CFS PARENTS FORUM
MINUTES
VENUE:
The School
DATE:
14th March – 7pm. - 9.45pm.
1.0
APOLOGIES – John Watson (Yr.9) Donna Mazzotta (yr.7) Lucy Bailey (yr.10) and
Hannah Peters (Yr. 5) Joe Appleby – Parent Governor.
Guests – Rob Mathews, Premises Governor, Anne Harris, Parent Governor, Dan Clay,
Chair of Friends and Gaye Grimwood, Business Manager.
2.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS MINUTES Accepted.
3.0 & 4.0 MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
Action
3.1
There are 3 external peripatetic music teachers currently in Secondary,
violin, piano and Saxophone.
In Primary there is cello and some
individual brass lessons, alongside Yr3. Elementary Brass Group.
Mr. Lathbury has contacted West Sussex Music Service regarding
B. Lathbury
sourcing other peripatetic teachers to cover demand for music lessons, they
need to arrange a meeting to discuss. Potentially there would be free
classrooms at lunchtime for peripatetic music lessons, but this will depend
upon availability of the teachers, and uptake by students.
Chichester City band are keen to develop the elementary brass band
provision into Yr. 2. They have instruments ready to loan (for free). Nicki
M. Doyle
Hughes, Helen Parkinson, and Jo Johnstone have agreed to liaise between JJ, NH, &
school, the band and parents. The elementary band are ready & could play HP
in assemblies or other appropriate school events. Information regarding the
Elementary to be published on school website shortly.
3.3
K.Wright
Clarification sought regarding amount of homework set in Primary. Year 3
& 4 have prep/homework to do in class and then spellings, BMBT (Big
Maths Beat That) or times tables will go home and reading. Year 5/6 have
1
homework in Prep and some will come home as well especially for Year 6
in run up to SATs. Item raised by Yr. 4
3.4
No staff available to aid organisation of pupil run A Cappella group. GM, JJ &
Forum suggests advertising for parent volunteers via School Gate. Will
KC.
need DBS check, school happy to do this, but the parent volunteer/s must
be committed.
As of deadline there are 3, plus one reserve Yr.9 students who opted for
Music GCSE
3.6
Primary lost property is accessed by parents regularly. Any named items
G.Grimwood
are returned where possible. Suggestion of parents to sort named items
Natalie Pauley
would be gratefully received. The two parent volunteers had arranged to
Frances
Hawthorn
come in over half term but due to a changed work commitment meeting
was cancelled. Awaiting their suggestion on another date. The school is
happy to help as it can.
These parent volunteers would go in a few times a year sweep the school
of all lost property placing names items in lost property cupboard with a
list of these items on Facebook. They would then take pictures on
unnamed items post to Facebook with a 3 month limit, and if uncollected
would go to office to become spare uniform. At half term all primary lost
property was put on a table for parents. This is being repeated again W/C.
21st. March outside student services at both drop off & pick up.
3.9
Continued concerns over the state of toilet facilities, and access to toilets
for Secondary students. Toilets have reopened in Secondary.
Disappointing vandalism and graffiti meant they had to be closed until
mended which took longer than anticipated. Corridor etiquette and Leave
Class Pass means that children are more accounted for if leave class to use
the facility. Staff close by during break/lunch duties. Spoken to all children
and more specifically Y10 year group.
4.3 & Premises update – Rob Mathews gave a report of current progress. Since
4.4
the meeting Steven King, Chair of Governors has updated the school. Full
details
can
be
viewed
via
the
Principals
Newsletter:
http://www.chichesterfreeschool.org.uk/news/principals-blog/
4.7
School has appointed another PT music teacher starting in September to
teach Secondary students and promote/develop music within the school.
