wiserd_blog

Using the experiences and expertise of governors to address school issues

What was the issue addressed? How the school responds to high number of pupils with additional learning needs (ALN). Staff are very understanding, sympathetic and work very hard to provide for all. However, the training given has not really addressed the issue. It is generally felt that most additional needs cannot be properly addressed inContinue reading “Using the experiences and expertise of governors to address school issues”

How to make sure policies are fit for purpose

What was the issue addressed? Reorganising of the business of school governors – in our case it became clear in the run up to an inspection by Estyn that the governing body was only paying lip service to keeping policies up to date. What happened? The decision was made to create a policy committee. TheContinue reading “How to make sure policies are fit for purpose”

Addressing health and safety issues relating to the school building

What was the issue addressed? At the primary school I have been asked to deal with a health and safety issue because of my background and my role as an LA councillor. There are problems with the brickwork on the building and scaffolding has been put on a large area of the school. This isContinue reading “Addressing health and safety issues relating to the school building”

Appointing a new headteacher without haste

What was the issue addressed? Recruitment of a new head teacher – this is on-going. This was prompted by the unexpected retirement of an experienced and successful head. The challenge is in making sure the process wasn’t rushed so we could make sure we recruited the right person. Additionally, the school is apparently seen asContinue reading “Appointing a new headteacher without haste”

Resolving complaints made by parents against teachers

What was the issue addressed? There was a complaint from a parent against the teacher of her primary age children. She sent a letter to the education department, headteacher and Chair of governors. The mother was very irate in her letter threatening all sorts of ways of taking further action. What happened? As we hadContinue reading “Resolving complaints made by parents against teachers”

How to address tensions between governors and members of staff

What was the issue addressed? A teacher complained about governor, who has a child at the school. The governor then complained about teacher’s professionalism. What happened? The issue came to me as Chair. I followed the complaints procedure and noted ALL conversations. It basically boiled down to personal differences which morphed into a disagreement aboutContinue reading “How to address tensions between governors and members of staff”

Dealing with a grievance against the headteacher

What was the issue addressed? Duty of Care Grievance was made against the headteacher from a member of staff. What happened? The Duty of Care policy was followed and informal discussions were held. Support was given by the Local Authority HR department – advice, documentation etc. What lessons were learnt? Informal actions were not successful.Continue reading “Dealing with a grievance against the headteacher”

From possible school closure to forming a school federation

What was the issue addressed? This issue started before I became governor but it is what led me to become governor at the school. There was a proposal to close the school and develop a neighbouring school. The best option that the school had to consider was in becoming part of a federation. What happened?Continue reading “From possible school closure to forming a school federation”

Addressing the rise of complaints and unreasonable behaviour from pupils and parents

What was the issue addressed? School staff are increasing having to deal with complaints and unreasonable behaviour from pupils and parents. The school staff are having to become counsellors, legal experts, aggression mediators and other roles that are not strictly teaching or even school management. What happened? The school had to create a legal service-levelContinue reading “Addressing the rise of complaints and unreasonable behaviour from pupils and parents”

How to deal with parents disrespecting staff on social media?

What was the issue addressed? We’ve had issues with social media and parents disrespecting staff and the school. As this was not on the school website pages we had no control over it. We did discuss it with parents but we had no control over it. What happened? We gained advice from governor support andContinue reading “How to deal with parents disrespecting staff on social media?”