Local Authority & School Partnership Agreement – FCC Policy Sept 2018-2021 (awaiting new policy from FCC)

1.  Support, monitor, challenge and intervention in schools 

–        Outcomes of statutory school inspections

–        Reports from LA/GwE surveys

–        Analysis of examination, test and assessment data

–        Standards of achievement and attainment

–        Pre and post inspection reviews and support

–        Monitoring visits findings

–        Review and support visit findings

–        Progress since the last inspection

–        Effectiveness of school leadership and management

–        Effectiveness of governing body

–        Quality of self-evaluation both of the school and of the Governing Body

–        Quality of planning for improvement

–        Quality of teaching and learning

–        Procedures for assessment

–        Curriculum provision

–        Behaviour and levels of exclusions

–        Attendance

–        Support and guidance provided to staff

–        Staffing issues

–        Provision for Additional Learning Needs

–        Health and safety

–        Non-compliance with statutory responsibilities

–        Budget management

–        Resource management

–        Complaints

·         Alert LA and/or GwE as soon as an area of concern is identified

·         Work in partnership with the LA and GwE to address issues/areas of concern

·         Act at all times in the balanced role of ‘Critical/questioning Friend’ to the school.

·         implement a range of intervention strategies to support schools with particular needs;

·         comply with requirements as set out in Welsh Government Circular Schools Causing Concern: Statutory Guidance for Schools and Local Authorities Guidance Document No.129/2014 February 2014;

·         support schools in the construction of an action plan;

·         produce a statement of planned council action and support for the school;

·         deploy LA and GwE staff to support the school as necessary;

·         work with schools to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the action plan;

·         share outcomes of monitoring and evaluation with staff and governors;

·         provide focused evaluations and implement statutory powers of intervention where a school fails; and issue a ‘cause for concern’ or a ‘warning’ letter where appropriate.

·         Establish Accelerated Improvement Boards for schools in a statutory Estyn category and/or identified as a school requiring an amber or red level of support

·         work in partnership with Supporting Improvement Advisers and other staff and services to address issues /areas of concern;

·         comply with requirements as set out in Welsh Government Circular Schools Causing Concern: Statutory Guidance for

·         Schools and Local Authorities Guidance Document No. 129/2014 February 2014;

·         work with the LA and GwE in producing an action plan for improvement; and

·         monitor and evaluate progress against the action plan, and inform governors.

·         Engage fully with the Accelerated Improvement Board

·         use, as necessary, the full range of legal powers of intervention available to it as set out in legislation and regulations in accordance with the guidance given in the Code of Practice on LA School Relations and Schools Causing Concern: Statutory Guidance for Schools and Local Authorities Guidance Document No. 129/2014 February 2014.

·         use the following types of statutory intervention as appropriate:

–       require a school to work with another school, or other named partner to secure improvements defined as a requirement to secure advice or collaborate ;

–       appoint additional governors to strengthen the LA’s voice on the governing body and/or provide additional expertise to the governors in key areas to support a school’s improvement;

–       replace the entire governing body with an Interim Executive Board to secure improvement in the leadership and management of a school through the use of a specially appointed governing body for a temporary period; This requires an application to Welsh Ministers

–       suspend the delegated authority for the governing body to manage a school’s budget to secure control over staffing and spending decisions in order to secure improvements.

·         In the case of voluntary aided (VA) schools, work with both the LA and the Diocesan authority to bring about improvement.

·         Discuss and agree targets for whole school performance and pupil achievement with schools;

·         Review and, if necessary, improve the target setting process;

·         Collect and analyse projections against targets on a regular basis throughout the academic year;

·         Challenge schools on the accuracy of targets and projections;

·         Evaluate the quality of the target setting process by analysing the accuracy of projections and performance data for each school;

·         Provide professional development and guidance on data analysis and target setting;

·         Publish whole LA targets for attainment at each key stage annually;

·         Provide annual reports and analysis of target and performance data for individual schools;

·         Have effective monitoring and tracking processes that allow intervention strategies to be put in place to raise performance;

·         Ensure that middle leaders are held accountable for pupil targets that are not challenging enough, or intervention strategies that are not having an appropriate effect on underperformance;

·         Use their internal target-setting processes to inform the setting of challenging and stretching whole-school targets that take account of the nature of a cohort and their individual targets, and also the previous benchmark positions of the school;

·         Report projections of performance against their school targets to the LA/GwE on a regular basis, ensuring that these projections are based on sound, accurate and current assessment data;

·         Use performance data to support school improvement initiatives;

·         Evaluate the quality of the target setting process by analysing performance data in relation to targets set;

·         Respond positively to the challenge raised by the LA if targets are not met;

·         Raise awareness of governors of school performance data in order to ensure appropriate challenge to secure improvement;

·         Publish school performance data via the school prospectus and Governors’ annual report to parents in line with statutory requirements; and

·         Arrange for school representatives to attend professional development activities organised by the LA/GwE.

