Fosse Way Governors

  Our latest meeting was held on 16th May 2022.   We were joined at the start of the meeting by Year 1 and 2 team leader, Mrs Cotton, who responded to questions related to her report on teaching and learning standards in Key Stage One.  She updated us regarding the phonics provision across the key stage and how this has been refined throughout the year.   We also spent time discussing science and some of the exciting practical activities the children have been completing linked to exploring seeds and bulbs as well as opportunities to grow plants.  The newly implemented Class Dojo reward system was also discussed and it was pleasing to hear how positively the children have engaged with this.  Mr Coupland also explained that the KS2 children were also responding very positively to the system.  Mrs Cotton was thanked for joining the meeting before she left.   Next, we spent time reviewing and agreeing the minutes of our p...

On 21st March, we held our latest meeting.   Mr Batley, Y5 and 6 team leader, joined us to discuss and answer questions regarding his recent report.  Discussions included academic standards across the year groups; current priorities and how these are being addressed; intervention and the pastoral support being provided.   It was pleasing to hear about the exciting plans for the upcoming residential trip to PGL; the positive impact of the Class Dojo reward system which is currently being implemented and some of the wider curriculum opportunities such as a visit to the National Holocaust Centre and the ongoing work with resident artist, Charlotte Tupper. Next, we received an update from Catherine Caldwell regarding her recent meetings with Mr Coupland around curriculum structure and the recent checkpoint 2 assessments.  Catherine highlighted some of the improvements since the start of the year as well as current priorities. Discussions then tur...

Prior to beginning our full governing body (FGB) meeting, we received a summary of our previous annual budget reports from our auditors, Azets.  The first item on our FGB meeting agenda was a report from the Year 3 and 4 team leader, Michelle Deakin.  The report included a thorough overview regarding the standard of education across the team.  It was fantastic to hear about the positive impact of recent guided reading and spelling staff training as well as a new online resource, 'Learning by Questions' (LbQ).  The investment in one to one iPads for our Key Stage 2 children has allowed LbQ to be used successfully across English, Maths and Science.  The report also outlined how teacher assistant deployment was being adapted in light of recent reviews linked to whole school and team specific priorities.   Catherine Caldwell asked for an update on the performance of Year 3 girls and boys in reading in comparison to their end of Year 2 teacher assessme...

On Monday, we held our first social distanced, face to face meeting for over a year. We started by welcoming EYFS team leader, Mrs Bingham, to discuss her curriculum and standards update.  The discussion included the key changes which the team will be taking account of in September once the new curriculum is introduced. Next, we discussed the impact of the RWI phonics approach in EYFS including the challenges of the most recent lockdowns.  It was pleasing to hear that the teachers and teaching assistants feel well supported by the school phonics lead.  Overall, despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, the benefits of the approach are clear and the progress being made is stronger than when using the previous scheme.  End of year predictions were discussed and current focus areas were highlighted. Next, we reflected on the curriculum intent report which Mr Coupland had shared prior to the meeting.  It is clear that staff have spent sig...

 On Monday 15th March, the full governing body held a Zoom meeting.   Following the usual welcomes and formalities, Mrs Deakin joined the meeting to discuss the report she had shared regarding the quality of education in Years 3 and 4.  The report included an overview of the current academic picture within the year group along with current areas of focus and a summary of how the year groups have settled back in following the full reopening of school.  It was pleasing to hear about how the current provision balances both the academic and pastoral needs of the children.  Mr Coupland also gave a brief summary of plans to use our sport coach, Mr Toyne, to support children's health and well-being.  Discussion then turned to remote learning.  Following fortnightly reviews and updates from Mr Coupland and Mrs Caldwell, we reviewed a summary report which outlined how remote learning has evolved over the last year and the very positive feedb...

On Monday 18th January, the governors met for our latest meeting.  Due to the current national restrictions, the meeting was held remotely. We began by discussing the quality of education in school.  Mr Batley (Year 5 and 6 team leader) joined us to discuss his report regarding teaching and learning in Years 5 and 6.  The report outlined the strengths and priorities within the team as well as some of the challenges of lockdown.  It was pleasing to hear that the majority of children and families are engaging positively with the remote learning on offer.  Both staff and governors acknowledged the importance of the regular class video calls (both teaching/feedback/celebration sessions and social 'catch up' sessions). Mrs Lee (SENDCo) then joined the meeting and gave an update regarding Special Educational Needs.  Her report highlighted the importance of quality first teaching for all children and gave an explanation of the different waves of intervention ...

  On Monday 9 th November, the school governors held our latest Zoom meeting.   The first hour of the meeting was the annual audit review meeting with the school’s external auditors.   Following the successful conclusion of the audit review, we started our full governing body meeting.   As always, the minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and approved before any matters arising were dealt with. Whilst sharing key news, Mr Cowling discussed the procedures in place to minimise the risk posed by Covid-19.   This included the changes made in light of the current second lockdown.   It was reassuring to hear that there has been no in-school transmission of the virus at all since the return to school of pupils. We discussed Mr Cowling’s Headteacher’s report which included updates regarding staffing, behaviour, welfare, personal development, leadership, safeguarding, finance, policies and health and safety.   Mr Cowling explained that the school...