THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON'S FOREWORD FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Controlled Schools, Support Council {CSSCI marks a seventh year of operation as a voice on bohalf of the onlrolled sector. Controlled schools continue to experience unique challenge5 as a result of being the only sector managed by the Education Authority (EAI. and we welcomed the recognitson given lo this in the Ind8pendent Review of Education published in December. In the past year, the organisation has focused on priorilising tho need for the controlled sector to be effectively and equitably managed as recommended by the 8Uthors of the Review. As the sectoral support body for Gontrolled schools, CSSC represents 49% of all schools in Northem Ireland, including nursery schools, special schools. primary schools, secondary schools. grammar schools, integrated schools and Irish-medium schools. Any inequity in support for controlled schools impacts on the education and lrfe chances of nearly 50% of childfan being educatèd in Northern Ireland. CSSC officers have worf(ed to support the need for better aulcomes for all pupils Ihrough the provision of high-quality education. Engaging and collaborating with partners ha$ been critical to the organisatson's recent advocacy Work towards action on the inequity as well as the focu8 on over a decade of underfunding and tha impact that has. CSSC officers continLFe to empow8r controlled schools in serving their communities, listening lo the needs of school leaders, whilst highlighting the diversity and incluswity of the sector, The organisation has highlighted the need lo promote trust and resp8Ct by nurturing a collective ethos, reflectlve of the 98Ctor'5 values and culture. Council mambers. Emma Corry and Gillian Dunlop. resigned in 2023 and I'd like lo thank them on behalf of all of us for their commitment and support. I'd like to thank all the Council members and staff for their commitment to CSSC and the work they do lo ensure controlled school leaders are supported lo deliveT high quality education to over 148,000 pupils in controlled schooL8. Mark Orr KC Chairpe Date..
THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Last year l expressed Conrn over the limited action following the publication of the Landscape Review of the Education Authority IEAI which highlighted the inequity resulting from 115 conflicted role as managing authority for controlled schools but seNice provider for all. Since then, the Indapendent Review of Education report - 1nvesb.ng in a Belter Future (Decernber 20231, has clearly staled and agreed with the concerns CSSC and others have been raising regarding the unique challenges being faced by controlled schools. I now have some optimism that action is being taken to address these concems. The Minister of Education has staled that he hopes to make an announcem8nl on the way controlled schools are managed this Autumn and I hope to discuss this further at our Annual General Meeting. We welcome the Minister's acknowledgement that ¢urrent arr8ngemenls have served controlled sGhool8 POOTly compared to other seGlors, and his assurance that this is going to change. CSSC will continue to share the conTrrns of controlled school leaders at all lavels. The organisations. core role is to r8presenl the interests of all controlled schools. We are working d1CtlY and collaboraliv81y with EA and the Department of Education lo move this work forward through the summer and into the next school year. There is a clear opportunity lo promote substanlbve change lo support ¢ontrolled schools 38 they 58rvo the children and young people in their communities. Early in 2024 my officers and I mot with over 100 conlrollod school leaders including Princlp81s 8nd Governors al the CSSC 'Your $¢hDol8' futuro controlling the decade, engagement •vents. We will bulld on these u$8ful conversations about tho future of controlled school$ in their changing local communities with further eng8gement in 2024-25. As promised, 8 toolkit to assist school$ in using the 2021 census data lo understand better their local communities was developed os 8 consequence ol these events and will be shared in Autumn 2024. Over th8 Sasl year CSSC continued to T8present controld schools at the hlghe¥t levels of Government including with members of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Member5 of Parliament al the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in Westminster highlighting the significant challenges being faced but also the succes5 and quality of education provision across our schools, It remains critical that w8 all work together a5 one sector with 8 united voice focus8d on addressing th8 common challenge8 we face together. Baker f Executlve Ch Date..
THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Tnjstees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial statements have been ppared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's goveming document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). Strateglc objectives and actlvltle8 of CSSC In 2023-24 During 2022-23, CSSC updated the vision and strategic objectlves for the organisation. These 7 strategic objectives are listed below and are reported on in full for 2023-24. Moving forward in 2024-25, Council in June 2024 approved a strategy to priorftlse working towards equitable support and management of controlled schools which will be addressed through the following objectives. The lack of efficlent and effective support for controlled schools by their managing authority. the Education Authority (EA), and the need for the Landscape Review of the EA and the Independent Review of Education recommendations to be actioned as a matter of urgency. The misrepresentation and misunderstanding of the sector and the need for the sector and individual schools to clearly demonstrate their open to all ethos and their place in the local community. CSSC'S Strategic Objectlve8 2023-24 Support better outcomes for all pupils through provision of high-quality education. 2. Building understanding that the controlled sector is diverse and inclusive. 3. Promote the role controlled schools have in serving their communities. 4. Engage and collaborate with partners to ensure equitable support for the controlled sector. 5. Optimise opportunities to encourage effective govemance In controlled schools. 6. Represent the sector effectively to ensure an enduring and valued role for controlled schools within a neOrk of sustainable schools. 7. Promote trust and respect by nurturing a collective ethos, reflective of the controlled sector's values and culture. How much support dld CSSC provlde over th• year 2023-24 by each objectlve? 0.ry1.'4 'dO,''fr.._ 24Jfrt f4.ey 'a:ea,. ODJeiiQ j '•'.%*
THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 1. Support better outcomes for all pupils through provlsion of highquality educatlon. a. CSSC advocated in the best interests of children and young people through effective representation of the controlled sector's voice at a strategic level. b. CSSC collaborated with EA and other partners to support the raising of educational standards. and improved learning outcomes in controlled schools. c. CSSC vrforked to build the capacity of controlled school leadership through an ethos of professional reflection, effective teamwork and implementation evidence informed practice. Example$ of thls work Included: Written evidence and oral evldence submitted to publlc consultatlons including the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee's {NIAC) Inquiry's into a) funding and delivery of public services and b) Integrated Education in Northern Ireland highlighting importance of indusion, sharing and integration. CSSC representation at multi-disciplinary meetings to capture issues and pressures being faced. Engagement with controlled schools to request views to contribute to consultations for example on statutory guidance on reduction and management of restrictive practices in educational settings and Pre- School Education Amalgamation for Standardisation Pilot. Contributs'ng at various levels to represent controlled schools for example by attending DE End to End review meetings for school improvement and SEND provision, DE Strategic Policy Forum, EDIS Programme Level Stakeholders Forum and Transfonnats'onal Champion Network, DE Childcare Strategy Stakeholder Forum, EA Safeguarding Forum, Pre-school Education Group, SBNI Research Task and Finish Group, EA TIP Steering Group, and SEND Programme Reference Groups (please note this is not comprehensive list}. CSSC Erasmus+ programme completed with dissemination of learning and Intemational best practice. csscistranmillis University 2023 College Award for Excellence in Educational Research presented, and the successful project was disseminated. CSSC Sharing of Effective Practice Strategy and Implementation Plan developed, reviewed with Education and Training Inspectorate. What percentsge of 8UPPOrt did CSSC provlde by functlon? 5014 •Ao."CCO¢i 4¢£4 stBte P Jr*ir •ia s.p.g St4".di..d5 Gc'étrparcè 2?
THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2. Building understsnding that the controlled sector is diverse and Inclusive. CSSC worked to address misrepresentation of the sector through advocacy and representation, promotion and raising awareness of its diverse and inclusive nature, so that it is recognised, understood and respected by schools, policy makers, key stskeholders, the media and communilles. b. CSSC supported and encouraged controlled schools to celebrate their identity, promote and showcase their schools as diverse, open to all faiths and none, reflective of, embedded in and connected to their communities. c. CSSC actively supported the fostering. enhancement and strengthening of an inclusive ethos and culture of diversity within controlled schools so that all our children and young people can reach their full potential. d. CSSC encouraged, promoted and supported shared education partnerships to facilitate respect, diversity and community cohesion. Examples of thls work Included: 10 CSSC Engagement Events entitled 'Your schools, future, eontrolllng the decade, were part of a focus8d programme of work to help controlled schools better understand their local communities using publicly available data further enabling controlled schools in understanding how they are open to all. 88 controlled schools were represented at the events held across Northem Ireland vrith 110 attendees including 77 Principals and 33 Governors. Induction event seminar held so that first tlme Principals (and the Chairperson of their Board of Governor8) understand the importance of the function, role and contribution of CSSC to their sector. and CSSC'S key strategic objectives in relation to their schools induding the need to reflect how their school is embedded in and connected to their community. CSSC provided support to schools in encouraging and promoting controlled schools, participation in shared education and provided assistance to those controlled schools in the process of transformation to controlled integrated siatus, promoting sustsinable provision across the controlled sector. Marketing, Research and Communications Strategy developed with a focus on addressing the misconceptions of the sector and promoted the inclusivity and diversity of controlled Schools including through the development of a suite of video content filmed within controlled schools. CSSC continue to engage with EA, NICIE and CnaG to ensure support for controlled schods is collaborative and efficient in utilisation of expertise and resources. What per¢entage of support dld CSSC provide by functlon? •AdvExaty • Estate Planning Echos •C-oN'ernance Raising Standards 8494
THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 3. Promote the role controlled schools have in serving thelr communities. a. CSSC supported, championed and advocated for the positive engagement and collaboration that characterises this community partnership. b. CSSC encouraged and supported the building of a community network of controlled schools to enable effective cohesion and sustainable collaboration, and provision of highquality education, for the development and benefit of the controlled seGtor. Exampl68 of thls work Included: A key part of the CSSC Engagement Events Your schools, future - controlling the decade, was to further work with controlled schools to better understand their local Community including to explain the data available to schools. Substantial planning and development followed to build a 'CSSC Communlty Profiling Toolkit, as a next step to enable controlled schools to better use NISRA dats to understand their local community. A 'Collabordte, Disseminate and Celebrate. event vms held at Belfast Model School for Glrfs sharing leaming from the Erasmus Programme. What porcontage of support dld CSSC provlde by functlon? 9.&S¢.: 5.ty9-v •4dvocacy • t State Plannin9 • Eth05 56.i*.¥ 'ernJflce • Raising Standaids 4. Engage and ¢ollaborate wlth partners to ansure equltable support for the controllod Sector. CSSC advocated for a duty to consult with the organlsation on strategic matters pertaining to the controlle sector, underpinned by legislation. b. CSSC represented the interests of controlled schools by engaging with education partners on the implementation of the recommendations of the Landscape Review of EA and the Independent Review of Education. c. CSSC worked to build new and exists'ng partnerships to support the development of controlled schools and the sector. Examples of thls work included: CSSC continued to share the concerns of controlled school leaders at all levels by working directly and collaboratively with EA and DE and other relevant stskeholders in the pursuit of effective and equitable support for controlled schools. CSSC continued to contribute to collaborative work such as the THRIVE strategic partnership to raise standards within the NeQwnabbeY area and to work in partnership with Ulster University, as part of the Taking Boys Seriously project which aims for greater understsnding of effective interventions to improve outcomes for boys and young men.
THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 What percentsge of support dld CSSC provlde by functlon7 E5tatÉ Plènrin9 • Eth¢s isYefnarc+ • PaiS..n9 Siai*JTds 5. Optimlse opportunltles to encourage effectlve governanc• in controlled schools. CSSC worked wlth DE, EA and the TRC to contribute to the reconstitution of Boards of Governors In controlled schools, and to malntaln and support effective school govemance. b. CSSC encouraged and facilitated the development of Govemors in understanding the important role they play in supporting school leaders to embed an inclusive ethos wrthin controlled schools, to support provision of high-quality education and enhance all aspects of school life. c. CSSC raised awareness and promoted the importance of the role of school Governors in supporting controlled school leaders and as advocates for their school within their communities, and for the controlled sector. Examples of th18 work included: Participation in planning and delivery of reconstitution of Boards of Governors throughout the year included agement of CSSC representatives and attendance at EA Governor Application Meetin9S. CSSC commitment to the reconstitution process will continue in 2024-25. CSSC members attended Board of Govemor meetlngs In controlled schools when invlted to engage on specific issues of concern. CSSC support provided to 8nhance effectiveness of govemance in controlled schools including promoting the importance of the role of school Governors in supportlng school loaders, and as advocates for thelr school and the controlled sector, within their communities. Development and delivery of ongoing Govemor development on ethos with governor development sessions focusing on ethos delivered within the year. Support given to school Governors in schools considering transfomation to integrated status. What percentage of support dld CSSC provlde by functlon? -, 6
THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 6. Represent the sector effectively to ensure an enduring and valued role for controlled schools wlthin a network of sustainable schools. a. CSSC participated with educational partners in the area planning process to identify innovative, creative and shared solutions sustainable education provision. b. CSSC advocated for the needs, perspectives, ethos and long-tem sustainability of the controlled sector within area planning structures, and through the area planning process, underpinned and supported by robust evidence- based analysis. c. CSSC engaged with controlled schools participating in estate planning to provide quality support and to inform our representation of the controlled sector's views and needs, to maintain its valued position within a sustainable and equitsble educational system. Examples of thls work Included: 288 consultation engagements with 129 individual schools informed 33 responses to pre-publication and development consultations which had potential to impact on controlled schools. CSSC representation continued al area planning group meetings including Area Plannlng Steering Group (APSGI. Area Planning Working Group (APWG}, Area Planning Local Group (APLG), Pre-school Education Group (PEG), APWG Shared Education Sub-group, Integrated Education {IE) Steering Group, IE Working Group and IE Act Outcomes Based Accountability Workshops. What percentsge of support dld CSSC provlde by functlon? l stale ?lannit19 • £ttr-OS Q'J¢fnaftce Raisir,9 Standards 7. Promote trust and respect by nurturlng a collectlve othos, reflectlvo of the controlled sector's valueg and culture. a. CSSC supported controlled schools to develop, affirm and evaluate vthole school ethos, which acknowledges that which is common and shared within the sector. whilst recognising each schools, diversity and their own unique context. b. CSSC promoted and encouraged the importance of embedding of ethos, in all aspects of school life, through developing vision and values, maintaining and reinforcing effective communication, and building of positive, collaborative whole-school community relationships. Examples of thls work Included: CSSC provided support in ethos development, govemance and leadership support for controlled schools, including controlled integrated and Irish-rnedium schools.
THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Leadership support provided through CSSC'S Ethos and Leadership programme including: whole school ethos development targeted leadership support for controlled schools in partnership with EA targeted coaching support for senior lesders in controlled schools and provision of systemic team coaching support school development of Trauma Informed Practice approach CSSC contributed to the EA Induction Programmes for First fime Principals and Vice Principals in controlled schools. What por¢entage of Support dld CSSC provlde by function? 1193•1 •Ad¥oca •Ertnie Planniff9 •£:hos •L"overnance 2.57' P4isiry Standard5 52A64 Flnanclal revlew The results for the year are set out on page 17 to the attached financial statements along wlth the totsl funds at tha year end. Golng concern After maklng appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectatlon that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concem basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis Can be found in the accounting policies.
THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Structure, governance and management a. Key functions The Education Act (Northem Ireland) 2014 made provision for the funding of $8ctoral bodies. On 14 October 2014, during the Education Bill.. Second Stage debate, the Education Minister stated the functions of 'a new organisation to provide support for controlled schools,. Thus, the functions of CSSC are- providing a representational and advocacy role for controlled schools, including advice and support in responding to consultation exercises in respect of education policies, initiatives and schemes and in regard to relationships with DE, EA and other Departments working with schools within the sector to develop and maintain its collective ethos, including, where appropriate, a role in identifying, encouraging and nomlnating Governors and ensuring that ethos is part of employment considerations working with EA to raise educational standards participating in the planning of the schools, estste.. assessing ongoing provision within the sector., participating in area-based planning Covordinated by DE and EA, including membership of DE'S area planning steering group., engaging, where appropriate, in strategic planning processes, including community planning building cooperation and engaging with other sectors on matters of mutual Interest, including the promotion of tolerance and