Trustee Reports

i

Governing Body Statement on Provision of Milk

i

Articles of Association

i

Certificate of Incorporation

i

Scheme of Delegation

2023-2024 Summary Reports of Trustees: Standards Committee

2023-2024

Summary Report of the Trustee Board – Standards Committee

The committee is responsible for matters relating to curriculum, both academic and pastoral, and also the needs of students in many areas, including safeguarding, mental health and wellbeing.

A Task and Finish programme is carried out to triangulate evidence of progression in key areas of focus identified for scrutiny by the Board. This usually consists of two trustees who work with senior leadership. Progress reports are presented at the committee meetings and a final report is produced at the end of the task.

At the conclusion of each meeting the Trustees discuss what impact there has been.  Meeting minutes are approved at the next meeting of the committee and an update of the work of the committee is given at the following full Trustee Board meeting.

Summarised below are matters addressed by the committee during the academic year 2023-2024:

9 October 2023.

  • There was an update on exam results for the year 2022/23.
  • There was a report on the progress towards Gatsby Careers Benchmarks.
  • There was discussion of student transition and destinations for 2023 leavers.
  • There was an update on student wellbeing and therapeutic support.
  • Updated Terms of Reference were reviewed by the committee.

2023 – 2024 Annual Report of Standards Committee

2022-2023 Summary Reports of Trustees: Student Needs & Curriculum Committee

2022-2023

Summary Report of the Trustee Board – Student Needs and Curriculum Committee

The committee is responsible for matters relating to curriculum, both academic and pastoral, and also the needs of students in many areas, including safeguarding, mental health and wellbeing.

A Task and Finish programme is carried out to triangulate evidence of progression in key areas of focus identified for scrutiny by the Board. This usually consists of two trustees who work with senior leadership. Progress reports are presented at the committee meetings and a final report is produced at the end of the task.

At the conclusion of each meeting the Trustees discuss what impact there has been.  Meeting minutes are approved at the next meeting of the committee and an update of the work of the committee is given at the following full Trustee Board meeting.

Summarised below are matters addressed by the committee during the academic year 2022-2023:

3 October 2022

  • Curriculum plans, student progress and the Covid catch up strategy were discussed.
  • There was an update on exam results for the year 2021/22.
  • There was discussion of student transition and destinations for 2022 leavers.
  • The Annual Safeguarding return was discussed and approved.
  • There was planning for the committee’s Task and Finish monitoring work for the year.
  • There was a report on the progress of Quality Marks.

30 January 2023

  • There was an update on monitoring of standards, providing information about the instructional coaching pilot.
  • There was an update on progress with the implementation of the Bradfields’ curriculum model and the curriculum structure and content at Forward2Employment.
  • Trustees received a report on Careers Education, monitoring and progress towards the Gatsby benchmarks.
  • There was a report and update on the curriculum outcome reviews.
  • There was an update on student wellbeing and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
  • There was an update on progress with and plans for Quality Marks.

5 June 2023

  • There was a curriculum report, covering lesson monitoring and the instructional coaching pilot, attainment and progress, behaviour and attitude to learning and attendance.
  • There was an update on careers, covering progress to the Gatsby benchmarks.
  • Trustees received a report on curriculum outcomes and the Self Evaluation form.
  • There was an update on the Support for Reading – Reading for Pleasure strategy in the Academy.
  • There was a report on exams and national testing.
  • There was an update on transition arrangements.
  • There was a progress report on Quality Marks.
  • A mentor was assigned to the new member of the committee.

Ian Chappell – Committee Chair

2022 – 2023 Annual Report of Student Needs and Curriculum Committee

2021-2022 Summary Reports of Trustees: Student Needs & Curriculum Committee

The committee is responsible for matters relating to curriculum, both academic and pastoral, and also the needs of students in many areas, including safeguarding, mental health and wellbeing.

A Task and Finish programme is carried out to triangulate evidence of progression in key areas of focus identified for scrutiny by the Board. This usually consists of two trustees who work with senior leadership. Progress reports are presented at the committee meetings and a final report is produced at the end of the task.

At the conclusion of each meeting the Trustees discuss what impact there has been.  Meeting minutes are approved at the next meeting of the committee and an update of the work of the committee is given at the following full Trustee Board meeting.

