Notes from the meetings of this group are available through this page of our website
The notes from our latest meeting which was held on 07-06-2021 are now posted. Topics included on-line learning, attendance, pupil number projections and school mergers, the quality of HR advice for maintained schools, DfE proposals for increased academisation and transgender advice.
Notes from the meeting held on 22nd October 2020 are available, key topics included elective home education, consultation groups, and communication with Governors.
The May 2020 meeting was cancelled due to COVID-19. Topics discussed at the meeting held on 11th February 2020 included development of a strategic plan for falling rolls and the viability of small schools, Home Education, the High Needs Review and recruitment challenges.
The meeting held on 17th October 2019 discussed the Education Strategies, Premises Maintenance for Maintained Schools, OCC Procurement, Home Education and in Year Fair Access protocols, Inclusion, Climate change, and support required for Governors panels due to failure by Governing Boards to follow correct procedures. The other recurring theme for many of these meetings communication with Governors and the corporate nature of governance was also discussed.
The 16th May 2019 are available: OGA consultation with elected members and officers 16-05-2019 Final version. There were some significant updates covered in matters arising (SEND strategy, Premises for Maintained schools and communications). The key topics discussed were a strategic plan for falling rolls in Primary Schools and how Heads and Governors could best be supported to ensure that Oxfordshire is seen as a good place to work.
Notes from OGA consultation with elected members officers 26-02-2019 meeting are available, key topics included Special Schools and the SEND strategy, inclusion and communication.
Notes from OGA consultation meeting – Oct 2018 Key topics: Mental Health, Special Education Needs Strategy and Post Carillion support.
OGA Notes consultation elected members officers 03-07-2018 Key topics: Mental health support; Impact of universal credit on data; OCC staffing changes; Stress as a barrier to learning; High Needs Block review and proposal to close Northfield School.
13th December 2017 Key topics: Joint local area inspection of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND); Governor Services Review; Mental Health staff in Schools and Implications of the rollout of Universal Credit.
20 July 2017 Key topics: Excessive pressure on school staff; Behaviour support services; Carillion contract; SEND review; Review of support from the Hospital School; Newly appointed Headteachers; Support for governors; Support & Challenge for Governing Boards; reminder about the OGA Memorandum of Understanding.
8th February 2017 Key topics: Proposals for the development of an improved partnership between OCC and all Oxfordshire schools; Home education of Muslim girls; OCC systems to know whether or not newly appointed Headteachers are getting the support they need; Discussion around OCC’s knowledge of Governing Boards in light of new DfE framework and handbook; funding consultation; Back office service provided by Hampshire; National Leaders of Governance (NLGs) and proposal to develop Local Leaders of Governance (LLGs).
19th October 2016 Key topics: MATs and the role of the LA; request for LA to write about funding issues arising from delayed implementation of the National Funding Formula; Admissions team issues that arise during the school holidays; update on OCC staffing; update on support for Governors with Headteacher appointments; School to School support for Governors; OCC Clerks accreditation; Governors for IEBs.
25th May 2016 Key topics: Unitary authority consultation; LA sponsorship of a MAT; objective information re pros & cons of academisation; plans for leadership & governance in revised OCC structure; would OCC consult with schools before adopting a policy of welcoming Grammar schools in Oxfordshire.
10th February 2016 Key topics: Succession plans for key OCC staff who interact with schools; impact of further cuts on Governor Services; is there an up to date summary of who is doing what to support the strategic imperative for schools; The support available for Governing Bodies that have responsibilities for Children’s centres on their site if the centre is closed; Data on Governor vacancies and Headteacher vacancies; information held by OCC about support for the welfare of children & young people; has the LA prepared a risk assessment for 2020 onwards when it is expected that all primary schools will have become academies.
21st October 2015; Key topics: Reversion to three term year; Service families support for schools facing consequent turbulence; Support for schools & School to School links for Governors; Support for School Governors; Have elected members been fully briefed on the impact of transferring services to Hampshire; Impact of the academisation programme 2015-2020; Communication with schools.