St Mark’s CE Primary School
15.07.15
ST MARK’S CE PRIMARY SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY MINUTES
SUMMER TERM 2015
Date:
Time:
Venue:
15 July 2015
6pm
The School
GOVERNORS PRESENT
Mrs A Whitehead (Headteacher), Mr S Powell (Chair), Miss M Nuttall, Rev A Bull, Mrs E Handley, Mrs
L Hegerty, Mr A Campbell, Mrs S Metcalfe, Mrs E Harding, Mrs C Oldham, Mrs B Rhodes, Mr D Brown
IN ATTENDANCE
Mrs A Paterson
Mrs G Wagstaff
Ms J Crook
1.
Governor Support Officer
Associate Member
Observer
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
The Chair welcomed governors to the meeting. Jill Crook was introduced as a potential new
Foundation Governor.
Apologies for absence were received and accepted from Mr G Ebbrell. Governors were
informed that Mrs C Robinson had resigned from the Governing Body.
2.
DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Governors were asked to declare a personal interest in any agenda items; there were not
any declarations of interest. Governors were reminded that they should declare any
interest should it arise during the meeting.
3.
RECONSTITUTION
Governors discussed the skills matrix and skills set; the Chair noted that governors had the
right skills set and expertise to meet the requirements of the Governing Body. Governors
discussed the reconstitution process.
The following appointments were duly approved by the Governing Body to commence a
four year term of office with effect from 14th July 2015 – 13th July 2019:
7 Co-Opted Governors
1. Sean Powell
2. David Brown
3. Barbara Rhodes
4. Emma Harding
5. Lindsey Hegerty
6. Gina Wagstaff
7. Vacancy – TBC
A discussion followed about the role of Associate Members. The GSO clarified that
Associate Members would not be included on the Instrument of Government.
The Chair explained that the governor skills set had been considered during the
reconstitution decision making process. A discussion followed about the difference between
the categories of governors. It was advised that there was more flexibility available
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regarding Co- Opted governors, and that they could be appointed according to their specific
skills set and the requirements of the Governing Body. It was noted that a potential
candidate with an experience of finance would be beneficial.
Governors were informed that the election process for Staff and Parent Governors would
remain the same.
Governors noted that the following governors’ terms of office would continue:
3 Foundation Governors
1. Rev A Bull
(ex officio)
2. Mrs E Handley
(nominated by PCC Parish Council / Diocese)
3. VACANCY
(Mrs Jill Crooks TBC)
LA Governor
Miss M Nuttall
3 Parent Governors
1. Graham Ebbrell
2. Adam Campbell
3. Sarah Metcalfe
Headteacher
Mrs A Whitehead
Staff governor
Mrs C Oldham
(i)
Election of Chair
Governors duly AGREED a continuation of the current arrangements and terms of office
would remain at two years from the date of the autumn term meeting. The Chair and Vice
Chair would remain in office until the 2017 autumn term governing body meeting.
Nominations for position of Chair were invited, Mr S Powell declared an interest; there were
no further declarations of interest.
It was proposed by Mrs S Metcalfe seconded by Mrs E Handley and unanimously
RESOLVED – that, Mr S Powell be elected Chairperson for the agreed term.
Mr S Powell in the Chair.
(ii)
Election of Vice Chair
It was proposed by Mr S Powell; seconded by Mrs E Harding and duly APPROVED that Mr
D Brown be elected as Vice Chair for the agreed term.
Review of Committee Membership, Appointment of Linked Governors, Committee Chairs
The membership was reviewed as per Appendix 1.
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Review of Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs
Governors duly agreed to the following appointments:
Resources Committee
Rev A Bull to continue as Chairperson of the Resources Committee for the agreed term.
Mrs B Rhodes to continue as Vice Chair for the agreed term.
Premises Committee
Mr D Brown to continue as Chairperson of the Premises Committee for the agreed term.
Mr A Campbell to continue as Vice Chair for the agreed term.
Teaching and Learning Committee
Miss M Nuttall to continue as Chairperson of the Teaching and Learning Committee for the
agreed term.
Mrs E Handley to continue as Vice Chair for the agreed term.
Review of Committee Remits and Policies
The Governing Body agreed that a review of their existing policy portfolio would take
place throughout the academic year as required at the relevant committee.
Governor Code of Conduct
The Chair informed governors that this was subject to some amendments. Governors
agreed to defer this item for approval at the autumn term governing body meeting.
ACTION
Open Governance Policy
Governors resolved that they would continue to adopt the Open Government policy;
Governing Body meetings would be open to the public, subject to the exclusion of
observers for confidential items.
(iii)
PREVIOUS GOVERNING BODY MINUTES
RESOLVED – that the minutes of the meeting held on 11th March 2015, copies circulated
previously, (a) be approved and signed by the Chairperson and (b) authorised for
publication.
(iv)
Matters Arising from Previous Governing Body Minutes
3 (ii) Training Session for Church Schools – Links with the governors at All Saints were
noted; an agreement was required as to how this would move forward.
The Kid’s Choir was very successful; it was noted that it had benefited the children who had
joined.
Is there much use out of the Story telling area? Book boxes had been purchased for the