·         Support collaborative working between partners by fostering close relationships between all members of the 14-19 Learning Pathways Network and develop the 14-19 working groups to support transition from KS3 to KS4 and KS4 to post 16, and to target those young people who are in danger of becoming classified as not in education, employment or training (NEET) at 16.

·         Monitor the percentage of NEETs aged 16-18.

·         Provide support to assist schools when completing their PLASC WG return.

·            Issue all learners at post 16 with an individual Learning Pathways Plan

·            Ensure the entitlement of all learners at post 16 to be able to access a trained Learning Coach

·            Ensure that all learners access the learning core

·            Ensure independent careers advice and guidance is available for all pupils 14-19.

·            Deliver the local curricula as prescribed by the Welsh Government

·            Ensure all learners have access to learning equivalent to at least 2 A levels.

·            Ensure appropriate strategies to raise the individual points score of all learners within the school.

·            Set robust targets for achievement at KS5.

·            Identify all courses undertaken by learners and complete the “Post16 PLASC” return.

·            Ensure all activities which could be included are incorporated in the “WG PLASC” return.

·         Monitor and analyse exclusion rates and discuss this information with schools;

·         Challenge schools when targets are not met.

·         Offer support to head teachers on attendance and exclusion matters;

·         Provide training, advice and support on the correct use of the exclusion process and the promotion of alternative strategies to exclusion, including exclusion strategy meetings and managed moves;

·         Promote and manage the agreed Managed Move policy amongst all secondary schools, as a recognised Welsh Government alternative to permanent exclusions;

·         Provide advice in instances of permanent and fixed term exclusions, especially on re-integration procedures;

·         Maintain accurate records of all alternative provision for pupils Educated Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS);

·         Provide full-time appropriate education for a pupil 15 days after being excluded;

·         Process exclusion data in line with WG guidelines.

·         Ensure that robust procedures and strategies are in place to improve pupil attendance and where required reduce fixed term and permanent ;

·         Review and monitor exclusion rates on a termly basis;

·         Respond to the challenge raised by the LA when targets are not met;

·         Maintain accurate and up to date electronic pupil exclusion records, ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 requirements with regard to collection, storage and processing of personal information;

·         Return exclusion data to the LA through electronic means in keeping with WG guidelines and to set deadlines;

·         Report all incidents of exclusions to the LA within one school day;

·         Ensure accurate exclusion data is transferred to a pupil’s new school via the Common Transfer System in accordance with WG guidelines and to set deadline;

·         Follow the WG recommendations with regard to exclusions ensuring correct codings as defined  in PLASC EOTAS guidance are used

·         Facilitate effective delivery of the five statutory elements of transition as follows:

o   managing and co-ordinating transition

o   continuity of curriculum planning

o   continuity of teaching and learning

o   consistency in the assessment, monitoring and tracking of pupil progress

o   reviewing and monitoring the plan for the purpose of assessing the impact on standards

·         Assist with the electronic transfer of data from primary schools to secondary schools

·         Inform, advise and support schools in respect of good practice at transition

·         Include relevant and effective activities and processes with regard to the five statutory elements of the transition plan

·         Engage with schools listed in the school’s transition plan in preparation for transition activities

·         The Common Transfer system (CTS) must be used for passing data onto a new school, as well as passing on SEN files and additional pupil information.

·         Provide additional data where available to  secondary schools

·         Adhere to WG requirements in respect of assessment and moderation requirements

·         Consider advice on good practice and act on where appropriate in order to improve the transition experience for pupils

·         In partnership with GwE shape the annual training and development programme, focusing on local, consortium and national priorities

·         Provide training in accordance with Wales Government statutory content: induction, understanding school performance data; role of Chair; role of Clerk;

·         Establish Governing Bodies, prepare and update the instruments of government

·         Provide advice and support for the appointment of Governors

·         Maintain a record of Local Authority Governing Body membership

·         Process Disclosure & Barring Service checks as required.

·         Maintain a record of attendance at training and development events

·         Provide advice and support to governing bodies for senior school appointments.

·         Provide a clerking service to governing bodies at a schools request through a Service Level Agreement

·         Identify training needs of individual governors and the governing body as a whole and arrange support/training as appropriate.

·         Provide details of training opportunities to all governors and promote attendance.

·         Ensure that all governors complete the appropriate mandatory training within the prescribed timescales as determined by Welsh Government legislation.

