What were the results of the OFSTED inspection in 2003?
This area was good at the time of the previous inspection. It remains good. The Governors' support team is led well by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable head of section. The Local Education Authority (LEA) provides good guidance and information, including performance data, for all Governing Bodies. There is well - planned and good quality training to support the work of Governors, including an induction programme for new Governors, in addition to useful information briefing meetings each term with the Director of Education, Leisure and Cultural Services. Good quality training is also provided for the LEA's clerks, who currently support the vast majority of schools. There is a well used and responsive help-line, where areas of concern are logged and used to identify areas where future training would be useful.
The LEA has been successful in significantly reducing the number of Governor vacancies in recent months. This is due to a clear strategy to support the process of appointing Governors and the effective approach of contacting any person showing an interest. Good links for recruiting Governors have been made with the Excellence in Cities funded Governors' One Stop Shop, and schools have also been successfully supported in holding information meetings for parents interested in becoming Governors.
However, as described earlier in the effectiveness of the LEA's work in monitoring and challenging schools section, notes from advisory visits to schools are not shared routinely with Governing Bodies.