Since 1 September 2016, all boards of maintained schools and academies have had a duty under Section 538 of the Education Act 1996 to update Edubase with information about people involved in governance. This requirement is explained in more detail here<https://www.gov.uk/government/news/national-database-of-governors>.
The DfE has recently advised that a significant number of local authority maintained schools have yet to complete their governance fields on Edubase. Please can you ensure that you have complied with this requirement. Governors hold an important public office and this new measure is a helpful way to increase transparency around those who govern our schools. While child protection and safeguarding investigations are rare, having this information in one place will make it quicker and easier to identify more accurately where someone is involved in the governance of schools.
Social Mobility State of the Nation report published
The State of the Nation report on social mobility in Great Britain has been published by the Social Mobility Commission. This document looks to assess ‘progress towards improving social mobility and what could be done to accelerate [this] process’. Although this document talks about skills and career prospects, it also provides a valuable insight into what more can be done in schools, sixth forms and early years settings to increase social mobility.
Autumn Statement 2016
The headlines for education in the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond’s Autumn Statement to the House of Commons were:
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£50 million of new capital funding to support the expansion of existing grammar schools.
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Tax-free childcare will be introduced gradually from early 2017, with roll out beginning upon completion of a trial.
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Support for the RSA to pilot the promotion of cultural education in schools.
DfE announce investment in music education hubs
The government has announced investment of over £300 million to enable children to enjoy the benefits of both music and arts. Over a four year period, the government will provide the funding to a nationwide network of 121 music education hubs to try to get more young people to participate in music.
The funding will be administered by Arts Council England to music education hubs made up of local partnerships – including schools, local authorities and arts organisations – to give 5 to18 year olds greater access to musical opportunities. On the announcement, School Standards Minister Nick Gibb said “We’re investing more than £300 million over the next four years so that those opportunities are open to all, not just the privileged few.”
Inspiring Governance: register your vacancies
A new and free governor and trustee recruitment service officially launched in London on Monday 21 November to try to help tackle the significant challenges that many schools face when finding the right people to govern them. ‘Inspiring Governance’ is an online recruitment service, connecting volunteers with governing boards in schools and colleges.
If you have vacancies on your board, please register them here.