Lower and Upper Key stages. This had enabled staff and children to make good use of the
area.
P5 – Regarding Ofsted – are we aiming to be outstanding? What is the criteria for
this? The Headteacher talked about the Ofsted decision; it was noted that some children
had made expected progress not better than expected over previous years. The
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Headteacher referred Governors to the Ofsted website for further information. Governors
noted the changes to the Ofsted framework and inspection process.
7 (i) Lindsey Hegerty was identified as the Safeguarding Link Governor – this was
highlighted as a very important role and governors were informed that Lindsey and the
Headteacher maintained regular contact. Awareness of safeguarding updates and training
was ongoing; governors noted schools responsibility to safeguard all pupils.
The following actions were duly completed:
3 (iv) British Values was published on the school website.
6 (i) The Chair had contacted Pam Dunham, Co Coordinator of LA Governor Services with
regards to the cancellation of training courses. It was advised that this was purely due to
low uptake. All governors were encouraged to make use of the training events by Governor
Services.
7 (v) Assessment without Levels – Mrs E Harding provided an update to governors. Work
was ongoing to develop the in-house system for Reading, Writing and Maths; this would
also be supported by external systems. Governors were informed that the school was well
prepared and had a bespoke system in order to meet the school’s needs. The Assessment
Team would continue to meet for a further year. Is SATS staying with levels? No; it was
unknown how future results would be reported. Governors discussed the issue of how to
show progress made without levels.
Next Governor Development Training Session – date TBC. The Headteacher suggested
that Link Governors would be linked to Teachers; and attached to a Year Group. This would
be considered at the next Governor Development Training session.
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE MINUTES
Resources Committee 18th May 2015
Steering Data Committee 2nd March 2015
Steering Committee 11th May 2015
Teaching and Learning 8th May 2015
(v)
Matters Arising from Previous Committee Minutes
RESOLVED – that the minutes of the following meetings, copies circulated previously, be
approved by the Chairperson and authorised for publication:
Teaching and Learning (no date) it was confirmed that this referred to the meeting on 8th
May 2015.
What is UFSM? Universal Free School Meals.
Item 11- New Behaviour Management System – The points system applied to the whole
school; points could be gained or deducted in accordance with behaviour Mrs C Oldham
had organised the end of term Celebration Day. The House points system was explained
(Bronze, Silver and Gold) and a variety of rewards were described. How many children
have a full day? Approximately 60 children. The Headteacher talked about the moderation
of house points within the classes regarding the half and full days to ensure fairness.
The idea was to reward the children who follow the rules and were consistently well
behaved. Governors noted that the system motivated the children and that there had been
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a great response from children. A governor said that she had access to a discount store
and suggested that prizes could be purchased there at a reduced rate; this would be
considered in future. It was noted that the system encouraged a corporate environment
within the school.
Steering Committee 11th May 2015 – What are monitoring meetings? Governors were
advised that this referred to the RI outcome.
Item 7 – The Chair requested the End of Year reports from each Chair of Committee.
ACTION
Item 8 - Meet and Greet of Governors and Staff - All governors were invited to attend the
School on Wednesday 2nd September 2015, 12 – 1pm; food provided.
ACTION
Resources Committee Meeting – 18th May 2015 – Governors noted concern regarding
the changes to the LA funding formula and that this would have a detrimental effect on the
budget, if there were not an increase in the number of pupils. It was advised that the budget
was similar to the previous year. The Headteacher explained Pupil Premium funding.
Premises Walk around – Governors were referred to the paper copies provided in the
Governor’s pack. It was noted that a governor had reported an open window at the spring
term governing body meeting. A governor noted that a further incident relating to an open
window at the Children’s Centre had been reported; the Headteacher undertook to contact
the Security Company. A governor raised concerns about the cleanliness of the Children’s
Centre; it was noted that a supply agency had been contracted and that the Headteacher
would discuss the issues with the School Business Manager.
ACTION
The Headteacher was aware of the drainage issue on the grassed areas of the playground;
this was worse after hard rain. Governors were referred to the Health and Safety
Performance Report; half- yearly report.
Is there any update on the sickness absence (non-teaching staff)? This information
would be available at the next Health and Safety meeting.
Governors were informed that Sick Packs had been produced for each classroom.
HEADTEACHER’S TERMLY REPORT
4.
The report of the Headteacher was presented and discussed. Governors’ questions were
invited and the following items were highlighted:
Signed:

