senior leadership team

It is important for gifted and talented (G&T) coordinators and leading teachers to garner the support of governors. G&T Update offers suggestions as to how and why governors can be an ally to those working with G&T

How can a new team of governors work together to make sure that their efforts produce the most effective results possible? Joan Sallis believes a good team of governors needs to be managed from the start

Author: Edited by David Gordon

School Governor Update delivers news, professional tips and advice for school governors. The perfect companion for members of the school governing body and school leadership team to keep updated on issues most relevant to governors, with a strong editorial focus and digestible in-depth case studies

As part of Primary Leadership Focus, Jane Golightly considers the important role that governors play in a primary school, and affirms the importance of a good school-governor partnership

How can the process for meeting the government's Financial Management Standard be made more manageable for school governors? Lindsey Wharmby offers some tips

Many schools have rethought their exclusion policies since the sixth day exclusion law was introduced in September 2007. Eileen Field explains the options now surrounding school exclusion

Joan Sallis looks back at the successes and obstacles she experienced during a year as a primary school governor, and considers the one ahead

Do you know your way around educational employment law? Does your school's pay and remuneration package meet or exceed minimum standards? Tamara Ludlow gives a legal overview of essential information for both leadership teams and staff

We've been collecting your stories about the inspiring and encouraging experiences you’ve had at work during 2008. Here is a collection of the leadership and management themed responses you sent to the question, What has been your most positive experience at work this year?

What are your responsibilities and obligations towards pupils at your school who are disabled? Mark Blois discusses the relevant legislation and explains what you need to know and do

Michael Segal looks at a legal case where the parents' religious beliefs demanded that their children have home schooling

Schools that are properly prepared for employment tribunal hearings can minimise cost and maximise their likelihood of success, writes Tamara Ludlow

Does your governing body help your school remain accountable, and therefore more efficient? Stephen Adamson looks at how this should be done

In a move away from strict liability in terms of accidents at school, the courts have said that they are sometimes nobody’s fault. Kris Lines explains

With the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) due to launch at the end of 2009, Chris Webb-Jenkins takes a look at the practical implications of the complete overhaul of our vetting and barring system

A headteacher and a governor from Havering report on their experiences of amalgamating an infant school with the neighbouring junior school

Should we be encouraging school business managers and bursars to progress into headship? Ruth Bradbury, who speaks on financial management at schools, voices her thoughts on the subject, as do three School Financial Management readers

Mark Chaplin shares insight into how primary headteachers can design a questionnaire for parents that will help them carry out effective self-evaluation at their primary school

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

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

Are students and student voice involved in strategic decision making at your school? 'Learning conversations' at Rivington and Blackrod High School, near Bolton, means that they are, explains Ingrid Cox

Is this the last year for SATs? Sam Derby discusses a possible end to SATs, and looks at the opinion that the exams are "too stressful" for young pupils read more

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

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

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

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

If a child makes a vague allegation is it OK to ask questions? How should an allegation against a member of staff be treated? Jenni Whitehead discusses some of the concerns facing managers when coping with these issues

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