Training

The Bishop's Certificate in Church School Governance 2011/12

A modular training course for governing bodies of Church of England schools

This modular course, endorsed by the Bishop of Southwark, aims to clarify the role of the governing body in C of E schools. It will not cover every aspect of school governance, but will give participants a good understanding of certain key issues for church school governors. Governors play an important role in developing and improving their schools; clarity about the role of governing bodies in schools is crucial to an effective partnership between governors and the headteacher and staff.

The Bishop of Southwark is keen to acknowledge the important role played by governors of church schools in the Diocese. The Certificate will be awarded to those who have sent at least two governors on seven of the modules and will be valid for four years.

The structure of the course

The Bishop's Certificate course consists of nine modules: (3 per term), each of 2 hours length (6.30 - 8.30pm); there are 3 compulsory core modules:

(i) - the nature and purpose of church schools;

(ii) - effective governance of a church school;

(iii) - religious education and worship;

and six other modules, including curriculum, personnel, admissions and school premises. To qualify for the Certificate governing bodies must send at least two governors to seven of the nine modules. A maximum of four governors may attend each module.

Venue

The course will be held at:

SDBE offices, 48 Union Street, London SE1 1TD.

Cost

  • 19-24 governor places - £375
  • 25-30 governor places - £450
  • 31-36 governor places - £495

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to reserve a place, complete the form and return to: Sheila Talbott, SDBE, 48 Union Street, London, SE1 1TD by 20 May 2011.

The Modules

Module 1 - The nature and purpose of church schools

The distinctive nature of church schools.
Exploring the Anglican ethos.
Developing links with the church community.

Module 2 - Admission policies - the governors' role

Reviewing the admission policy.
The role of the Admission Committee.
Setting up an appeals panel.
Getting to grips with the Code of Practice

Module 3 - The curriculum and teaching

The statutory role of governors in respect of the school curriculum and teaching
Developing an appropriate monitoring role in these areas
Ways in which governors can keep informed about the curriculum in their school
What makes for good teaching and learning?
Visiting school, working with subject leaders

Module 4 - Self Evaluation and Inspection

An overview of OFSTED
Statutory Inpsection of Anglican Schools
Self Evaluation methods
Collecting Evidence
The Every Child Matters agenda
Extended Schools

Module 5 - Effective governance of a church school

The main roles of the governing body with a focus on working strategically.
Effective working practices.
Working out the partnership between the governors and the headteacher.

Module 6 - School buildings - governors' responsibilities

The respective roles of the governors, their professional consultants, the Diocesan Board, Local Authority and DCSF in building maintenance and development.
Procedures for ensuring satisfactory completion of a building project.

Module 7 - RE and Worship

Roles and responsibilities of governors for religious education in a C of E school.
Policy, planning, teaching and learning for religious education.
Collective worship - the legal requirements; school arrangements and the nature of worship in the C of E school.

Module 8 - Staffing 1 - Recruitment and selection

Appointing staff - job descriptions, CVs, selection criteria, interviewing process, contracts.
Grading of staff, ie, threshold, headteacher, deputy headteacher etc.

Module 9 - Staffing 2 - Personnel procedures

Performance management
Sickness absence
Grievance and discipline and Capability