Wednesday 25 November 2015

Expansion Update

Dear Parents

I am delighted to inform you that the Overview & Scrutiny Committee have agreed the next phase of school expansions. As a result the formal consultation to expand Broadford to a 3 form of entry school from September 2016 can go ahead from November 30th.

We will shortly be publishing the full document on the website. If you require a paper copy, we will have a number available for collection from the school office after November 30th.

We have also been informed that we have a meeting with the Education Funding Agency on December 16th which might see us make progress towards confirming timelines for the new classrooms which will be needed as part of this expansion.

Yours faithfully

Gill Gordon

Chair of Governors


Monday 23 November 2015

Parent & Governor Minutes - Autumn Meeting

Dear Parents

Thank you for attending the recent Parent & Governor meeting on the 16th November. It is vital that we continue these face meetings so that we are able to hear your feedback - your views and ideas are so important in continuing the improvements at Broadford. We also value the chance to share with you what has been done and whether you feel it is having an impact.

Governors Present: Mrs Gill Gordon (Chair) & Mr Stuart Norman (Vice Chair)

Autumn Meeting - Minutes

1. Facilities Improvements: gym equipment and canopy

Mr Drakes showed us the plans for the gym equipment which was installed and opened for the pupils on Wednesday. This facility was possible thanks to a grant from the Awards For All lottery fund. Mr Drakes pointed out that the obesity rate amongst pupils is typically between 3-5% when they enter in Reception, but by Year 6 the rate has increased to 40%. We believe that by providing high quality fitness and sports equipment and teaching we will be able to help pupils combat this.

At the last meeting in the Summer term, parents expressed a concern that there would not be sufficient space for PE lessons if the school was expanded. The Governors listened to the feedback and looked at the budget with Mr Drakes and the leadership team. With the help of Veolia, we will now be putting a canopy on the play ground to provide additional covered spaces for PE. This is now confirmed to be installed prior to the Christmas break.

2. Update on building work and timetable

Parents were informed that the classrooms delivery timetable has shifted backwards to an expected date of May. This is because:
The foundations need to be deeper than first expected and will now require piling
The services already in the ground have made excavations more troublesome
The drawings for the classrooms have to be completed by the contractor, they are not going from a firm set of plans. These markings then need to be checked with the LA. 

3. Expansion to 3FE: implications for old building and likely timetable for delivery

It was agreed at Cabinet that Broadford would be formally expanded to 3FE from Sept 2016. Initially this will not require any additional classrooms as we have the demountables on the playground. Reception will be based where they are now and it is likely that Nursery will move. However substantial building work will have to occur between 2016-17 in order for enough space to be ready for the next intake.

Parents asked when the next update will be given. 

ACTIONS
Chair to contact the LA and ask for an update on discussions with the EFA regarding demolition and next steps

4. Results for KS2, Phonics & KS1
Mr Drakes went through the headline data from the Summer results. We were delighted to inform parents that Broadford has maintained the ranking of #1 for progress - which we have had for the last 3 years. This year we ranked #1 for all subjects combined, reading and maths. 

At Y1 we are also above National for the Phonics screening. 

At KS1 standards are broadly in line with national expectations - which is outstanding progress from the pupils' low starting points. 

ACTIONS
The data does show that we still have work to do with attendance and writing. Both of these areas are featured in the school improvement plan and they will be reported on at the next meeting

5. Parental feedback on the new Passports
Mr Drakes showed Governors and parents the pupil passports which have been produced to explain the expectations for the end of each year. The parental feedback is summarised as:
- all parents were already aware of the passports and had been introduced to them at the Parents Evening
- parents were able to explain what they are for 'They show me what is expected for my daughter by the end of the year. It helps me know how I can support her at home.'
- all parents felt that the information in the passport was useful 'I wish we had this before. With my first child I didn't realise that she was behind expectations. This information would have helped me identify that sooner and get her help.'
- all parents agreed that the mid year report would help them understand if their child was on track to meet expectations 

6. Results of Parent View Survey at recent Parents' Evening: issue of homework and anti bullying procedures
https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/parent-view-results/survey/result/1755/current

Governors thanked parents for the time they had taken to fill out the latest Parent View Survey. Parents were informed that Broadford has been mentioned again as a case study school for Ofsted as we get such a good response. 

It did raise some questions about:

  1. homework... is there enough. 
  2. Bullying... what are the procedures for dealing with bullying incidents

Mr Drakes went over the expectations for homework:

  • 15mins per night for spelling
  • 15mins per night for reading
  • 15mins per night for mental maths - times tables up to 12x12

In addition pupils could choose to complete elements of the half termly Learning Challenge. They may also choose to complete projects that interest them and bring them in to show the class. 

