Information items
Message from Charlotte Jones, Director of Education
As we reach the end of term we wanted to recognise the extraordinary commitment and flexibility schools have shown over these past months since COVID-19 intervened and caused havoc to our daily professional and personal lives. No one could have predicted either the rise of COVID or the consequences it would have for us all. Nonetheless, schools have shown remarkable adaptability, motivated by the thought that our children and young people are in more need of us now than ever before. Across the county, not only have we kept all of our schools open for the vulnerable children and children of key workers in keeping with government guidance, but we have supported many more children with work from home opportunities and distance learning.
The whole system’s response to this situation has been nothing short of remarkable and is very much appreciated. As governors, and volunteers, you can be the unsung hero’s of our education sector and we know that the pressure on you to ensure schools have been in the best position to respond to each one of the challenges which has come their way has been unrelenting over this period. We would therefore like to thank you for all of your hard work, creativity and intense support for Headteachers and other school staff.
Like all of us, new ways of working have had to be adopted and adapted rapidly. This has been all the more impressive in the context of volunteering and reliance upon goodwill that boards operate within. Your focus upon maintaining business continuity whilst often juggling your own work, family commitments and personal circumstances has been laudable.
On behalf of the local authority, we would like to express our gratitude for your commitment and dedication to serving the children and families across the county. We very much hope that you have a safe and restful break over the summer holidays.
This dedicated area of Schoolsnet provides a one-stop-shop for the COVID-19 related information and guidance that the LA has been sending out to schools, as well as links to DfE guidance.
Important news and communications from the Department for Education (DfE) relating to governance in maintained schools and academy trusts in England.
Volunteers wanted
Being part of a governing board is a significant responsibility, however it is also tremendously rewarding. If you know anyone who may be interested in becoming a governor then please contact Governor Services - Email: governor.services@gloucestershire.gov.uk or telephone 01452 427803.
It has been decided that all central training courses will be held virtually until the end of December. The list of training courses (link above) is continually being updated to reflect demand.
We are able to deliver our school-based courses virtually. If you would like to have a virtual training session for your governors, then please do get in touch with us. For a list of courses, please use the link above.
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