·         Ensure that any governors who have not completed the mandatory training as determined by Welsh Government legislation are suspended until mandatory training has been completed or for a total of six months. If mandatory training is not completed within the six month timescale ensure that governors are removed from membership of the governing body.

·         Facilitate the induction of new governors

·         Comply with statutory requirements in respect of the appointment of new governors

·         Produce the Annual Report to Parents

·         Establish for each member of the governing body and head teacher a register of any business interests

·         Notify the LA in writing of the resignation of the head teacher before the recruitment process begins;

·         As required by the Staffing of Maintained Schools (Wales) Regulations 2006, notify the LA in writing of any teaching vacancy prior to advertising;

·         Comply with requirements in the Scheme for Financing Schools in respect of any capital spending from the school’s budget share;

·         Ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place for Human Resource support;

·         Notify the Authority of any proposed changes to the timing of the school day or to the school calendar;

·         Provide the Welsh Government and LA with accurate PLASC, NDC and NWT uploaded data to DEWi in line with deadlines;

·         Provide the LA with the following:

–       budget plans;

–       audited school voluntary and private fund information as per Financial Regulations / Scheme for Financing Schools requirements;

–       school performance targets;

–       school attendance targets;

–       school “level of support” information;

–       self-evaluation report and School Development Plan;

–       information regarding any incidences which have to be recorded e.g. racial, substance misuse; and

–       any other reports that may be requested.

·         Provide advice to schools regarding estate management matters, including boundary issues, land ownership, wayleaves, easements, etc

·         Provide advice to schools regarding their responsibilities relating to repair and maintenance issues

·         Undertake works according to the division of responsibilities between the LA and schools/governors as detailed in the relevant documentation

·         Offer a Service Level Agreement for repairs and maintenance to primary and special schools

·         Offer a site specific Service Level Agreement relating to maintenance of grounds

·         Offer a site specific service relating to the maintenance of grounds on a pay-as-you-use basis

·         Offer a Service Level Agreement for the repairs and maintenance of kitchen equipment

·         Provide advice on health and safety issues, prepare a policy statement on health, safety and welfare for schools and provide training via the Corporate Health and Safety Service

·         Seek permission from the LA before carrying out any alterations to the buildings or premises

·         Bring issues of concern relating to estate management to the attention of the LA

·         Negotiate fees and grants, ad hoc hire/use of premises agreements, etc.

·         Discuss issues of concern relating to repair and maintenance issues with the LA

·         Undertake repair and maintenance works according to the division of responsibilities between the LA and schools/governors as detailed in the relevant documentation

·         Discuss with the LA the need for minor improvements to school premises

·         For schools that commission low risk work items the schools responsible person must have been trained in the following:

–       Risk Assessment

–       Control of Contractors

–       Construction Design and Management

–       Asbestos Awareness (Annually)

–       Managing Safely

·         Raise with the LA issues of concern relating to the maintenance of grounds

·         Agree the grounds maintenance contract, whether internally or externally arranged

·         Take responsibility for producing a school health and safety policy

·         Raise with the LA issues of concern relating to health and safety

·         Discuss insurance requirements with the Authority’s Corporate Risk and Insurance Service

·         Comply with the terms and conditions of the insurance policies incepted by the Authority on behalf of schools

·         Provide advice on preparing Health and Safety Policies;

·         Arrange training when appropriate.

·         Monitor all staff and contractors regarding compliance with Health and Safety issues and resolve / rectify any non-compliance accordingly;

·         Monitor and review the delivery of health, safety and risk management in schools through audit and inspection;

·         In consultation with the governing body, arrange for remedial works for those areas for which they have control. This work to be carried out to address uncompleted work necessary to comply with the LA’s Health and Safety Policy and arrange for the costs involved to be deducted from the school’s budget;

·         Intervene in the health and safety management of schools where there is concern;

·         Offer occupational health advice as appropriate.

·         Ensure staff and governors attend health and safety training courses;

·         Ensure suitably numbers of staff are trained in health and safety particularly for the purpose of accident reporting/investigations and risk assessment;

·         Ensure an appropriate response to any health and safety guidance issued by the Authority;

·         Follow the Authority’s arrangements for recording, investigating and reporting any incidents;

·         Ensure that a system is in place to identify risks and, where practical, suitable arrangements to manage the risks identified;

·         Ensure that the school adheres to all necessary regulations and completes appropriate checks;

·         Act as a responsible keeper of school buildings;

·         Plan, budget and manage the areas of repair and maintenance for which they are responsible whilst ensuring the health and safety of pupils and staff, to raise pupils’ achievement and ensure best value using the public resources available to them;

·         Inform the LA of issues of concern relating to health and safety;