All governors were invited to the Leavers Assembly to be held in Church next week.

Requires Improvement Plan – governors were referred to a link of all completed
actions which was attached to the plan. The plan would be reviewed on a regular
basis by the Steering Committee.

Talk for Writing; a whole school approach to writing was discussed. The
Headteacher explained the concept and referred to the use of story mapping,
guided writing and Makaton. This would be led by Miss Malpas. The programme
would be rolled out across the school from September as part of a three year plan.
How does signing help with writing? Governors were advised of the benefits of a
multi-sensory approach. Is Writing a national issue? Yes; the Headteacher
provided examples of barriers to vocabulary, it was noted that this would be
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discussed at the INSET day. Are stories read in school time? Yes; 10 -15 minutes
four times per week was allocated to reading. The Parents and Children’s Book
Club ran twice a week for KS1 and was very successful. The Reading raffle was
explained. The main target was the engagement of parents. Governors noted the
parental impact on a child’s learning and the importance of family time.

p2 – A lock down procedure for the School had been agreed by the Critical Incident
Team. Governors were advised of the alarm system and the procedures to be
followed. Two -way film would be purchased for the interior library doors for safety
purposes. Governors noted the Evacuation plan. Governors discussed the
procedure in relation to children’s personal medical equipment such as inhalers and
epipens.

Governors confirmed receipt of all the other documents which were attached to the
Headteacher’s report for information.

Behaviour Management System – This item was discussed earlier and the system
was clarified for governors. It was noted that all children would start on Green at the
beginning of the day. Are children used to it? Yes; and staff were making good
use of the system.
 Pupil Premium Report – What is the Manchester University tutoring
programme? This was an extra resource available.
The Headteacher was thanked for her comprehensive report and there not being any
further questions it was
RESOLVED – that the Headteacher’s report be received.
5. GOVERNOR DEVELOPMENT
(i)
Development Plan
The next meeting was arranged for 6th October 2015; Lynn Perry SIA would attend to
discuss assessment without levels. This would be a useful guidance session for governors
to discuss and consider questions and challenges for the Headteacher and School.
(ii)
Training
Governors were encouraged to attend training courses made available by Governor
Services. A new training programme would be circulated to the governing body in the
autumn term.
6.
BRIEFING PAPERS FROM STOCKPORT LOCAL AUTHORITY
Governors noted the updates:
(i)
Early Years Pupil Premium
(ii)
Early Years Baseline Assessment
(iii)
PSHE Update
(iv)
The Constitution of Governing Bodies

