This session will equip participants with the skills needed to provide appropriate support and challenge to leaders in their school. It is aimed at governors who have served at least one full term of office (4 years) and will provide:

• An overview of most recent statutory responsibilities
• An overview of how to ensure that the school leadership, including governance, is fit for purpose and meets expectations from LA, DfE and stakeholders
• An opportunity to revisit the basics of the role and responsibilities of governance

Governors will:

• have had an opportunity to update their understanding and implementation of all statutory duties
• have the confidence that the leadership of the school would be judged at least Good by Ofsted
• be secure in their knowledge of basic governance
• be confident to provide appropriate support and challenge to leaders in their school

All experienced Governors, including Chairs and Vice Chairs

The course will support Governors to understand their role in managing all complaints and concerns raised about their school. An effective complaints policy that is understood by the school community will help to ensure that any concerns or issues are dealt with effectively and a quick and positive outcome is secured.

This session will include:

• An overview of policies and guidance
• Application of the policy across the school community
• Mechanisms to ensure all staff understand their role within the policy

Governors will:

• have a good understanding of what a complaint is
• be confident if asked to investigate a complaint on behalf of the governing board
• be confident to serve on a complaints panel
• have a whole school complaints policy which will ensure that all stakeholders are confident that their concerns or complaints will be dealt with sympathetically and fairly
• confidentially manage any complaints against the governing board

 Schools will reduce the risk of: 

• concerns converting to complaints
• the need for a panel hearing
• a DfE review

All Governors

This course will investigate the specific and important role of the Safeguarding Governor, to ensure the:

• legal requirements are in place and are known and understood by all staff and adults working in your school
• expectations of OfSTED are being met and that governors can provide evidence of their compliance
• expectations from Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance are fully understood and embedded

This is a certified course to support Governors evidence of KCSIE compliance.

Governors will: 

• have a clear understanding of their role
• have the knowledge and expertise to hold the school to account for ensuring that the policies and processes are in place and that they are being consistently applied
• have a good understanding of what they should monitor and challenge and how that is reported back to the full Governing Board
• be able to report on the staff's understanding of their role in Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance 

All Governors

This course will explore the specific and important role of the SEND Governor ensuring: 

• The legal requirements are in place and are known and understood by all staff and adults working in your school 
• That your school is ambitious for all our children with SEND and they are supported to reach their full potential 
• The SEND governors have the required skills and knowledge to challenge the provision in place and the use of the notional SEND budget

There will also be an opportunity for governors to understand the process of applying for an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) including the amount of evidence that is required and discussions with external agencies, this will also include the timing and procedure for the annual reviews. 

Governors will: 

• have a clear understanding of their role 
• have the knowledge and expertise to hold the school to account for ensuring that the policies and processes are in place and that they are being consistently applied 
• have a good understanding of what they should monitor and challenge and how that is reported back to the full Governing Board 
• have the knowledge to inform their Governing Boards of how the money for SEND pupils is spent and its impact 
• understand the rigour and time commitment to the EHCP application process, the implications for the staff managing this process and the need to ensure that there is enough capacity for the role.

All Governors, but especially those with SEN responsibilities