Following this, all parents present agreed that they felt there was sufficient homework for pupils. Parents commented that
'My children attend after school clubs in the week and at weekends. Any more homework than this could impact on these clubs' 
'I have children in three different year groups. If they all had homework then I would be doing it all night long every night. This is quite enough.'
'I feel that my children need a rest at the weekend.'

Mr Drakes informed parents that Anti Bullying Week was being run through Nov 16th - Nov 20th
- pupils would complete their Anti Bullying Contract in class
- take part in an Anti Bullying assembly and workshop (KS2)
- The School Council would take part in an Anti Bullying March across Harold Hill in partnership with the other schools
- a copy of the contract would be sent home to parents and published on the school blog

We look forward to seeing you in the Spring term and updating you on progress made.


Friday 6 November 2015

Parent & Governor Meeting: Monday 16th November @ 9.10am

We look forward to welcoming you to the termly Parent & Governor meeting on Monday 16th. This is a chance for you to tell us what you think of the new Pupil Passports, how you have found the start of term and ideas you have for further improvement to the school.

We would like to update you on the building work and plans for expansion to 3FE as well as share the results from the recent KS2 tests.



Wednesday 21 October 2015

Havering Governor Conference 2015

We were delighted to host the Havering Governors Conference this year on behalf of Havering. Over sixty five governors from around the Local Authority came to visit our school. First we heard from Mary Phillips (Head of Learning & Achievement) who told us of the recent results across our schools and the upcoming challenges faced in Havering.

Finally there was an inspirational presentation from Liz Cross, who works on governance principles in the corporate world as well as in schools.

It was a very useful opportunity to meet with other Governors, share experiences, trade advice and discuss how we can work together for the benefit of all the children in Havering.

S Norman
Vice Chair


Parent Governor Election Result

Dear Parents,

Our Governing Body was delighted that we had three candidates put themselves forward for election this term. If we are to continue to move the school forward it is vital that we have committed parents who are able to contribute to the strategic planning for our children.

Thank you to Mr Borrell, Mr Chilvers and Mrs Wheal for being prepared to volunteer their time and contribute to the school in this way. Thank you as well for the time you have taken as parents

When we counted the votes on Tuesday all the candidates received a good share of the vote. The candidate who had the most votes was Mr Matt Chilvers.

I have now written to each of the candidates to thank them and to invite Mr Chilvers to come in to meet with Governors and the next steps to taking up the place on the Governing Body.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to remind you of the upcoming Parent & Governor meeting which is due to take place on Monday 16th November @ 9.05am.

Gill Gordon
Chair




Friday 16 October 2015

Parent Governor Vacancy

Dear parents,

We have now sent home the election forms for the Parent Governor vacancy. We are delighted with the response so far as the ballot box has been filling up daily. Thank you again to the three candidates who have come forward.

Please ensure that you return your voting form by 3.30pm on the 19th October using the envelope provided. Alternatively you can print the letter off from the blog post and return it to school via the post or with your child.

It is so positive to see the continuing willingness of the whole school community to be involved in helping to move the school forward.

Gill Gordon
Chair of Governors





Monday 21 September 2015

Parent Governor Vacancy - Nominations by Thurs 1st Oct

Dear Parents/Carers

The governing body of our school includes parent governors and it is currently looking for volunteers to fill one of those places.  Parent governors are elected by their fellow parents and are essential to our governing body because they ensure that the other governors are kept in touch with the concerns and issues of most importance to our parents.

Governors are people who wish to make a positive contribution to the school, working in partnership with the Headteacher to promote continuous improvement in the school’s performance.   A governor's duties include:
attending at least one governing body meeting per term; in addition to this
attending one or two committee meetings per term.

To support governors in their role, the LA offers a high quality training service for governors, which includes face-to-face training courses, e-learning and a helpline.

Being a parent governor can be very enjoyable and rewarding.  At this stage, nominations are requested for parents wishing to stand for election.  You may nominate yourself or your partner, provided that 3 other parents sign the nomination, or you may nominate another parent of a child at the school, provided that 2 other parents sign the nomination.  The election, if required, will be by secret ballot.

Any parent or person having parental responsibility for a child at the school is eligible to make a nomination and to vote.  The term of office for parent governors on our governing body is 4 years and the successful candidate does not have to resign if their child leaves the school.  

If you wish to submit a nomination, please complete and return the enclosed nomination form to me by Thursday 1st October.  If the nominee wishes, a brief written statement about him or herself may also be submitted for circulation to the parents, but this is entirely optional. If you would like some more information before deciding whether to stand for election as a parent governor, Mr Drakes would be happy to meet with you for an informal chat.

Yours faithfully


Mrs G Gordon
Chair of Governors
Broadford Primary School

Parent Governor Nomination Form


I wish to nominate  …………………………………. to stand for election as a parent governor.  *He/she is a parent/has parental responsibility for:

…………………………………….. (name of child at the school).