Summarised below are matters addressed by the committee during the academic year 2021-2022:

4 October 2021

  • There was an update and discussion on curriculum plans and student progress.
  • Trustees received exam result data and discussed the entries and results.
  • Trustees discussed student destination data for 2021 leavers.
  • There was an update and presentation on peer-on-peer abuse, sexual violence and sexual harassment.
  • There was planning of Task and Finish monitoring for the year.

31 January 2022

Trustees received an update on the monitoring of standards in lesson observations.

  • There was a report and discussion on curriculum development.
  • There was an update on Forward2Employment and the numbers of interns and developments in internships offered.
  • There was a presentation and discussion of the careers education offer.
  • Assessment plans for summer 2022 were discussed.
  • There were reports on pastoral and departmental reviews.
  • There was a report on Task and Finish monitoring on the Relationships and Sex Education curriculum.
  • There was an update on student wellbeing and therapies.
  • Trustees received an update on suspensions and exclusions.
  • The Quality Marks plan was shared with Trustees.
  • There was policy development.
  • Trustees discussed the training programme.

23 May 2022

  • Trustees discussed monitoring of standards in lesson observations.
  • There was an update on the work towards curriculum development.
  • Trustees received a report on the Key Stage 4 and 5 Options and take up.
  • There was an update on the summer 2022 exams.
  • Trustees received an update on subject and department reviews.
  • Transition arrangements were discussed for those joining and those leaving the Academy and Forward2Employment.
  • Trustees were made aware of the recently awarded Arts Mark Quality Mark and the reaccreditation in the Leading Parent Partnership award.
  • There was policy development.

2023-2024 Summary Reports of Trustees: Finance, Workforce and Operations Committee

2023-2024 Summary Report of the Trustee Board – Finance, Workforce and Operations Committee

The committee’s responsibilities include matters concerning budget (including audit), staff appointments, contracts, performance management, salary and the Academy site.  Policies are reviewed and approved.

The committee receives briefings from the senior leadership team and looks at value for money with regards to expenditure on staffing and resources.  It also takes on ‘Task and Finish’ monitoring exercises, where a group of trustees focus on a particular topic to make a judgement on its impact and value for money.

The committee minutes are presented at the next meeting of the Trustees.  At the conclusion of each meeting the Trustees discuss the impact made.

The following are brief summaries of the business carried out at the three meetings in 2023/24:

12 October 2023.

  • There was discussion of Bids and Grants.
  • Trustees received an update on site development.
  • The minutes of the Health and Safety committee were discussed.
  • Trustees were updated on the progress of performance management reviews.
  • There were updates on absence management and staffing.
  • There was a presentation and discussion of staff wellbeing.
  • The Terms of Reference of the committee were reviewed.

2023 – 2024 Annual Report of Finance, Workforce and Operations Committee

2022-2023 Summary Reports of Trustees: Finance, Staffing and Building Committee

2022-2023 Summary Report of the Trustee Board – Finance, Staffing & Buildings Committee

The committee’s responsibilities include matters concerning budget (including audit), staff appointments, contracts, performance management, salary and the Academy site.  Policies are reviewed and approved.

The committee receives briefings from the senior leadership team and looks at value for money with regards to expenditure on staffing and resources.  It also takes on ‘Task and Finish’ monitoring exercises, where a group of trustees focus on a particular topic to make a judgement on its impact and value for money.

The committee minutes are presented at the next meeting of the Trustees.  At the conclusion of each meeting the Trustees discuss the impact made.

The following are brief summaries of the business carried out at the three meetings in 2022/23:

5 October 2022

  • There was a report on and discussion of the Primary PE and Sport spending.
  • Trustees discussed the Pupil Premium interim report.
  • There was an update on Education Recovery fund spending.
  • Trustees considered and revised the Risk Register.
  • The programme for internal scrutiny was discussed and areas of focus agreed.
  • There was discussion of the audit planning memorandum and audit progress.
  • There was an update on pay awards.
  • Trustees received an update on site development.
  • Health and Safety committee minutes were noted.
  • There was an update on the progress of performance management.
  • There were updates on absence management and staffing.
  • The Task and Finish monitoring for the committee was agreed.

2 February 2023

  • There were updates on the Primary PE and Sport funding allocation, the Education Recovery and Catch-Up funding and Pupil Premium.
  • Task and Finish monitoring was discussed.
  • There was an update on buildings and site development.
  • There was an update on absence and absence management.
  • The committee received an update on the staff wellbeing support in place.
  • Trustees received a staffing report.

