Chair’s Welcome
Chair’s WelcomeWelcome to the RGA website. This is a place created by governors, for governors.
During a turbulent time, in which governors experienced many unexpected challenges and concerns, we all identified some new skills and ways of working which are an improvement on historic practices. One of these has been a renewed sense of common purpose at school and governance level, which has resulted in greater collaboration and networking across schools which serve Reading families.
At the RGA, attendance at our events has been mixed. Online provision certainly has been convenient for many members, especially regarding childcare, but others feel that debate and networking is much more tricky than in a face-to-face environment, so in 2021-22, we offered a blended approach.
Although attendance remained higher online, these meetings were more compatible with ‘talking heads’ rather than group discussion, and that moved away from our desired approach of supporting training via networking. We also aim to complement, not reproduce, the governor training from BFfC, and as their service will be entirely online in 2022-23, I have made the decision to return all of our events to be held in person (subject to ongoing health and safety risks).
As the board consists of volunteers, we are continually searching to improve our strength and breadth of experience, and so would be very happy to welcome any new members who would like to extend their impact on local governance, and associated outcomes for Reading children, beyond their own schools. Do please get in touch with me if this is of interest to you, and as always, the RGA is here to collaborate with you and share advice and examples of best practice. Keep looking at this page for all the latest local news and updates.
Julia Cottee
OUR PARTNERS
OFSTED INSPECTION SUPPORT
In light of recent tragic events in Reading, the RGA would like to take the opportunity to remind governors and schools of the support we offer to our schools’ governing boards.
As volunteers, it can be daunting to support schools in such important and challenging areas such as safeguarding and staff wellbeing, but it is evident that we can make a huge difference to the success of our schools. At the RGA, our services are designed to enhance training and support which governors typically access online, in isolation. Our in-person advisory sessions enable small, varied groups of governors to discuss what they have learned, and how to improve their practice, overseen by experienced school governors from a range of education settings, and in a safe space for sharing concerns.
The recent decision by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector not to pause Ofsted inspections in Reading is causing some agitation. Our board members have undergone a great number of inspections as governors, some as recently as this month, and have been sharing our experiences and recommendations with recent attendees at our events. If you are anticipating an inspection imminently, and feel you need extra preparation, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice.
We urge all our members to take advantage of these opportunities, which are designed to support you. Our aim is to fully support you in your role so that you can support your school leaders with confidence.
Additionally, mentoring for Chairs of Governors can be arranged, either with one of our team or via the IGovS service.
Chair – Julia Cottee
Chair – Julia CotteeVice-Chair – Richard Rolfe
Clerk – Hazel Archer
Treasurer – Chris Robinson
Officers – John Ennis, Matt Espley, Yvonne Newman
Associates – Sarah Shortt
Our Constitution
2021-22 AGM papers
Events
AI – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Presentation from Professor Dan Remenyi
Tuesday 23rd April 2024 6:00pm The RGA is de...
News
AI – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Presentation from Professor Dan Remenyi
10th April 2024
Tuesday 23rd April 2024 6:00pm The RGA is delighted to announce our next event to be held in person at The Wren school from 6pm on Tuesday 23rd April. ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ reviews current thinking on a variety of user-related issues including the Safety of Gen AI (or AI-Chatbots). The Good aspects of the technology refer…
Letters to His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman
30th March 2023
Following the announcement of Ruth Perry’s tragic death on 8th January, following an Ofsted inspection at Caversham Primary School where she was Headteacher, Reading Borough Council and Reading Schools Leaders wrote to Amanda Spielman on 22nd March …
Who’s Who of Reading schools
7th March 2023
Ever wondered which schools are maintained and which are academies? And if they are academies, which trust do they belong to? The RGA has captured this information, which can be found on our new Education in Reading page. If your governing board is …
Reading awarded a Stronger Practice Hub
21st November 2022
Swift on the heels of two Outstanding OFSTED judgements, the REYS federation has won a bid to run the South-east Early years stronger practice hub. Blagdon Nursery School will lead the group which serves Reading, West Berkshire and Windsor…
OFSTED Congratulations
16th November 2022
Congratulations from the RGA to Caversham Nursery School, who achieved another Outstanding judgement in the recent inspections in Reading. Their Daycare (0-3s) division was rated Outstanding in May 2022.
100% of Reading nursery schools remain…