·         Exercise day-to-day control of the school premises and/or activities, adopting safe practices in accordance with the risk assessment and/or guidance provided by the LA;

·         Co-operate with the LA including monitoring arrangements, reporting all accidents, hazardous events or conditions and any other matter that may jeopardise the LA’s ability, as an employer to comply with its health and safety responsibilities;

·         Encourage employee involvement in health, safety and risk management at the school and that an effective health and safety committee meets regularly which supports managers’ efforts to develop a positive health and safety culture;

·         Ensure that any defeats and/or hazardous conditions identified within the workplace are reported and dealt with in a timely manner. Any items or workplace that present serious and imminent danger are to be isolated;

·         Conduct regularly inspection and/or tours of the premises to ensure that the risk controls continue to be effective;

·         Ensure that risk assessments are developed for areas of significant risk and are maintained;

·         Ensure health and safety implications are considered when choosing, specifying, procuring and/or introducing equipment and/or substance and that they are used in accordance with the instruction and/or training given;

·         Ensure personal protected equipment is provided and the use of it is monitored.

·         Ensure that all calls to the dedicated LA helpline are responded to in line with LA guidance and procedures;

·         Provide advice on preparing Safeguarding Policies;

·         Provide schools with up to date information and support on DBS checks and renewals;

·         Arrange training when appropriate;

·         Support schools to monitor safeguarding procedures and protocols;

·         Provide guidance on school site security
Intervene in the safeguarding management of schools where there is concern;

·         The Educational Vists Advisory service will review and approve off site adventurous activities if they meet legal requirements;

·         Educational Visits Coordinator will have access to training when appropriate;

·         Consult with schools and governors on significant changes to Safeguarding and Child Protection legislation.

·         Ensure an appropriate and prompt response to any safeguarding or Child Protection in line with schools and All Wales Child Protection procedures;

·         Ensure that a school governor is nominated to oversee Safeguarding and Child Protection procedures in school;

·         Follow the LA’s arrangements for recording, investigating and reporting any incidents;

·         Ensure that all staff have current DBS checks and renewals are made in due time;

·         Ensure all staff appointments are in line with the LA’s safe recruitment procedures;

·         Ensure that all staff are regularly trained and tested in current Safeguarding and Child Protection legislation;
Ensure that the school adheres to all necessary regulations and completes appropriate checks;

·         Ensure that schools have an Educational Visit Coordinator (EVC) and they receive regular training;

·         All adventurous off site school activities must be recorded on the on-line system and approved by the EVA at least 10 days before the activity takes place;

·         Ensure that school site is secure and procedures for monitoring and tracking visitors are always in place.

·         Report annually on progress against each target contained within the Plan.

·         Ensure that GwE are challenging and supporting schools to meet or exceed the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan  (WESP) targets.

·         Convene the Welsh in Education Forwm  to scrutinise the LA progress in delivering the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan – The purpose of this plan is to set our direction for the development of compulsory Welsh-medium and Welsh language education over the next three years, in line with the vision of Cymraeg 2050: A million Welsh speakers  and Education in Wales: Our national mission, Action plan 2017-21

·     Set challenging yet achievable targets to support the improvement of the WESP performance indicators.

·     Work with the Council to ensure that relevant actions within the scheme are progressed and relevant targets achieved.

·     Support the delivery of the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan.

·         Funding allocation to all primary and secondary schools by April using agreed revised formula and allocation.

·         Provide annual moderation for high need pupils

·         Share information on the revised process for allocating additional funding

·         Keep a central data base and                               develop an effective monitoring and evaluation tool.

·         Organise and provide training.

·       Provide the LA with data on pupils with Additional Learning Needs in accordance with WAG guidelines.

·       Distribute resources within the school to develop additional support for learners with ALN

·       Demonstrate the effective use of resources to deliver good outcomes for children and young people with Additional Learning Needs.

·       Identify training needs and arrange for school representatives to attend professional development activities organised by the LA.

·         Liaise through its Early Years Team to ensure early identification and assessment of need.

·         Provide good quality support through its specialist teams such as Behaviour Support, ESWs, Educational Psychologists, Sensory Team and EAL.

·         Follow the Code of Practice for Wales 2002 to ensure children and young people‘s needs are addressed through early intervention

·         Develop target setting with school improvement to monitor and evaluate whether children and young people with ALN make reasonable progress.

·       Nominate a member of the Governing Body with responsibilities for Child Protection and ALN.

·       Provide the Council with dates for Annual Review and ensure proper procedure is followed.

·       Ensure date for PLASC returns accurately reflect the additional needs within the school.

·       Commit and participate in the Managed Transfer Policy.

·       Ensure attendance at school is a high priority.

·       Ensure that the ethos of the school is inclusive.