Parent Information Meeting 29th March 2017 Becoming an Academy Parent Information Meeting 29th March 2017

The Vision of the Diocese Is for a strong network of schools which as communities of Catholic formation provide Excellent care and support for each child’s well-being. Strive for outstanding outcomes for every child. Recognise everyone as a child of God so they are cherished and valued and achievement celebrated.

The Vision of the Diocese Use the opportunity now available to Strengthen the Catholic identity of schools within the overall mission of the church Reflect more clearly the reality of being part of one diocesan family of schools Ground structures in principles of solidarity, subsidiarity and concern for common

MAT – Multi Academy Trust As an academy we will join a MAT What is a Multi Academy Trust? A charitable company responsible for the running of the Academies and has control over the land and other assets. Their role is strategic and not operational Who will be on the board of the MAT CEO (Currently one of the existing Headteachers until MAT becomes larger) & Finance Director (to be appointed), several other members who are independent to schools (similar to Governors)

The Diocese of Portsmouth will be split into 4 MATS

School already in the MAT are:- St Mary’s - Maidenhead St Francis - Ascot St Margaret Clitherow – Bracknell Joining on 1st April 2017 St Edmund Campion – Maidenhead All other schools will join by Spring 2018

Current structure as a maintained Voluntary Aided (VA) School Department for Education (DfE) £ Diocese of Portsmouth School support, RE direction, Funding of Building projects, Section 48 validation, NQT support Local Authority (LA) – Wokingham Council External audit, internal audit, interpreting legislation, financial policies, account preparation, balance sheet, VAT returns, DfE returns £ Schools Setting budget, accounting for income and expenditure, complying with DfE and LA guidance

Structure as an academy Catholic Academy & Schools Office (CASO) (Acting on behalf of the Diocesan Trustees) Department for Education (DfE) (Diocese of Portsmouth) £ MAT 1 External audit, internal audit, interpreting legislation, financial policies, accounts preparation, DfE returns, CEO for all schools in MAT PoDCAST Procurement company Purchase services for all 4 MATS £ Schools balance sheet, accounts submission, VAT returns, setting budget, accounting for income and expenditure, compliance with financial handbook, & Academy Trust funding agreement, etc…

School Governors The local governing bodies of each Academy will maintain their responsibility to challenge and support senior leaders. continue to monitor the quality of the school’s operation both financially and educationally. continue to set and monitor the budget. appoint teaching and non-teaching staff. (Senior leadership appointments will be made in consultation with the MAT Board)

What will stay the same? Unique ethos and vision of St Teresa’s Commitment to care for and pursue the highest academic standards Same Staff Control of budget, school autonomy Admissions SEN Ofsted and Sections 48 Relationship with the community Roles and accountability of the Headteacher, staff & governors

What will change? Our name and School Emblem Introduction of the MAT details on headed paper, websites, and signage where appropriate

When will all this happen? Current target is June 2017 The most important bit… Our children will remain our focus and priority, and will still receive the same high quality teaching and learning that they do now Further help If you have more questions, please see Nikki or Karen There is also some information on Portsmouth Diocesan website (http://www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/schools/ academy-conversion.php)