Education Matters November 2022

As we start this new autumn half term, I am pleased to be able to share with you a leadership and governance focused edition of Education Matters.

With the cycle of performance management restarting this autumn term for all staff, Louise Welcome and Carol Vigor have authored a piece on headteacher performance management and the role of governance in this process. I am sure you will find this article of interest as headteachers prepare for and engage in their 'main meetings' in the run up to the Christmas holidays.

Claire Lansley and Governor Services have also contributed a range of content on the West Sussex local leaders of governance, lead governor training and the recruitment of governors from school staff. I hope that these articles encourage you to consider where you or your colleagues might benefit from persuing a role as a governor, local leader of governance, or lead governor.  

I would like to thank lead governors from Colgate Primary School and The Weald School for sharing their experience of lead governor training and its impact within their setting both at the recent governor briefing event and in this edition of Education Matters. It is fantastic to hear the positive effect this has had on governance practice and ensuring that the needs of learners are met.

Finally, for those readers who missed the October edition, a draft of the Education & Learning Strategy 2022-25 is available to view (please find this linked in the reminder article below). I would encourage you to please take a look in the interest of starting an open dialogue on specific plans to underpin the Strategy.

Best wishes

Paul Wagstaff, Assistant Director of Education & Skills

Leadership 360

The Standards & Effectiveness Team are delighted to be able to share with you Leadership 360: a publication bringing you think pieces, commentary and research articles.

This month's edition focuses on performance management.

Education & Learning Strategy Reminder 

If you missed the October edition of Education Matters, a draft version of the 2022-2025 Strategy is now available to view:

West Sussex County Council Education & Learning Strategy 2022-2025 (DRAFT)

Headteacher Management Performance 

In this article, Louise Welcome and Carol Vigor, Associate Advisers - Governor Services, reflect on the process of headteacher performance management and the contributory role played by governors.

Recruitment of School Governors from School Staff

This article outlines the benefits of becoming a school governor and what type of support you can expect to receive if you choose to undertake this role. Please also find included details on the various entry routes if you are interested in becoming a school governor in West Sussex.

West Sussex Local Leaders of Governance

This piece from Governor Services explores the role of the West Sussex local leaders of governance in delivering governance support to boards across the Local Authority and engaging with schools requiring support and/or challenge.

The article also outlines the criteria for becoming a local leader of governance and details of who to contact, should you be interested in the opportunity. 

Lead Governor Training

This article offers a wealth of information on lead governor training, which is available to all schools who subscribe to the Governor Services Service Level Agreement (SLA).

Check out the School's Voice feature below for first hand testimonies of lead governors who have completed the training!

School's Voice - Colgate Primary School and The Weald School

Following their recent participation in a briefing event to celebrate governance, lead governors from Colgate Primary School and The Weald School reflect on the impact of the lead governor role on governance practice. We would like to thank these schools and the lead governors for their contributions.

Holiday Activities & Food Programme - 2022 Summer Celebration 

Please see the following piece celebrating the impact of the HAF programme this past summer and outlining next steps for the end of autumn term.

Please see below a selection of training due to run in the next few months that governors and headteachers may wish to plan into their school senior leaders CPD plans:

NEW! - Primary Deputy Headteacher Programme Commencing 17th November 2022

This four-session course will investigate the different roles and responsibilities within a primary school deputy headship. Explore the best ways to spin plates, build a team, set up and lead. This course also covers roles and responsibilities, building HR and finance knowledge, governance, safeguarding and managing school improvement (including CPD), as well as ways to build that reciprocal, distinctive relationship with your headteacher.

Use of Evidence to Support your Disadvantaged Strategy 16th November 2022

This two hour online course to is designed to support headteachers and disadvantaged leads in using evidence to support their disadvantaged strategy, and was first run in 2021/22.

Schools are required to demonstrate how their pupil premium spending decisions are informed by research evidence, and to use the DfE's new template to record their strategy statement. This two hour online session for headteachers and disadvantaged leads will look at how research can help to support your disadvantaged strategy, and provide an understanding of what research evidence is and how to make best use of it. 

Therapeutic Approaches to Behaviour Management

In December, there will be a number of network meetings for those headteachers and SENCos who have already attended the three day training courses. These free network meetings provide a chance to meet with others to discuss good practice, ask questions, keep up to date with the latest practice and network. To book your place, visit WSSfS and search “Therapeutic Thinking”.

For those still to sign up for Therapeutic Thinking training, which has been completed by more than 140 school based staff, the next course starts on 21st February and bookings can be made through WSSfS.

Have you followed our “West Sussex Early Years Training” Facebook page?

This page is managed by the Early Years and Childcare Training and Events Team at West Sussex County Council and provides updates on the training available to all settings who work with children in West Sussex. Follow us here or tag us with @WSEYT!