There were 30 participants in the Chair’s briefing which was held over Microsoft Teams at 6.45pm on Wednesday 21st April 2021.

Julien Kramer opened the meeting outlining that this will be his final Chair’s briefing before he hands over to new Director Isobel Booler on 17th May 2021. Julien thanked governors for all their hard work and all they do for Bury schools, particularly over what has been an extremely 12 months. He went on to outline achievements that had been accomplished in the Bury school system around the themes of Leadership; Standards; Resources and Partnership Working. Good progress had been made but there was more to do. He particulary flagged the work that Isobel would be picking up in relation to the anti-bullying review and wider skills development.

Julien then left the meeting to attend another council meeting – Bury governors and trustees wish him well for the future and place on record our thanks for his work on our town.

Paul Cooke picked up the chair and introduced Gina Andrews the recently appointed safeguarding lead for Bury schools. Gina outlined the responsibilities of her role and her presentation was supported by a PowerPoint which can be accessed below.

Rachael Stirk then gave chairs an overview of the newly published Wellbeing guide which had been circulated to Chairs earlier in the day. The guide had been lauched at the Bury Headteachers’ conference and it was outlined that a number of workshops would be covened to move this key area of governor responsibility forward and to develop best practice.

Wendy Jackson then gave a presentation around plans for summer schools, work on transition and changes to the Ofsted inspectors handbook. Rachael and Wendy’s presentations are also included in the below attachement:

Chairs Briefing – Summer 2021

Paul Cooke closed the meeting by referring to the Healthy Activity and Food Programme and how this is developing. He also gave positive news on how schools are operating with an increasing number of pupils back in schools accessing education.