We continue to work with Sandwell schools to build and support their music offer. It is our goal
to encourage every school in Sandwell to work with us, so that there is an equity of opportunity
for children to learn a musical instrument during their time at school.

Innovations in Governance – New for 2025

As we gear up for National School Governors’ Awareness Day on 13th February 2025, we’re excited to announce the launch of new service enhancements in 2025:

  • Enhanced Governor inductions now including e-learning for convenience
  • Independent Review Panel services for exclusions

Inductions

A robust induction process for new governors, which ensures they have access to the necessary resources, understanding and support to fulfil their role with confidence is an investment which leads to better retention and more effective governance.

To support this, we offer an enhanced Governor Induction Package offering access to high quality induction training for both new governors/trustees and governors wishing to become Governing Board Mentors, a welcome brochure/pack as well as relevant advice and support from our highly qualified governance experts.

Our Enhanced Governor Induction Service Offer:

  • Provide a Welcome brochure/pack including an induction checklist to all new governors/trustees. The pack will provide an overview of the role and some useful tips.
  • Offer advice and support on the induction of new governors/trustees
  • Provision of a Training Agreement
  • Access to an e-learning induction training session taking new governors/trustees through an academic journey of governance, covering:

    The purpose of a Board, its core functions and how it operates;

    The strategic role that Governors/Trustees fulfil;

    What you need to know about the school/academy that you govern and how to find this out;

    The partnership between the CEO/Headteacher, school and trust/governing board.

    The educational context – how schools/trusts work and the role of Ofsted; and

    What being an effective governor/trustee means in practice;

The e-learning training will also cover:

  • Preparation for your first meeting and the benefits of having a mentor or buddy;
  • Training commitment and;
  • Visits into School
  • Access to two sessions per year for Governors wishing to become Mentors, to include:-
  • Role and responsibility of a Mentor:

Overview of the induction process

How to prepare for your first instructional coaching session

How to provide effective support to help develop Governors’/Trustees’ governance skills using the five pillars of Mentorship; guidance,    support, encouragement, empowerment, networking and honest feedback

    For more information – please contact joanna.cooper@sips.co.uk

Jo Cooper – Service Manager – Governance

Independent Review Panel (IRP) Services – commencing September 2025: Join our register of specialists

Good behaviour in schools is essential to ensure that all pupils benefit from the opportunities provided by education. The government recognises that school exclusions, managed moves and off-site direction are essential behaviour management tools for headteachers and can be used to establish high standards of behaviour in schools and maintain the safety of school communities.

You can read the DfE guidance here

The role of the independent review panel is to assess whether a pupil’s exclusion has been lawful, reasonable, and procedurally fair and what further action might need to be taken. This scrutiny and challenge can be a daunting and stressful process that needs the best support.

Ahead of our IRP service launch in September 2025, we’re now building a register of IRP members – whom we’ll equip with the skills to ensure the best possible decisions are made.   If you’d like to make a real difference and join the SIPS IRP panel please contact joanna.cooper@sips.co.uk for more information.

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