Governing Body Minutes - Selected Primary Schools

Summary

The requester sought governing body minutes for 13 primary schools for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 academic years. The Department of Education provided partial information, citing that some meetings did not occur and redacting personal data under data protection laws.

Key Facts

• Minutes were requested for 13 specific primary schools including Anagh Coar, Ballasalla, and Bunscoill Ghaelgagh.
• The request covered all meetings held during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 academic years.
• Some information was withheld because governors' meetings did not take place for certain terms.
• Personal information within the minutes was redacted to comply with data protection principles.
• The response was issued on 24 May 2021 following a request received on 26 April 2021.

Data Disclosed

• 1763193
• 2021-04-26
• 2021-05-24
• 2018-19
• 2019-20
• 180
• 3
• 13
• section 11 (3) (a)
• section 25
• Article 5
• Article 6
• 18th October
• 2.30 pm
• 19th July 2018

Exemptions Cited

• Section 11 (3) (a) of the Freedom of Information Act (information not held or cannot be found)
• Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act (absolutely exempt personal information)
• Article 5 of the General Data Protection Regulation (data protection principles)

Original Request

I seek copies of the minutes of the meetings of the Governing Bodies for selected primary schools: The minutes requested are for all meetings held in the academic years 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Data Tables (35)

Full Response Text

Corporate Services Division Department of Education, Sport and Culture Hamilton House Peel Road, Douglas IM1 5EZ Telephone: (01624) 685808 Website: www.gov.im/dec Email: dec@foi.gov.im Our ref: 1763193 24 May 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 26 April 2021 and which states:

"I seek copies of the minutes of the meetings of the Governing Bodies for the following primary schools: Anagh Coar Primary School, Ballasalla Primary School, Ballaugh Primary School, Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, Dhoon Primary School, Foxdale Primary School, Jurby Community School, Laxey Primary School, Marown Primary School, Scoill Phurt le Moirrey, St. Mary's RC School, St. Thomas's CoE School, and Willaston Primary School. The minutes requested are for all meetings held in the academic years 2018-19 and 2019-20."

Our response to your request is as follows: We have enclosed copies of the minutes of the Governors meetings held for the requested schools for the academic years 2018/19 and 2019/20. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Department does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find some of the information that you have requested. This is because some Governors meetings did not take place, consequently there are no minutes to disclose. Therefore a practical refusal reason applies under section 11 (3) (a) of the Freedom of Information Act: (a) The public authority does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that the applicant has requested. By way of advice and assistance the schools where the Governors meetings did not take place are: Anagh Coar Autumn, spring & summer term 2019/20 Bunscoill Ghaelgagh Summer term 2019/20 Dhoon/Laxey Summer term 2018/19

Spring term 2019/20 Foxdale Spring & summer term 2019/20 Jurby Spring & summer term 2019/20 Marown Spring & summer term 2019/20 Scoill Phurt le Moirrey Summer term 2019/20 St Thomas’ Spring & summer term 2019/20 Willaston Spring & summer term 2019/20 Redacted content Some information received in relation to the minutes of the meetings of the Governing Bodies contained personal information and under section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act (absolutely exempt personal information) is exempt and has therefore been redacted. The reasons why that exemption applies are that: • the Department is satisfied that the information amounts to personal data of which you are not the data subject; and • the Department is satisfied that disclosure of the information would contravene one of the data protection principles as set out at Article 5 of the General Data Protection Regulation as it applies in the Isle of Man pursuant to The Data Protection (Application of GDPR) Order 2018, namely that the Department of Education Sport and Culture can only disclose the information where it would be fair, lawful and meet one of the conditions for lawful processing in Article 6 and in this case, none of those conditions have been met.

Please quote the reference number 1763193 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.