8 June 2023

  • There was a budget monitoring update, covering the budget to April 2023.
  • There was an update on bids and grants.
  • There was a site development report.
  • There was an update on Health and Safety.
  • The committee received an update on staff development and CPD training.
  • There was analysis of absence and an absence management report.
  • There was a staffing report.

Paul Coyne – Chair

2022 – 2023 Annual Report of the Finance, Staffing and Buildings Committee

2021-2022 Summary Reports of Trustees: Finance, Staffing and Building Committee

The committee’s responsibilities include matters concerning budget (including audit), staff appointments, contracts, performance management, salary and the Academy site.  Policies are reviewed and approved.

The committee receives briefings from the senior leadership team and looks at value for money with regards to expenditure on staffing and resources.  It also takes on ‘Task and Finish’ monitoring exercises, where a group of trustees focus on a particular topic to make a judgement on its impact and value for money.

The committee minutes are presented at the next meeting of the Trustees.  At the conclusion of each meeting the Trustees discuss the impact made.

The following are a brief summary of the business carried out at the three meetings in 2021/22:

7 October 2021

  • There was an impact statement and update on the Primary PE grant.
  • Covid Catch up funding strategy was discussed.
  • Trustees received an update on changes to the Pupil Premium funding statement.
  • There was discussion and approval of the updated Risk Register.
  • Trustees agreed plans for internal scrutiny for the year 2021/22.
  • Appointment of external auditors was considered.
  • There was an update on site development and health and safety.
  • There was discussion of and formal approval of the updated Risk Assessment.
  • There was an update on the performance management process.
  • Trustees discussed absence management and staffing.
  • Trustees received a presentation on the new Early Careers Framework.

3 February 2022

  • There was discussion of Pupil Premium strategy.
  • There was an update on the budget and budget monitoring to December 2021.
  • Trustees received a progress update on the new building.
  • There was discussion on absence management.
  • Trustees received a staffing report.
  • There was discussion and approval of urgent building work.
  • Trustees approved the internal scrutiny plan.
  • There was an update for this committee on curriculum development work.
  • There was policy development.

9 June 2022

  • There was an update on the budget and budget monitoring to April 2022.
  • Trustees discussed the draft budget for the year 2022 to 2023 and agreed to recommend the budget to the Full Trust Board.
  • There was an update on bids and grants.
  • Recovery Premium Funding was discussed.
  • Trustees received and approved the PE and Sport Premium funding report.
  • There was an update on the progress of the new build.
  • Trustees received an update on absence management.
  • There was a staffing update.

Paul Coyne – Chair

2022-2023 Governing Body: Trustees Summary Report

Brief Summary of the business conducted by the Full Trust Board on 26 September 2022.

  • Procedural business was conducted, including the election of chair and vice chair, appointment of committee chairs and members, appointment to trustee roles and completion of declaration of business interest forms.
  • The Code of Conduct was approved and it was agreed that the Terms of Reference would be reviewed.
  • Board membership and recruitment was discussed.
  • There was planning for the Task and Finish monitoring for the year.
  • Safeguarding training for trustees and for all staff was discussed. The Child Protection Safeguarding Policy 2022-23 was approved.
  • There was an update on the Academy Improvement and Development plan for the year 2021-2024.
  • The Board approved the Trustee Report for the year ending 31 August 2022.
  • Trustees received an update on the Schools White Paper.
  • There was policy development.

Brief Summary of the business conducted by the Full Trust Board at the meeting on 6 March and 27 March 2023. 

  • Board membership was discussed, and a prospective Trustee was introduced. A Community Trustee was appointed for a term of four years and an existing Trustee’s term of office was renewed. 
  • There was approval of draft updated Articles of Association. 
  • There were reports from the Principals of Bradfields Academy and Forward2Employment. 
  • There was an update on the Academy Improvement and Development plan. 
  • There was discussion of the School Resource Management Self-Assessment tool submission. 
  • Trustees received a report from the internal auditors on their visit 1 which covered safeguarding. 
  • There was an update on building work in the Academy. 
  • There was an update on the Term Time only pay award. 
  • Trustees received a report on Fortis Trust development. 
  • There was a report from the Data Protection Officer. 
  • There was policy development. 
  • There were updates on the Key Performance Indicator document and the Terms of Reference.

Brief Summary of the business conducted by the Full Trust Board at the meeting on 10 July 2023.