(v)
Signed:
A register of governors’ interests and governor information to be uploaded to the
school’s website by 1st September 2015.
ACTION
National Standards for Excellence for Headteachers
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(vi)
Ofsted Update
(vii) DfE Updates
7.
DATES
(i)
Full Governing Body
Wednesday 25th November 2015 6pm
Wednesday 16th March 2016 6pm
Wednesday 13th July 2016 6pm
(ii)
Committee Meetings
Resources Committee 28th September 2015
Teaching and Learning Monday 5th October 2015, 1.30pm
Steering Committee – TBC
8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
(i)
School Drop off Zone
A governor raised concerns about parking in the drop off zone; this was an ongoing issue
that had been addressed in previous newsletters. A governor suggested the use of cones to
direct a single file traffic system around the drop-off zone. Governors were advised that the
children’s posters would be displayed in September. It was suggested to have someone to
manage the area and keep the traffic flow moving. Governors were reminded that it was the
parent’s responsibility to ensure that their children arrived safely at school. Mrs E Harding
offered assistance; the Chair recommended that this item be considered further at the
beginning of the autumn term. Does there have to be a drop off zone? Governors noted
the limited parking spaces. It was suggested that if the problem continued; due to the safety
of children that the parking zone may no longer be made available. Locking the school
gates may be considered in future.
ACTION
(ii)
Sexting issue
A governor referred to the sexting incident; which had occurred outside of school. Is there a
school policy about this? Governors were informed that the LA would produce a policy.
(iii)
Long Service Award
The Chair presented a Long Service Award to Mrs B Rhodes, who was congratulated
on her length of service and support to the school.
(iv)
School Dates and Table Plan
Information regarding the Teaching Plan and school dates was tabled for governors.
(v)
Skills Matrix
A governor asked whether the skills matric would be reviewed; the Chair informed
governors that this would take place in the next academic year.
ACTION
There not being any other business to discuss, the Chairperson thanked everyone for
attending and the meeting closed at 8.33pm.
Signed:
Date:
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ST MARK’S CE PRIMARY SCHOOL
SUMMER TERM 2015 GOVERNING BODY MINUTES
MEETING ACTION POINTS
MINUTE
POINT
ACTION REQUIRED
ACTION
FOR
3
Governing Body Code of Conduct to be
Chair
3 (v)
3 (v)
ACTION
DATE TO BE
COMPLETED
Autumn term
amended and considered for approval at the
governing body
autumn term governing body meeting.
meeting
Item 7 – The Chair requested the End of
Committee
Year reports from each Chair of Committee.
Chairs
All governors were invited to attend the meet
Governing
Wednesday 2nd
and greet of Governors and Staff
Body
September 2015,
ASAP
12 – 1pm
The Headteacher to contact the relevant
Headteacher Post meeting
people regarding the issues raised (open
window and cleanliness of Children’s
Centre)
6 (iv)
A register of governors’ interests and
Chair /
governor information to be uploaded to the
Headteacher 2015
1st September
school’s website by 1st September 2015.
8 (i)
School Drop Off zone to for discussion at the
Chair /
Autumn term
next governing body meeting
Headteacher governing body
meeting.
8 (v)
Skills Matrix to be reviewed in the next
Chair /
academic year.
Governing
Autumn term
Body
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Date:
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Appendix 1
ST MARK’S CE PRIMARY SCHOOL
GOVERNING BODY 2014/2015
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
CHAIRPERSON
Mr S Powell
2 year term until 2017
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
Mr D Brown
2 year term until 2017
DEVELOPMENT GOVERNOR
Mr Sean Powell
RESOURCES
Mrs C Robinson*
Mrs B Rhodes**
Mr S Powell
Rev A Bull
VACANCY
Mrs E Harding
Headteacher
Business Manager – Invited
TEACHING & LEARNING
Miss M Nuttall*
Mrs L Hegerty**
Mrs C Oldham
Mrs E Handley
Mr G Ebbrell
VACANCY
Headteacher
Mrs S Metcalfe
PM MONITORING PANEL
Mrs B Rhodes*
Miss M Nuttall
Mr D Brown
Rev A Bull
STAFF DISMISSAL
A panel of 3 or 5 governors
made up from the full
Governing Body with no prior
involvement or knowledge of
the incident.
REVIEW OFFICER
Mr S Powell
INCLUSION / SEN/LAC
GOVERNOR
Mr D Brown
ICT GOVERNOR
Mr G Ebbrell
SAFEGUARDING GOV
Mrs L Hegerty
NUMERACY GOVERNOR
LITERACY GOVERNOR
Mrs B Rhodes
HEALTH & SAFETY GOV
Mr D Brown
EDUCATIONAL VISITS
Mr S Powell
Miss M Nuttall
DIVERSITY GOVERNOR
STEERING GROUP
Mrs B Rhodes
Mr D Brown
Miss M Nuttall
Mr S Powell*
Headteacher
PREMISES
Mr D Brown*
VACANCY
Mrs G Wagstaff
Headteacher
Mrs C Oldham
Site Supervisor - Invited
COMPLAINTS
3 or 5 governors from the whole
Governing Body who have no prior
knowledge or involvement in the
incident.
PUPIL DISCIPLINE
A panel of 3 or 5 governors made
up from the full Governing Body
with no prior involvement or
knowledge of the incident.
STAFF APPEALS
Miss M Nuttall
Mrs B Rhodes
PAY COMMITTEE
(min 3 governors)
Mrs B Rhodes
Mrs C Robinson
Mr D Brown
Rev A Bull
EXTENDED SCHOOL
PAY APPEALS
Miss M Nuttall
* Denotes Chairperson ** Denotes Vice Chairperson
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ARE AWARDED VOTING RIGHTS ON COMMITTEES
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