understanding. CSSC'S Articles of Association enable Council to provide educational and other necessary support to individual controlled schools and to controlled schools as a whole. See below link (reference debate at 4pm). It .'Ilaims.niassembl ov.ukloffici ortlre ort.as x? eveDate-2 4110114&do ID=209460#561 b. Appolntment of dlrectors The Board of Directors is constituted as follovpa. One Director elected by those members representing nursery schools attending the meeting at which the election takes place. One Director elected by those members representing special schools attending the meeting at which the election takes place. One Director elected by those members representing secondary schools attending the meeting at which the election takes place. One Director elected by those members representing grammar schools attending the meeting at which the election takes place. Two Directors elected by those representlng primary schools attending the meeting at which the election takes place. Three representatives of Transferor Representatives, Council. Four Directors vA)o have expertise of a551Stance to the charity, provided that no such Director shall be employed in the public sector but shall be supportive of the aims and objectives of the controlled seGtor. Directors are elected and appointed for four years. The Directors who served during the period were.. Mark Orr (KC) (Chairperson) Andrew Brovm (Dr) (Vice-chairperson) Peter Hamill (Dr) Michael Carville Catherine Chambers Emma Corry Gillian Dunlop Paula Leitch Rosalind McFeeters Darren Mornin (Dr) Heather Murray John Anderson (Resigned 16 November 2023) (Resigned 18 October 2023) 10-
THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Kenneth Twyble Marshall Kilgore Grace Trimble (Resigned 20 June 2024) (Appointed 19 October 2023) {Appointed 14 December 2023) Resigned Gillian Dunlop (with effect from 19 October 2023) Emma Corry (with effect fffjm16 November 2023) Elected Grace Trimble (with effect from 14 December 2023) CTropted Marshall Kilgore (with effect from 20 October 2023) c. Dlrector Inductlon and trainlng The Company Secretary ensures that appropriate inductlon and training is given to all Board members. d. Rlsk management and intornal control The Directors are responsible for ensurlng that an effective system of internal financial control is malntained and operated by the Council. The system of internal financial control is based on a framework of regular management information, administrative procedures and a system of delegats-on and accountsbility. The Finance and General Purposes Committee reviews the financial reports and provides assurance to Council on the budget setting process and appropriateness of expenditure ensuring CSSC remains within the Grant allocation. The Audit, Governance and Risk Committee reviews the risk register on a quarterly basis and provides assurance to Council that the CSSC risk management strategy has been implemented which is designed to minimise any potential risks identified. e. CSSC governance arranggm•nts CSSC is grant funded by DE and an annual programme of work is undertaken to deliver on behalf of the controlled sector. This sits within CSSC'S business plan which outlines priorities, objectives and resources for the year ahead. Quarterly reporting ensures that CSSC remains on target to deliver its objecb'ves. Council met ten times per year, once every month from January - June and September to December. A range of issues has been considered by Council. Education and Research Committee meets five times per year, usually the first Tuesday of every other month. Members Heather Murray {Chairperson) John Anderson (Vice chairperson) Andrew Brown (Dr) Roz McFeeters Emma Corry Darren Mornin (Dr) Gillian Dunlop The Governance, Audit and Finance Committee met every other month. Members Michael Carville (Chairperson) Catherine Chambers Paula Leitch Peter Hamill Kenneth Twyble 11
THE CONTROLLED SCHOOLS, SUPPORT COUNCIL TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 statsmènt of trustsgs. regponsibilitles The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Company for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Actspled Accountsng Practi¢el, Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial ststements for each financial year. Under company law, the Trustees musl not approve the financial slalemenls unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair vièw of the slate of 8ffairs of thé Company and of ils incoming resourees and application of resoureès, including its income and expenditure. for that period. In preparing Ih6s• financial statements. the Trustees are required lo.. select suitable accounting p¢li¢ies and then apply them consislenlly.. observe the methods and principles of the ChaTilies SORP IFRS 1021., make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prud8nl', slate whether applicable UK Accounting Standard5 IFRS 1021 have been followed, subject lo any malarial departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements", prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inapproprialo lo presume that the Company will continuo in business. The Trustees are re$ponsib5e for keepin9 ad8quale accounting records that are sufficient lo show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable aG¢uracy al any b'me the financial posltion of the Company and enable them lo ensure that the financial statements comply with the Compani8s Act 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the as8915 of tha Company and hence for 18kin9 reasonable slaps foT the prevention and detection of ffaud and other irregulariligs. Audltor In accord8nce with the company'8 articles, a resolution proposing that Harfoinson Mulholland be reappointed as auditor of the company will be pul al a General Meeting. The Iruslees, report wa8 approved by the Board of Tru5tg8$. Mark Orr Trusteo Dale.. 12