  • Board membership was addressed. A new Community Trustee was appointed for a term of four years and an existing Trustee’s Term of Office was renewed.
  • The Board received reports from the Principals of Bradfields Academy and Forward2Employment.
  • There was an annual report on the rate of suspensions.
  • There was an update on Safeguarding.
  • Trustees approved the PE and Sport premium spend.
  • There was discussion of Self Evaluation Form governance questions.
  • There was an update on the Academy Improvement and Development plan.
  • There was a budget update and discussion of budget setting for 2023/24.
  • Trustees received an update on building work in the Academy.
  • There was a report from the Data Protection Officer.
  • There was policy development.

2021-2022 Governing Body: Trustees Summary Report

Brief synopsis of business conducted by the Full Trust Board meeting on

15 November 2021

  • Trust Board and committee membership was discussed and a Trustee’s term of office was renewed.
  • There was discussion on the external audit company.
  • Trustees received an update on Trust development.
  • There was an update on the Pupil Premium strategy statement.
  • The Board received an update on and approved the decisions of the Pay Panel.
  • There was a report on Trust awards and achievements.
  • The analysis of the Trustee Skills Audit and the training plan was discussed.
  • Trustees received a report from the Data Protection Officer.

6 December 2021.

  • MacIntyre Hudson auditors presented the annual accounts and they were formally approved by Trustees.
  • The Chair reported on the Principal’s performance management.

3 February 2022.

  • Trustees discussed the appointment of the auditors and agreed to recommend to the Members the appointment of Williams Giles for the Trust’s external audit.
  • Trustees formally approved the latest version of the Risk Assessment.

31 March 2022.

  • Trustees welcomed a new staff Trustee.
  • There was Trustee monitoring of the Academy Improvement and Development Plan progress.
  • Trustees discussed the School Resource Management Self-Assessment tool submission.
  • There was a report of the internal scrutiny visit 1, covering risk management.
  • There was a budget update.
  • There was an update on the Term Time Only pay negotiations.
  • Trustees discussed the urgent building works and formally approved the tender.
  • There was discussion of the changes to the Ofsted Inspection Data Summary Report and the information provided.
  • Trustees formally adopted the Bradfields curriculum model.
  • There was a safeguarding update.
  • Trustees received a report from the Data Protection Officer.
  • There was policy development.

13 June 2022.

  • The Budget for the year 2022-23 was formally approved by the Board.
  • There was a report of the internal scrutiny visit covering Trustee induction.
  • There were updates on safeguarding and student suspensions.
  • Trustees discussed school uniform with consideration of the Department for Education’s guidance.
  • Trustees received a report from the Data Protection Officer.
  • There was policy development.

2020-2021 Governing Body: Trustees Summary Report

Brief synopsis of business conducted by the Full Trust Board meeting on

28 September 2020

  • A number of procedural matters were progressed including the election of chair and vice chair, appointment of trustee roles and completion of declarations of business interest forms.
  • The committee members and committee chairs were appointed.
  • There was a review and approval of the terms of reference and code of conduct.
  • The Recovery Plan and Risk assessment were discussed.
  • The Covid 19 Plan/Risk Assessment, Contingency Plan policy was discussed and approved.
  • The Trustees’ report, Annex C Musts, the Risk Register and the Finance policy were discussed and approved.
  • There was approval of the updated Child Protection and Safeguarding policy.
  • Meeting dates were approved for the academic year.

Brief synopsis of business conducted by the Full Trust Board meeting on

30 November 2020

  • MacIntyre Hudson auditors presented the annual accounts which Trustees formally approved.
  • Internal Scrutiny was discussed.
  • The School Resource Management Advisor’s report was presented and discussed.
  • Trustees received an update on Trust development. 
  • Trustees approved the contract for the two modular buildings.
  • The Trustee Skills Audit results were discussed and the training plan was agreed.
  • Trustees received a report from the Data Protection Officer.
  • There was review and approval of a number of policies.

Brief synopsis of business conducted by the Full Trust Board meeting on

29 March 2021

  • Trustees received an update on the wider school reopening, including attendance, safeguarding, wellbeing, testing in the Academy and an update on the summer exams.
  • Trustees reviewed and approved the latest Covid 19 Risk Assessment.
  • There was a report from the internal audit visit, which had covered governance.
  • Trustees gave approval to the final audited accounts.
  • There was discussion and approval of Trust development. 
  • Trustees received a report from the Data Protection Officer.
  • There was review and approval of policies.