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Annual Governors Conference 2008
Saturday, 18th October 2008
The Autumn Conference of the Carmarthenshire Governors was held on Saturday, 18th October at Dyffryn Taf School, Whitland. This year delegates from Carmarthenshire were joined by fellow governors from Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. The sixty governors were welcomed by the Carmarthenshire Cabinet member for Education and Children’s Services Cllr Ieuan Jones. Cllr Jones introduced the theme for this years conference “Putting Children and Young People at the Centre of Everything We Do”.
This was certainly the focus of the next presentation which was Carmarthenshire’s Children and Young People’s Plan 2008-11. Mr Jake Morgan, Head of Children’s Services and Mr Wyn Williams, Head of Standards and Quality gave an enthusiastic presentation on the new document, highlighting the challenges that were being confronted, the priorities set, the seven core aims of the plan, and how the outcomes would be monitored and measured for accountability.
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he Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Mr Keith Towler, was the keynote speaker at the conference. Mr Towler delivered a most interesting, wide ranging and very thought provoking speech. He highlighted how the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children) underpinned all the work of his department, with his principal aim being to safeguard and promote the safety and welfare of children and young people. Mr Towler identified the three main categories of UNCRC standards – provision, protection and participation – and how these are addressed in the seven core aims for children set out by WAG (Welsh Assembly Government). He also made reference to other key legislation such as the Children’s Act 2004, and the Education Act 2002.
Participation of young people in the Commission’s work was of great importance. The Commissioner explained how this was achieved and how issues such as child poverty, bullying, emotional well-being and mental health were identified. These key children’s rights issues, together with the UN Committee’s observations, formed the core of Mr Towler’s presentation. He concluded that there was a clear mandate from law and international standards to keep children at the heart of everything we do ; and that we must close the gap between the clear policies and the actual practice on a daily basis.
Following a warm reception to the Commissioner’s address the governor delegates divided into five groups to discuss a wide range of issues related to the participation of pupils in the broad spectrum of school activities and decision making. Particularly highlighted was the composition, empowerment and activities of the School Councils.
This session was followed by an opportunity for the conference delegates to raise questions with a panel comprising the speakers and contributors at the morning session.
Mr Vernon Morgan, Director of Education and Children’s Services provided the summing up of the conference, concluding remarks, and vote of thanks to all contributors.
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The above report was kindly compiled by Bob Elward, Chair of Governors at Ysgol Dyffryn Tâf.
To see pictures of some of the morning's activities, click on GALLERY
Mr Phil CarpenterTeaching Awards 2007 WinnerThe DfES Award for Governor of the Year in Wales Ffairfach Primary School, LLANDEILO |  |
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Every school deserves a Phil Carpenter.
Nothing is too much for this chair of governors.
Headteacher Meinir Morgan of Ffairfach primary school, Llandeilo says she only has to make one phone call and he’s there, ready for any job, offering support.
His pride in the school makes everyone feel valued and as well as offering strategic leadership he is always on hand to help out with day to day chores – sweeping up after events, painting the infant toilets on wet Sunday afternoons. The raised garden, Wendy house and soft play area fence have all benefited from his carpentry skills. When, during the head’s absence the school reported a gas leak during a heavy snow storm he took the initiative, sent everybody home, making sure they arrived safely and stayed until the problem was sorted, having to make his own escape through the drifts on a tractor.
But his clear vision for continuous improvement; his engagement with the school’s learning environment; his support of its involvement in the Foundation stage pilot; his real interest in the children’s work and the time he spends chatting to them about it during the school day; these things are also highly valued by staff.
He listens to all views and achieves consensus and is constantly updating his knowledge by attending courses, encouraging his fellow governors to do likewise.
He demonstrates real interest without interference and his shining example has inspired others to take on the role of governor as well.
Staff praise him as an “unassuming man with great humanity”. Above all else, they say, he puts the interests of the children first.