Nicky Dunford- CEO & Accounting Officer The Link Academy Trust Nicky Dunford- CEO & Accounting Officer

What we will be discussing….. Vision & Mission Governance Structure Strengths of Academy Status Our School Improvement Model Clare Colvin- Regional Schools Commission Our Business Support Aspects of academy finance & governance Joining a MAT- the legal process

Delivering educational excellence supported by strong moral values   Delivering educational excellence supported by strong moral values Each learner developing a passion for learning and exceeding their aspirations in a unique learning environment Highly motivated, research-led and passionate teaching Schools being at the heart of, and valued by their community Being a partner of choice

We will always deliver the very best for our children, families and communities through: An uncompromising approach to wellbeing, safety, nurturing and inclusion Innovative teaching and learning practices to uphold the highest education standards The development of partnership and collaborative working to create a cutting edge approach. We will achieve this by investment in: High quality provision for staff and their pathways to success School environments that provide stimulating learning spaces Strong business planning to maximise the Trust’s geographical range and collective expertise

Governance Considerations Individual Academies able to focus on Teaching & Learning LGBs retained & focussed on Teaching & Learning Geographical Hub Model- with leadership capacity Directors- based on very high level skill set- no particular allegiance to individual settings Diocesan Directors representation- VA model Opportunities at every level of Governance

Aspirations for The Link The Inclusion Hub- further development to provide the best for our vulnerable children & families An Educational Psychologist directly employed by The Link- responding rapidly to the needs of our schools An Education Welfare Officer Pre school provision in every school- preferably as a Foundation Stage Unit A system of instant access to high quality relief teachers Further development of income generation- small projects in schools funded through bidding process Small scale maintenance issues undertaken in house

Reasons for joining the Link Collaborative Model- flexible but underpinned by a clear values and expectations Autonomy- but with robust challenge and support mechanisms Share, value, celebrate and reward enrichment at all levels Investment in the school environments- as much as possible spent at the classroom level Provide meaningful and positive feedback to everyone A dynamic model of school improvement- unrelenting focus on T&L, emphasising aspiration & ambition. A business support system that means we can deliver even more for our children & families

Interested? What next? More information to come this morning CEO can attend Governors Meetings to present and answer questions The starting point in a nutshell: Decision made by governors- online Expression of Interest Liaise with RSC to establish agreement to go forward & start consultation. Legal Team involvement Start due diligence procedures- The Link undergoing Growth Readiness checks- RSC pilot. Timeline & programme for consultation established- staff, parents & families, community, Trade unions etc