Consultations
The NGA responds to consultations published by the DCSF, other Government Departments and any other bodies which consult on matters relevant to education in general and governance in particular.
The most recent consultations the NGA has responded to are as follows:
Consultation on Draft Regulations for the Training of Newly Appointed Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs) in England - May 2009
The DCSF has introduced a requirement that all SENCOs must have or be working towards qualified teacher status. In addition, all newly appointed SENCOs will have to undertake anationally approved training course.This consultation was about whether the Regulations were clear.
The NGA's response can be downloaded here.
Designated Teachers for Looked After Children: draft Regulations and statutory guidance - May 2009
This consultation sought views on draft Regulations made under section 20(3) of the Children and Young Persons Act 2008. The Regulations set out the qualifications and experience which will be required of designated teachers in maintained schools. It also consulted on the content of the draft statutory guidance to governing bodies of maintained schools.
The NGA's reponse can be downloaded here
The DCSF's consultation documentation can be viewed here.
21st Century Schools: A World-Class Education for Every Child / A School Report Card: consultation document - March 2009
This consultation sought views on the DCSF's vision for schools in the 21st Century. In particular on how it's plans originally described in the Children's Plan can be implemented. The proposals will require schools to work in close collaboration with other partners. A second part of the consultation sought views on a new School Report Card which will provide a new mechansim for schools to report to parents.
The NGA's response can be downloaded here.
The DCSF consultation documents can be viewed here.
A New Way of Handling Parental Complaints About Schools - November 2008
The Government consulted on revised procedures for handling complaints about parents. The original consultation documents can be viewed via the attached link:
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/conResults.cfm?consultationId=1570
The NGA's response can be downloaded here.
Legislating for Sure Start Children's Centres - November 2008
The Government consulted on proposals to give Sure Start Children's Centres (SSCCs) a specific statutory legal basis.
The NGA's response can be downloaded here
School Admissions Consultation - October 2008
In the Children's Plan the DCSF announced its intention to make further changes to the Admissions Code.
The NGA's response can be downloaded here.
School Teacher Pay Review Body (STRB) September 2008 & February 09
The NGA responded to the STRB's 2008 remit in September 2008 and February 09
The NGA's reponses can be downloaded via the attached links NGA Sept 08 and NGA Feb 09.
DCSF - Consultation on Draft Education (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators) (England) Regulations 2008 (June 2008)
The Education and Inspections Act 2006 introduced a requirement that all schools appointed a SENCO and gave the DCSF the power to introduce Regulations about the SENCO position. This consultation covers the draft regulations which set out the qualifications and experience required of the person responsible for co-ordinating SEN provision for pupils. The consultation also sets out the role of governing bodies in relation to SENCOs, and outlines work to develop national accredited training for all newly appointed SENCOs.
The NGA response can be downloaded here
The Path to Citizenship: Next Steps to Reforming the Immigration System (May 2008)
The Home Office Consultation on changes to immigration law which would simplify the route to citizenship. The Government is also proposed that one way to speed up the route to citizenship would be through “active citizenship” – i.e. community service/volunteering with the specific example of school governor. The NGA responded to those aspects of the consultation which related to 'active citizenship' with particular reference to the role of school governor.
The NGA response can be downloaded here
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: Independent Safeguarding Authority Scheme Consultation.
Under the ISA Scheme all those who work with children and vulnerable adults will need to be registered. This consultation document sought views on the implementation of the Scheme. The NGA responded to those aspects of the consultation document which specifically related to schools. The full NGA response can be downloaded here
Response to the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB) on aspects of Teacher's Pay and Conditions
The STRB was established in September 1991 to examine and report on such matters relating to the statutory conditions of employment of school teachers in England and Wales. The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families issues an annual remit letter. The STRB then consults all the major stakeholders, including NGA. In 2007 the STRB consulted on various aspects of teachers' pay and also on their professional roles and responsibilities. The consultation was carried out in two parts - the NGA's responses can be downloaded below.
The NGA's response on Teachers' Pay can be downloaded here
The NGA's response on Teachers' Roles and Responsibilities can be downloaded here