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4.9
Dan Clay, The New Chair of Friends, agreed that improvements with Dan Clay
communication could be made between Friends and Parent Forum. The All Parent
Friends website page has been updated. Both Forum & Friends want to Reps.
help each other, Forum members are welcome to attend friends meetings
and the Forum will regularly invite the chair or a representative from the
friends committee to attend Forum meetings. The Friends intend to publish
a calendar of events, and liaise with school regarding fund-raising events
clashing with other events in the school calendar. All agree that Friends &
school should give parents as much notice of events & monetary
requirements as possible, as some parents have expressed difficulties with
keeping abreast of all activities/events.
4.10
Update from Gaye Grimwood regarding upgrade of Yr. 10 Ipads. School is G.
Grimwood
renegotiating the offer from with Solutions Inc. All Year 7 Parents on the
direct debit plan are advised to check their direct debit for any
underpayments, & contact school if incorrect amount is being debited.
Forum suggests school contacts all yr. 7 parents on the direct debit
package to advise of this shortfall.
4.12
It is not possible to change the timetabling of back to back MFL &
French/Spanish lessons for this year as this is a complete timetable rewrite.
Plans are to update whole languages timetable for September.
4.14
Changing areas for Primary for PE/games & swimming lessons. In an ideal GM
world when games is timetabled at the same time boys can change in one
class and girls in another but this isn’t the case for us. Extra space is very
limited for changing. Forum suggests school does investigate how to
separate girls & boys changing in Yr 4. One suggestion now weather is
warmer boys could change in the sports hall, and girls in the classroom.
4.17
School confirms all staff have been reminded to show age appropriate
rated films in school.
5.0
MATTERS ARISING:
5.1
Forum Parent Rep Vacancies – 1 in Year 11, 1 in Yr. 5, and 1 in Yr. 2
5.2
Parent Forum Terms of Reference (TOR) – Revision of document to JJ and all
distribute to all reps via email, for comments before next meeting in order
reps.
3
to approve at next meeting.
5.3
There is a perception that there are issues with staff retention. School GM
clarified 7 members of Secondary teaching staff have left at the end of the
Temperance Term (December), reasons for leaving include retirement,
promotion, change of profession and travelling distances. For inter year
recruitment supply staff have been used due to the long notice periods
permanent staff must serve at their current schools before joining us.
Forum suggests notices in Principals newsletter once a term for new
arrivals & departures of staff. No teaching staff have left in Primary, it is a
perception not a reality. Item raised by Yr.3, Yr. 4, Yr.7, Yr.8, Yr.9, Yr.10
5.4
A number of parents expressed concern with progress, discipline and historical
staff turnover in MFL. School clarified - Learning is well structured and
relationships are improving. MFL is a shortage subject across the country. All
staff are trained in school behaviour policy and we reinforce through focus, such
as the recent focus on our Manners rule. Much more praise given than Yellow
Cards and incidents. Item raised by Yr. 8, Yr. 9 and Yr. 10.
5.5
School Gate is a parent run site with 350 members. The Friends are the All parent
administrators they are Dan Clay, Julia McCulloch, Katie Fishwick & reps.
Natalie Pauley. There was a suggestion there should be a code of conduct,
and moderators for the site. Forum members could volunteer as they are
well placed with information, and already have a TOR. School will G.Grimwood
formally notify new parents of the existence of school gate and other yr.
Facebook pages in New Parent Information packs. Item raised by Yr. 9 &
Yr. 10
5.6
Concern over perceived high number of pupils in year 7 having left the
school. The school has a very high stability factor, as defined by the DfE,
meaning the school is in the top 20% of schools in the country for pupil
retention. As with all schools, students leave for a variety of reasons
including relocation out of area, and attending private schools. However a
handful of pupils have left this academic year because there were aspects
of the school ethos which did not suit them. The school is currently four
times over subscribed for both Reception and Year 7 for September.
5.7
Recent removal of apps from Ipads was an unfortunate side effect from
updating firewall protection. School confirms:
Google
is
not
blocked,
there was
a couple of days
where
www.google.com was blocked which the iPad's default to when they open
safari, this is now resolved.
