When you can’t think of a word…
I before e…..
Never odd or even…..
“Never odd or even” spelled backwards is “Never odd or even “…..🙂
MAT reserves erosion…!!!
A reflection on the election of D Trump as US president
What schools must or should publish online
In October 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) updated its guidelines on the information that schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs) are required to publish online. These revisions aim to enhance transparency and ensure that stakeholders have access to essential information.
Key Updates Include:
- Test and Assessment Results: Schools are now required to publish their most recent key stage performance measures, including the percentage of pupils achieving expected standards in core subjects.
- Pupil Premium and PE and Sport Premium: Clarifications have been made regarding the publication of funding allocation and impact reports. Schools must detail how these funds are utilised to support disadvantaged pupils and promote physical education, including specific spending plans and the measurable impact on pupil outcomes.
- Governance Information: Both schools and MATs are required to provide comprehensive details about their governance structures. This includes the names, roles, and responsibilities of trustees and governors, as well as their relevant business and financial interests.
- Behaviour Policy: Schools must publish an up-to-date behaviour policy outlining the principles guiding pupil behaviour, sanctions, and rewards systems. This ensures that expectations are clear to pupils, parents, and staff.
- Complaints Procedure: A clear and accessible complaints policy must be available online, detailing the process for raising concerns and the steps the school or trust will take to address them.
To access the guidance for maintained schools click here.
To access the guidance for academy schools click here.
Governing Bodies will want to ensure that this information is current and easily accessible on school and MAT websites., since it is crucial for compliance and fosters trust within the school community. Regular reviews of published content are recommended to maintain accuracy and relevance.
If you would like to discuss how the governing body of your maintained school or academy school or trust might optimally be meeting the above requirements (or indeed, to have a basic and more general chat about what I do) please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion.
Education
Silence is a lie
Revised DfE governance guides
In March 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) introduced two comprehensive governance guides, replacing the previous Governance Handbook. These new guides are tailored separately for maintained schools and academy trusts, aiming to provide clear, concise, and role-specific guidance to enhance governance practices across educational institutions. The guidance has been updated in early October 2024.
The Maintained Schools Governance Guide is designed for governors, senior leaders, governance professionals, and associate members within local authority-maintained schools, including special and nursery schools. It offers structured guidance on various aspects of governance, such as effective leadership, strategic planning, accountability, and compliance. The guide emphasises the importance of setting a clear vision, engaging with stakeholders, and maintaining robust oversight of school performance.
To access this guidance click here.
Similarly, the Academy Trust Governance Guide caters to trustees, executive leaders, local committee governors, governance professionals, and academy trust members. It addresses the unique governance structures and challenges within academy trusts, providing insights into strategic leadership, governance frameworks, and compliance obligations. The guide underscores the significance of a strong governance culture, effective delegation, and continuous evaluation to drive educational excellence.
To access this guidance click here.
A notable change in these guides is the introduction of “must” and “should” directives. Statements labeled as “must” denote mandatory legal requirements, while “should” indicates recommended best practices. This distinction aims to clarify statutory obligations and promote high standards of governance. Additionally, the previously separate statutory policies list has been integrated into the final section of each guide, streamlining access to essential policy information.
By releasing these updated guides, the DfE seeks to support governing bodies in navigating their roles effectively, ensuring that all educational institutions are well-equipped to provide high-quality education and uphold strong governance standards.
If you would like to discuss how to your maintained school or academy school or trust might address meeting the requirements of these guides (or indeed, to have a basic and more general chat about what I do) please contact me at jack@jackminto.com or on 017514 499238 for a preliminary discussion.
Books to read?