The above person is *myself/my partner/another parent.

The following *2/3 people support this nomination (3 signatures if you have nominated yourself or your partner – 2 signatures if the nominee is another parent):

1) ………………………………………….

2) ………………………………………….

3) ………………………………………….

The nominee has agreed to the above nomination and has chosen *to submit/not submit a brief personal statement.

Signed: …………………………………….. Date:  ………………………………………..
*Please delete as appropriate.

Please Note – people may NOT serve as parent governors if they:
work at the school for 500 hours or more per year
are an elected Member of the LA
are under 18 years old
are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983
are subject to a bankruptcy restriction order or an interim order;
have had their estate sequestrated and the sequestration order has not been discharged, annulled or reduced;
are subject to:
i) a disqualification order or disqualification undertaking under the Company Directors Act 1986
ii) a disqualification order under Part 2 of the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1989
iii) a disqualification undertaking accepted under the Company Directors Disqualification (Northern Ireland) Order 2002
iv) an order made under Section 492(2)(b) of the Insolvency Act 1986 (failure to pay under a County Court administration order);
have been removed from the office of charity trustee or trustee for a charity by the Charity Commissioners or High Court on grounds of any misconduct or mismanagement, or under Section 34 of the Charities and Trustees Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 from participating in the management or control of any body;
are included in the list of people considered by the Secretary of State as unsuitable to work with children;
are disqualified from working with children or subject to a direction under Section 142 of the Education Act 2002;
are disqualified from registration for childminding or providing day care;
are disqualified from registration under Part 3 of the Childcare Act 2006;
have received a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) for a period of not less than three months (without the option of a fine) in the five years before becoming a governor or since becoming a governor;
have received a prison sentence of two-and-a-half years or more in the 20 years before becoming a governor;
have at any time received a prison sentence of five years or more;
have been fined for causing a nuisance or disturbance on school premises during the five years prior to or since appointment or election as a governor;
refuse to allow an application to the Criminal Records Bureau for a criminal records certificate.


Friday 18 September 2015

Chair's Welcome

Dear Parents/Carers

My name is Gill Gordon and I am Chair of Governors at Broadford Primary School. I would
like to welcome you and your child to our school. I am confident that your child will enjoy
his/her time with us and will make great strides in education and achievement.

Over the last few years Broadford has made fantastic progress and is now rated as 'outstanding'
by Ofsted. We have a highly professional staff dedicated to the welfare and education of all the
children at Broadford. Our Key Stage 2 results show us as one of the highest performing
schools in Havering.

This year we have seven new staff throughout the school as well as 38 new children (not including EYFS). We have now opened two new classrooms and are expecting two further classrooms to be built in the coming year – a busy year ahead!

Each term we hold a parents meeting with governors. Please come along and meet governors
and share your views.

We would also like to invite you to a welcome meeting for new parents on Thursday 1st October at 9am – tea/coffee/cake will be served! Hope you can join us.

I look forward to meeting you in the near future.

Kindest Regards

Gill Gordon


     

Wednesday 22 July 2015

What do governors do?

School governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools. Governors appoint the head teacher and deputy headteacher. In some schools the site is owned by the governing board. It is governors who hold the main responsibility for finance in schools, and it is governors who work with the headteacher to make the tough decisions about balancing resources. Take a look at our role description, What do governors do?

Each individual governor is a member of a governing board, which is established in law as a corporate body. Individual governors may not act independently of the rest of the governing board; decisions are the joint responsibility of the governing board.

The role of the governing board is a strategic one, its key functions are to:


  • set the aims and objectives for the school
  • set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
  • set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
  • monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
  • be a source of challenge and support to the headteacher (a critical friend)

Governors' Blog - Why, how and what!

Why is there a Governors' Blog?
We believe that our Governors should be highly visible, approachable members of our school community. They have played an instrumental role in moving the school forward to outstanding over the last five years.

We believe that this blog will help to keep parents informed about the work that Governors do in the school and the role that they play.

How do I access it?
You can choose to subscribe to the blog, or follow the feed on the Facebook page. The blog can also be accessed through the school website.

What will it feature?
The blog will be used to:

  • communicate key aspects of the Governors' work in, and on behalf of, the school.
  • allow Governors to update parents on key information: for example school performance and minutes of Parent & Governor meetings.
  • to keep you informed about relevant changes in education that affect Primary schools.
We look forward to posting regularly and hearing your views on our new blog!





Welcome

Welcome to the Broadford Primary School governors blog.


Stuart Norman - Vice Chair of Governors




Gill Gordon - Chair of Governors




Alan Beadle - Headteacher Performance Management




Meyrick Owsley - Chair of Leadership & Management Committee