Governor Meeting 16th January 2023

On Monday evening (16th January 2023) the governors met for the latest Full Governing Body meeting.

As always, we started by approving the minutes of the previous meeting.

Next we discussed key news which included an overview of the Holiday Activities and Food Club which was led by Premier Education during the Christmas holiday.

The following item on the agenda was a review of the recent staff survey.  It was excellent to see so many positives being highlighted in the survey.  Any points to consider or develop further are already part of the current School Development Plan or are being addressed through alternative methods.  Overall the outcomes of the survey were positive and it was agreed that it had been a useful exercise.

The Quality of Education update was next and we discussed the ongoing monitoring and support being provided across school.  The headlines from the most recent teacher assessments were also discussed.  Mr Coupland responded to questions regarding the data and explained how year group teams are adapting provision in light of these headlines. 

We also heard about some of the exciting events children have been involved in or will be involved in:

• Upper Key Stage 2 took part in a Literacy through Sport - World Cup Writing online workshop by Pobble at the end of November.

• Simon Mole, our ‘Resident Author’, joined the school again for 2 days at the end of November/start of December for his Key Stage 2 poetry workshops.
  

• 2 artists are due to join school for residency workshops in the coming term - an artist, Laura - working in felt, and Lesley - working in oils. These came about after school advertised for practising artists to share their skills and enthusiasm for the arts. Other artists also responded so the school is setting up a bank of artists who can be called upon to work with.
  

• Family Open Sessions also took place in Autumn half-term 2 for all parents in KS1 and KS2. They were able to come into classes for short presentations of the children’s learning, songs and to look through their children’s books. The children loved sharing their learning!

Jo Manning also shared an overview of her recent SEND visit.  She spent time in the Nest looking at the pastoral support on offer and also observed lessons and small group tasks.  The visit was very positive and highlighted some of the excellent provision available to the children. 

Discussions then turned to the School Development Plan and Self-Evaluation Form.  Mr Cowling gave an update on the progress being made.  This included the exciting improvements being made to the school grounds including the new reading shelter and  Multi Use Games Area (MUGA).

During the finance update, we received the usual budget update and heard more about developments across school.

Mr Cowling gave us an update regarding behaviour and welfare.  This included current attendance levels and we were pleased to hear that the school attendance levels are currently above the national average.  Later this term, members of SLT and the pastoral team are completing additional training regarding attendance and supporting families.

As always, it was great to hear about the many personal development opportunities which the children have had access to:

• Year group teams from Fosse Way have been taking part in Multi-Sports competitions against other schools, winning the competition in some cases.

• The school won a Futsal inter-schools competition on December 12th.

• Our school pianists performed for KS2 and their parents in a short concert on 7th December.

• EYFS and Years 3&4 each performed different Nativity shows (3 times) to parents, carers and other family members in the run up to Christmas.

• The school hosted the HAF club which took place during the Christmas break. Children were joined by children from other settings and took part in a range of sporting, musical and creative activities.

• The Y6 pupils' residential visit to PGL Caythorpe is currently being finalised.

Whilst discussing leadership and management, Mr Cowling shared recent and upcoming changes to staffing and responsibilities along with professional development opportunities.  Currently, in partnership with the L.E.A.D Teaching School Hub, 4  members of the leadership team are undertaking National Professional Qualifications.  

During the safeguarding update, Mr Cowling shared information regarding both the internal and external support being provided to children at Fosse Way.  Jo Manning also shared information regarding her recent visit to school which included discussions with pupils about their views.

The final part of our meeting involved ratifying the following policies:

● Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
● Finance Policy and Scheme of Delegation
● Fire Safety Policy

The date of our next meeting is 20th March 2023.