An evening with Carole Herman ( ASHE) looking at the challenges facing school governors from across the school spectrum gave the audience plenty to think about on

NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES, WHAT NEXT?

 

 

Funding: Despite the majority of schools struggling to balance the books the DFE continues to focus on the few very large MAT'S who are fortunate to have substantial surpluses. The overall picture though is the majority of schools are coming to the point of cutting staff, resources and maintenance in order to survive. This is not sustainable for sufficient outcomes as it invariably impacts on those who have needs.

Is there a base for coming together across the country as the DFE continue to divide and rule?

Teachers: We continue to haemorrhage valued / talented dedicated teachers due to a duplicity of reasons: Workload expectation, Mental Stress, Pupil Behaviour, Parental Attitudes all of which need addressing. Governors have a key role to play by supporting and listening then bringing to the fore key issues.

Behaviour / Well Being: It is well documented that particularly since COVID antisocial behaviour has been rapidly on the rise both in pupils and sadly Parental attitudes towards the skill set of Teachers. Challenging behaviour has become the norm in the class. Parental confrontation has almost become accepted, rarely face to face but hiding behind social platforms so out of reach. Teachers are now having to become well being specialists by default. SENCO's workload is increasing day to day the system is broken through underfunding meaning those in need are waiting nearly all of their schooling for recognition.

SEND: As eluded to above the provision of SEND has become a fight with an underfunded, incoherent outmoded system in the face of a tsunami since COVID. Not only on a school basis but MAT and Local Authority level. Governors have a key role here in raising the issue through constant lobbying at every opportunity, add our voice to the MAT's and LA's this has to be resolved.

Curriculum / Ofsted: Discussion highlighted that tragically since Ruth Perry Ofsted/DFE have learnt little as illustrated in their consultation and ensuing proposals. In fact it was the considered opinion that the proposals would make matters worse very rapidly by increasing stress on HT's etc and confuse Parents even further. However there must be accountability to gain uniformity.

So the evening ended with a Q&A session on " HOW TO ?" So much to consider given it is becoming clear even with new governance at national level there was going to be little if no change.

So come together, support our schools SLT, challenge MAT boards, challenge LA's as together with a whole school approach much can and must be achieved. After all we all have one interest - Childrens best possible outcomes for life!

The above taken from notes taken during the evening and therefore should not be considered views of ESGA / ASHE or  the author.