25th September 2008 - Minutes of meeting
Present: Liz Wombwell (EW) (Head), Helen Foster, Lisa McShane, David Griffin, Sabine Coldrey, Ben Hilder, Fenn Lumsden, Lucinda baker, John Adams, Annette Hooper, Maureen Prestidge.
Governors: Alison Elson, Penny Lambert, Suzanne Rubie, Su Rogers, Tom Lumsden, Jeremy Good, Peter Bowen
1. Welcome
Everyone was welcomed to the Parents’ Forum meeting and thanked for their time and interest. EW explained that the Parents Forum was there to give parents a chance to bring things up with Headteacher and Governors e.g. new ideas, what happens at school, how the school is run and what we could be doing etc. This was not the place for individual queries.
2. Matters arising from the last meeting
None
3. Parents’ Matters
None
4. School Matters
EW stated that this meeting was usually in the afternoon at 2.15pm but some parents had requested an evening meeting. EW informed the group she was to show a presentation and it would then go on the website.
The governors introduced themselves and stated their role.
What has been achieved so far:
EW expressed that she would like to work with parents. Continued development of website by Mike Coveney and Annette Hooper for PTA, more curriculum evenings this year including science. EW would genuinely like feedback from parents and what they would like to see on the site, keeping it up to date is the most difficult thing. There will be more curriculum evenings this year for other subject areas such as science.
AH mentioned that the photographs on the website are of past children and asked if it were possible to use the current children. There was some discussion and it will be looked into.
EW stated that at the next Curriculum information evening sheets would be available for parents to share ideas about what they would like to find out about e.g. how numeracy is taught. There is a possibility that someone from County could come in and talk about the science curriculum. The science garden is under used and there will be a review of the science garden and curriculum. The science coordinator looking at how it is used and future development.
BH asked what governors do and how can they be used. AE explained that they have 3 roles – a critical friend – EW is asked why she is doing certain things and what is the next step. Accountability for what goes on – how money is spent and if the school wants to spend money, is it the best way. Finally strategic – where are we going in the future. The governors are also involved in staff recruitment and standards e.g SATs results. SR works closely with PC on Special needs. PB added that the governors also acted in a support for EW to bounce ideas. The governors are also part of the OFSTED process.
JA commented on the on the number of e-mails that had been received and asked if the amount of mail could be managed. EW explained the quantity could be due to the start of term and there is a lot of information to go out but added that the school was looking into an external agency such as Parent Mail to take over the management. JA was reminded that if it hadn’t been by mail it would have been received by hard copy.
Next Meeting
Tuesday 26th November in the staff room.