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GOVAS action
The GOVAS committee met on October 20th. As usual we had a lively meeting. We checked on our Action Plan, which keeps us on track within
our three action strands of linking Stockport governors, informing you about training and information resources, and representing you in local and national forums.
During October GOVAS was represented at meetings of the Education Partnership Board and the Primary Strategy Management Group. There has also been a meeting of the Chairs of Secondary School Governing Bodies.
The Schools Forum, at which governors and headteachers meet with SMBC officers to discuss a range of aspects of the financing of schools, met on October 22nd. The minutes of the Schools Forum will be published in the near future. Watch the website for a link. Topics included the impact of changes to Early Years funding, the progress of the group enquiring into Stockport`s SEN funding strategy, the Direct Schools Grant for 2010-11, and school meals take-up and provision.
GOVAS website
The GOVAS committee is keen to develop this website as an interactive resource for governors to share ideas, concerns and information. We all know that one of the bonuses of attending governor training sessions is meeting governors from other schools and sharing experiences. Please make use of the Forums we have provided, and if you would like to start new ones let us know.
GOVAS newsletter
Our editor is beginning to put together the next GOVAS newsletter. We are picking up on some of your concerns, so look out for some advice about Community Cohesion and about your role in Challenging. If you have any issues which you want to share, or any good ideas you`d like to pass on, please let us know.
Governor Mark
Governor Mark is a national quality mark for school governance, endorsed by the National Governors` Association and supported by DCSF. Stockport Governor Services has arranged two training sessions. One has already taken place and there is another in March 2010. The standard for achieving Governor Mark is exacting, but even if your school doesn`t feel able to apply for the Mark you can use the model as a tool for improve your own Governing Body`s working. You can find the information at http://www.glmpartnership.org/governor_mark.html (underscore between governor and mark) or through the Resources tab on the National Governors` Association website at www.nga.org.uk
Teachers TV
Teachers TV continues to develop its governor content. If you go to the governor link on its website at www.teachers.tv you can find
• Videos and other training and information programmes
• Relevant education news
• Free training packs, comprising Powerpoint presentation, video clips and discussion starters
• Expert advice and tips from other governors and education officers
Looking ahead
GOVAS representatives will be meeting with senior officers of the Stockport`s Children and Young People`s Directorate in November. At these meeting we are able to have direct input into how the Local Authority works with governors, and how the LA can support us. So if you have anything you would like us to take up, let us know.
The NEEC (formerly the North of England Education Conference) is a major event in the national education calendar. In 2010 it will be in York. The theme is Unlocking Children`s Potential, and it runs from January 6th – 8th. In the past the government has subsidized some places for governors. We have not heard that that is happening this time, but if you want more information you can find it here.
You can contact us directly through this website, to me at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, or in writing at Govas, c/o Schools Governance, SMBC, 3rd Floor, Stopford House, Piccadilly, Stockport SK1 3XE
Gillian Stunell
Chair, GOVAS
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