4
YouTube is blocked in school for pupils, because of the age rating for
students. The website and app should be open for use by teachers and they
can display on board for lessons and clubs.
Apps that should be on the iPads, there are default ones which go on such
as the office apps and others requested by departments
Gmail is blocked as we have Office 365 for email in school instead. Item
raised by Yr. 8 & 9
School confirmed the policy not to allow Ipads to be used during DEAR,
as some children will claim they are reading when maybe caught on a
game. Teachers should be reading as well and monitoring reading on ipads
would be difficult.
Ipads are not used in every lesson by every teacher, they never have been.
They are a resource available to the students rather than relying on an old
fashioned & uninspiring separate IT suite which can only be used by one
class at at time.
Children need to know their passwords to access Office 365. The use of
Office 365 needs to be smoother
Certain subjects find Ipads very useful, such as art and music, and it is GM
used a lot for research across the curriculum. Forum suggests school
update parents with a current use of the Ipads throughout the curriculum.
Item raised by Yr.8 & 9
There are concerns over lack of Terms & Conditions regarding Ipad
package and insurance policy. The cancellation of a direct debit directly
impacts the school as the school would have to bear this cost. The
insurance for the iPads is only valid when the iPad is in its correct case. If
the damaged iPad is handed into the school without a full case on it as
provided with the iPad when it is issued then the insurance will not cover
the repair. This is detailed in the paperwork sent out at the time of signing
up. Item raised by Yr.8
5.8
As referred to in 4.9 above there was an acknowledgement that the school
5
and Friends calendar was not coordinated, and resulted in two cake sales in
the same week. Both school and friends will try to avoid similar clashes in
the future.
Forum suggested that cake sales were limited to once a term in the last
week of term and should be considered a treat in accordance with the
schools healthy eating policy.
5.9
School confirmed WAC and breakfast club for September will be run from
both Vinnetrow Road and North Bersted sites. Location to drop off and
pick up from will depend on the travel plan solution. Item raised by Yr.3
5.10
Tucasi does not have an invoicing facility that we can use to take advance
payments to cover small change amounts at the present time. Item raised
by Yr. 1
5.11
Corridor etiquette rationale and enforcement:
One direction and quiet/silent/purposeful corridor. Enforced by a number
of SLT stationed in it to aid a quicker journey time through main
secondary building from one lesson to next. Further impact noted on a
calmer/more respectful and considered atmosphere through the small
space. Strategy is working at present. Item raised by Yr. 8
5.12
Headlice outbreaks:
GM
Most classes announce outbreaks of head lice in their newsletters. Forum
suggest teachers also include a link to or advice regarding how to prevent
head lice infestations.
5.13
Forum asked for further clarification regarding planned trips for year 8. GM
School will provide further details. Item raised by Yr. 8.
5.14
Details regarding Secondary Sports Leaders/Leadership Academy:
"The Leadership academy here at CFS is an internal programme run by the PE department that
What ffers Year 10 & 11 students the opportunity to develop their communication, coaching,
umpiring and leadership skills, leading to a recognised qualification. The successful students or
"sports leaders" gain experience in leading others and have the chance to work with younger pupils,
assisting in sports festivals. The programme is similar to the external Junior Sports
Leadership award that runs at other schools but has been altered to create a bespoke programme
specifically for CFS.
6
Students are invited to apply before the Christmas holidays. Although they
do not need vast amounts of leadership experience prior to applying
their application must show a dedication to furthering their own leadership
skills and must detail the qualities they believe they posses that would
make them a good sports leader. The programme is open to any student
that has a passion for working with young children and leading others, not
just those who have high capabilities in sporting situations.
The programme aims to develop key attributes in line with our PiXl EDGE
programme at CFS. Leadership sessions with the primary students from a
range of age groups run twice per half term offering the Sports Leaders a
chance to lead and motivate their younger peers in a range of games and
sports. The course also looks to develop organisation as the sports leaders
must keep an updated file of their session planning and evaluations, they
must ensure these plans are submitted in good time to be approved prior to
their leadership sessions. Although always under the watchful eye of the
PE and Primary staff present, during their leadership sessions and the
Primary sports festivals they run the Sports Leaders are responsible for up
to 8 students at a time ensuring the primary students are safe, engaged and
happy when partaking in the session.
