The Association of Sandwell Governing Bodies

The Executive Committee of the ASGB receives regular briefings from senior officers of the Local Authority on issues relevant to school governance. Following a review of the topics scheduled for discussion next year the Executive agreed that all Chairs and/or the nominated ASGB representative for schools should be invited to the next meeting which is scheduled for 18th January 2006.

The topics to be discussed at the meeting are:

Looked After Children - to be delivered by Kathy Ross, and Paula Rushton – LACE Virtual School
The role of the governing body in ensuring that the school is meeting the needs of looked after children.

Leadership Development - to be delivered by Phil Holden, Senior Adviser Leadership Development, Research and Innovation
Governors will be given information to help them, with the support of the Local Authority, to ensure that they have high quality leaders at all levels in their schools in the future.

Building Schools for the Future - to be delivered by Pete Cole, BSF Project Manager
Governors will be updated on progress in the secondary sector with regard to Building Schools for the Future and a start to the primary vision.

ASGB are delighted to invite you to attend the next meeting, which will be held at the
TDC, on 18th January 2006 starting at 6.00pm.
A light buffet will be available from 5.30pm.
If it is not possible for you to attend could arrangements please be made for A.N. Other governor to take your place.

Please ensure the proforma enclosed with the calling letter is completed and returned in the pre paid envelope, to indicate whether you are able to attend or the name of your nominee.

A meeting of the Tipton Representatives for the Sandwell Association of Governing Bodies has been arranged and a calling letter sent. The meeting will take place on:
Monday 9th January 2006 at 6pm
in the Community Room at Alexandra High School.

The Extended Schools Manager and Head Teacher of Alexandra High School will be presenting a report on how Governors can promote our schools and better serve the Tipton communities. It is vital that all schools in the Tipton area are represented, as this is an important issue and a good opportunity to take this agenda forward.

Please ensure the proforma enclosed with the calling letter is completed and returned in the pre paid envelope, indicating whether you (or a colleague) will be able to attend.

Governors may wish to note Circular 327 which gives details of Financial Management Training for Schools.
This is an opportunity to receive free financial training specifically commissioned for schools by the DfES, which will benefit all who are able to attend.
Two training sessions will take place on Monday, 9 January 2006, in The Platinum Suite at West Bromwich Albion Football Stadium, and details are provided in the cirsular marked for the attention of all Head Teachers.

The DfES has commissioned the National Bursars Association (NBA) to deliver financial management workshops for school staff including Head Teachers, Bursars (Financial Managers) and school governors.
The Financial Management Standard will become compulsory for secondary schools by the end of 2006/07 and it is likely that it will then be made compulsory for primary and special schools.

This is an opportunity to receive free financial training specifically commissioned for schools by the DfES, which will benefit all who are able to attend.

A major consultation opens on 18 November (closing date 10 February 2006) for comment and discussion on the draft of the CYPP being prepared for Sandwell.

The Plan draws on all statutory agencies, including health and the voluntary/community sectors in identifying a shared vision for Sandwell's children and young people. It details the priorities for action that will make that vision a reality. The priorities link to the 5 'Every Child Matters' Outcomes and look to 'shape' services for children and young people.

All documentation and response forms (hard copy and online) are to be found on the Council's main website:
http://www.laws.sandwell.gov.uk/ccm/content/children-and-young-people/children-and-young-peoples-plan.en

The National Governors Council and the National Association of School Governors will merge from the start of next year, and together appear set to become a single powerful voice for Governors.

Further information

• National Governors' Council
• National Association of School Governors (formerly NAGM)

For further information or to record the name of your ASGB delegate please contact:

Post : The Association of Sandwell Governing Bodies,
c/o Governor Services,
PO Box 41,
Shaftesbury House,
402 High Street,
West Bromwich,
B70 9LT
Email: clerk@asgb.org.uk

ASGB is independent of the LEA