21st century schools White Paper

March 2010

The Government White Paper sets out an ambitious plan to ensure that children receive an education that prepares them for the challenges of the 21st century.

The document 'your child, your schools, our future' can be accessed on the DCSF website.

Governors may find this document interestin as it sets out proposals for developing schools to better equip them to provide for children's future education needs.

Key messages

preparing children for the 21st century
every school providing excellent teaching and the extra help every child needs
every school working in partnerships
ensuring that every school is improving and developing stronger accountability
the right roles for local and central governance in supporting every school and their leaders
further developing the workforce with specific reference to strengthening the role of governance
the pupil guarantee
the parent guarantee

Key issues for GBs

During the spring term 2010 chairs' and headteachers' briefing Bob Anderson, Ealing's assistant director Schools Partnerships, delivered the 21st century schools White Paper presentation (pdf).

The following key issues for GBs were mentioned:

are you aware of your strengths and weaknesses?
do you consider your GB to be good or outstanding?
- how do you know?
- are you a successful school?
do your governors know the priorities for the school?
have you developed succession planning in your school?
does your school work in partnership with other schools and agencies?
do you work with other governors/GBs?
is your school compliant with respect to the National Agreement on Workforce Reform?