Agenda and minutes

None.

Attendees;      

            - Sarah Morgan – Chief Education Officer

            - Hayley Davies-Edwards – EAS Principal Challenge Advisor

The Chief Education Officer and the Principal Challenge Advisor for EAS presented the report to the Committee and gave highlights of the current successes and actions going forward. It was advised that even though the plan was regional, aspects were specifically focused upon Newport, as outlined in the authority-specific annex provided.

The Committee asked the following:

·        In relation to progress against actions identified by Estyn, Members asked whether the aims of the plan were aspirational enough. In relation to the terms used by Estyn to evaluate progress, ‘Strong Progress’ was aimed for in every term. EAS would be satisfied with a ’Satisfactory‘ half way through the year but aspiration towards end of the year would be to make strong progress. The Advisor would provide the Committee with further information regarding the progress evaluation if requested.

·        In response to a question, it was explained that EAS did not hold any statutory powers, however the Chief Education Officer had powers to issue warning notices and legal documents to school, which set out targets of improvements and timescales of expected movement. The Chief Education Officer could also add additional School Governors to the board, or as a last resort could apply to the Local Authority’s Cabinet to take powers away from governing bodies.

Members asked what support was available for staff within schools from EAS. Members were advised that the wellbeing of teachers was the overall responsibility of governing bodies. Governor Support was high on EAS’s agenda, and there was also a wellbeing program for teachers and head teachers. The EAS Challenge Advisor should monitor this with the Head teacher, and be part of discussions with the Head on staff well-being and development. Training activities had been designed to help teachers be more effective in their roles. It was also advised that there was now a regional workload forum with Headteachers from the whole region.

·        In response to a question about the consistency of setting targets, it was explained that the work of the Challenger Advisors was  quality assured, both through paperwork and joint visits. This was also monitored through regular meetings between EAS and the Chief Education Officer, to consider accountability to the local authority and any instances where there were variances with the challenges provided through EAS.

·        It was asked if the number of days a Head Teacher is out of school is monitored. It was advised that there is no statutory guidance, however out of respect and common courtesy Heads should let the local authority know when they are out of the school. Work was being undertaken on a protocol to how this can be recorded.

·        In response to a question about Head Teachers providing support to schools outside Newport / the EAS area, it was explained that the governing body would be responsible for authorising this, and it was often necessary, and beneficial, for Head Teachers to share expertise further afield, and vice  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.