The Leadership Academy takes place during KS4 games sessions. The
programme runs for 4/6 half terms of the school year and students must
complete or "opt in" to 3 half terms or "units" in order for them to pass the
course. This allows students to access both the programme but also take
part in their KS4 games sessions at other points of the year. It is a
a combination of both practical sessions and theoretical study in the area of
sports leadership and coaching, sessions therefore take place in the sports
hall, classrooms and the games field when necessary. In order to pass each
unit students must keep their leadership file up to date throughout the units
and complete any work that is necessary for them to pass each unit, failure
to do so may result in them failing units of the course. They are also
assessed and developed practically in their leadership skills when they are
observed by staff.
The programme offers the students an excellent attribute to add to
their own Pixl Edge profile and their CV, it offers the students an
opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to non-compulsory activities
at school and to show a keen interest for their own personal development.
The programme has already helped one of our Year 11 students secure a
place at College for next September."
5.15
The Sex Education meeting for year 6 parents will likely be after SATs,
sometime in May and then Sex Education delivered in June. Item raised by
Yr.6
5.16
Yr 10 Parents Evening is currently scheduled for 3rd May. This is timed to GM
coincide with preparation for end of year exams and timely for the start of
7
year 11. It is a good point during the GCSE course to reflect on where
pupils are. Communication has also been received every half term and
various parents contacted if there is a concern. Year 10 Forum Reps have
concerns this is very late in the year, and have asked for further discussion.
Item raised by Yr. 10.
5.17
A further meeting with year 6 parents to discuss the Yr. 6 Residential has GM
been scheduled, and there is an option to pay by instalments. Since the
forum meeting the cost of the trip has been reduced to £340. The parents
All parent
of Year 6 are also trying to fund raise to reduce the cost of the trip. Forum reps.
suggested that reps keep a tally of costs of trips and activities, plus timings
of events for their year group. Item raised by Yr.6
6.0 POSITIVE FEEDBACK:
6.1 Let it shine cricket coaching, children enjoying.
6.2 House assemblies working well, seemed to be enjoyed by all years, and a good way
for Primary & Secondary to interact.
6.3 Year 7 Parents evening, ran well. 8 minute slots seemed to make a difference.
7.0
AOB –
Inappropriate and antisocial driving around site.
7.0
DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING – Tues. 9th. May 2017 – 7pm.
Goodwood Hall.
Parent Forum Members
Role/Year
Term & Year Appointed
Guy Martyn
Principal
N/A
Sarah Boote Cook
Yr.11
T'15
Marc Rankin
Yr. 11 (I)
T´14
Lucy Bailey
Yr.10
T'15
Nick Taylor
Yr.10
T'15
John Watson
Yr. 9
J'17
Pat Connors
Yr.9
J'17
Joanne Johnstone
Chair/Yr. 8
T'15
Wendy Pope
Yr. 8
T'15
Kathryn Christopher
Yr. 7
T´16
Jayne Boyd
Yr. 7
T'16
Gina Riley
Yr. 6
T'15
8
Sam Stowell
Yr. 6
J'17
Hannah Peters
Vice Chair/Yr. 5
T'15
Alyson Livesy
Yr. 4
T'15
Bev Odell
Yr. 4
T'15
Nicki Hughes
Yr. 3
T'15
Donna Mazzotta
Yr. 3
T´16
Niki Cath
Yr.2
J'17
Sarah Gainsborough
Yr.2 (I)
T'14
Helen Parkinson
Yr.1
T'15
Nilesh Patel
Yr.1
T'15
Nick/Dani Taylor
Yr.R
J´17
Kelly Tomsett
Yr. R
J´17
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