In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely

Freedom of Information Coordinator

Minutes of the meeting of Anagh Coar School’s Governing Body Thursday 18th October 2.30 pm Present (Education Councillor) (Teacher Governor) (Co-opted Governor) (Parent Governor) (Headteacher) Confirmation of Minutes The minutes of the meeting held on 19th July 2018 were confirmed and signed by . Headteacher’s Report walked the governors around the school to discuss the fabric of the building. introduced as the new teacher governor to cover while she is on her sabbatical. talked through the Headteacher’s report and any questions raised were answered. & were involved in appraisal, they wished it be noted that the information provided was very thorough, he is dedicated & doing a sterling job, thank you. handed out a copy of the data provided for his appraisal and talked the board through it along with targets for next year. One of the targets, Maths Mastery, was explained in depth and examples done by Meeting closed at 3.45pm Date of Next Meeting 29th November informal meeting 31st January 2.30 pm Formal meeting Minutes of the meeting of Anagh Coar School’s Governing Body Thursday 31st January 2019 2.30 pm Present (Education Councillor) (Teacher Governor) (Co-opted Governor) (Parent Governor) (Headteacher) Confirmation of Minutes The minutes of the meeting held on 18th October 2018 were confirmed and signed by .
Election of Chair nominated to continue as Chair and

seconded. explained to the board that she would be assigned to Anagh Coar until the end of the summer term, after which the Education Councillors would no longer exist. Headteacher’s Report
talked through the Headteacher’s report and any questions raised were answered.
informed the board that following a recent Health & Safety Inspection of the sports equipment, padding was to be fitted around the netball posts. Manor Adventure The board approved the trip on 13th - 17th May. DBS Checks Forms were handed out for Governors to complete and return Safeguarding Policy All Governors signed to confirm they had read the policy. Risk Register There were no changes to the risk register at this time.
 Meeting closed at 3.30pm Date of Next Meeting 14th March 2.30pm Informal meeting 25th April 2.30pm Informal Meeting 20th June 2.30pm Formal meeting Minutes of the meeting of Anagh Coar School’s Governing Body Thursday 27th June 2019 2.30pm Present (Education Councillor) (Teacher Governor) (Parent Governor)

(Co-opted Governor)

(Headteacher/Minute Taker) Confirmation of Minutes The minutes of the meeting held on 31st January 2019 were confirmed and signed by

Headteacher’s Report talked through the Headteacher’s report and any questions raised were answered. Risk Register There were no changes to the risk register at this time. Any other business: SIP

discussed progress towards 2018/19 School Improvement Plan and how data already gained EYFS, Y2 & Y6 demonstrates the effectiveness of the work carried out - especially improving GLD, Maths and Writing - those key areas. External Maths Moderation Report shared the moderation report with the Governors and stated how pleased he was with the positive comments made about the staff, pupils and the school. Parent Governor advised that he may need to stand down as Parent Governor if house move/move of school happens during summer holidays. He will advise the school when confirmed so that a new Governor can be elected if required. Date for Health and Safety Walk Around A date was set for Monday 15th July 2019 at 2.30pm for the Governors to complete the annual Health and Safety check of the school. Meeting closed at 3.30pm Date of Next Meeting Date of next meeting will be 17th October 2019 as this needs to follow the Headteacher’s Appraisal meeting in the early part of next term. explained the school development plans:

• Looking 4 Learning for classroom observation.
• Essentials 4 Learning to widen learning opportunities. • Curriculum - Cornerstones, gives content to staff to emphasise how we are learning, instead of what we are learning. Aim to increase staff understanding of it and then pass this on to parents. • Good start for children starting school - improving transition for new starters and year 1 parents. School Improvement Plan - things that can actually be measured. Looking at over achievement of Speaking and Listening and Maths AT1. talked about other areas to be considered. is looking at Trello as a project management tool to help manage and monitor different tasks in school. • Risk management - needs to be reviewed across the school. • Safeguarding - visitor signing in to be tightened up. • ICT - review of what we need to do to improve and develop a 3 year plan. • SSRE - Evidence collection. • SEN provision - reviewing what we do. • discussed plans for a Bedtime Reading Scheme. • Parental Communication - accessibility of the school.
• Integration of mid school joiners. • Staff Mental Health. discussed plans for sharing school devel pment plan with parents. 6. Headteacher’s Performance Management Performance Management has been signed off and targets set for next year. 7. Any Other Business Governors invited to attend
Rushed Silver Carol Concert Monday 17th December - tickets will available from the school office KS2 Christmas Carol Service at the Abbey Church Monday 10th December.
KS1 Nativity Concert Tuesday afternoon 11th December or Wednesday evening 12th December.
8. Date of Next Meeting Monday 11th March 3.45pm Governors' meeting. Meeting Closed 5.05pm DRAFT 5. Any Other Business Uniform - - consulted with the Governors about changes to uniform. explained that the trial on Wednesdays for all pupils to come to school in PE suitable clothing has been successful. Reception Class have gained an extra 20 minutes extra PE as a result of not having to get changed before and after. considering asking parents for their opinions with regard to various uniform options.
• Back to using PE kit on Wednesdays
• Sticking with PE kit Wednesdays and normal full uniform on other days • Complete change of uniform to jogging bottoms or leggings rather than formal trousers/skirts. felt that keeping a uniform keeps costs down. Liked the idea of a complete change (option 3) talked about Shanghai uniform approach
Governors discussed. General app oval for option 3 and to go ahead and consult parents.
SSRE - Governance presented a statement about involvement of Governors to date. felt we have seen some improvement from where we were. Last time Governance was judged to be “not yet effective”. discussed the descriptors with the Governors to identify current level of effectiveness. feels current level is “effective” as did

felt it was “very effective”. said we would need more involvement in the actual processes in order to be “very effective”. The Governors feel able to challenge the Headteacher. They agreed they perhaps need more resource time/opportunity to be involved, interviewing parents and pupils etc. explained there is more training available for Governors now. School Meals - feedback - children are not happy with the new menu. Brief discussion about dinners, wrist bands and menu choices. Science Week Science Week - asked why school does not actively involved with science week. would look into it for next time. 6. Date of Next Meeting Monday 8th July 3.45pm Governors' meeting. Meeting Closed 5.16pm DRAFT Overall attainment - Very Effective Achievement Foundation Stage - data not yet released Key Stage 1 - judged to be Very Effective Key Stage 2 - judged to be Very Effective Overall achievement - Very Effective 6. School Uniform presented an update on plans for uniform. January brought in the sports clothes day for Wednesdays. This half term, children wearing any dark coloured bottoms is being trialled. Outlined the feedback received from parents on the uniform consultation. A lot of comments regarding being prepared for high school. asked for Governor’s thoughts. commented on fastenings on clothing being difficult for small children, especially perhaps for denim. Governors voted for any bottoms but not denim. 7. Pay review sub-committee Chair will be second member,

1. Any Other Business Appointment of as co-opted Governor for one more year. will talk to staff about who would like to be the next representative. New parent governor to be elected in September. Governors were invited to Leavers’ Celebration and Whole School Outing.
2. Date of Next Meeting Monday 21st October 3.45pm. Meeting Closed 5.00pm DRAFT

1 BUNSCOILL GHAELGAGH GOVERNING BODY

MINUTES OF MEETING

Date:

Monday 8th October 2018

Venue:

Bunscoill Ghaelgagh

Meeting Number:

37

Meeting commenced:
18:15 hours

Present:

Teacher

Chair/Mooinjer Veggey Appointee

Mooinjer Veggey Appointee *

Headteacher

Parent

School Administrator

Co-opted

Co-opted

1. Apologies for Absence:
   , Co-opted

2. Previous minutes:
   Minutes of the meeting held Monday 21st May 2018 had been circulated in advance of the meeting. Agreed by all as an accurate record and signed as such by Chair.

3. Matters Arising- from minutes dated 21 05 18:

   Report back with final copies of Articles and Instrument,

   Unanimous that as assistance from

to review and amend our legislation is
not forthcoming, an alternative route needs to be identified.

Decision:

Noted. Action:

Examine other routes to achieving a review and amendment of our Articles and Instrument.

Pupil Behaviour update,

2 The conduct of pupils in school remains priority of school management.
has met with Willaston headteacher for inspiration with a view to reviewing our c

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