WOODLANDS ACADEMY TRANSFER Parent consultation 18 th April 2013

Why are we becoming an academy?  Government determination that schools in Special Measures should become academies  New focus on increasing the number of primary academies  Not a question of if – but when  Not a question of if – but how

White Paper  It is our ambition that Academy status should be the norm for all state schools, with schools enjoying direct funding and full independence from central and local bureaucracy.

Why join the Lynn Grove Academies Trust?  We need a sponsor to become an academy  What were the options?  A local solution  Join a large chain  Join a smaller establishing chain

Why join the Lynn Grove Academies Trust?  Long held aspiration to work closely as a cluster – Lynn Grove Partners in Education  A sense of moral purpose and commitment to support the children and families of Bradwell and Gorleston  Established track record of effective collaboration in the cluster  Transition activities  Shared contracts  Professional development activities

A FRESH START  A one off opportunity  New Ofsted Status - Special Measures  New school Woodlands Primary Academy – monitoring visit within two terms and then full inspection

What has Lynn Grove Academies Trust got to offer?  Outstanding school  Extensive experience of collaborative working with schools  Former Training School and part of Teaching School Alliance  Strong CPD tradition  Established strong working relationships  A commitment to the young people and children of Bradwell and Gorleston

Things that can’t change  Admissions policy  SEN policies  The imperative to work with other schools  Pay and conditions of existing staff

What will change  The trust will appoint a new local governing body  Name – Woodlands Primary Academy  Uniform – new approach at KS2

What will change for the staff  They will be employed not by Norfolk LA but by the Lynn Grove Academy Trust  Conditions of employment transfer to the new employer (TUPE)

Things that won’t change  School day – although intend to improve extended school provision  School holidays  Parent governors on the Governing Body

Things that won’t change  The nursery will become part of the Trust  Commission school improvement services from trusted providers (eg Teaching School Alliance)  Existing staff will not be required to work in other locations  Drive for rapid improvement

Potential Risks  Loss of support from LA  Undermines local collaboration  Loss of individual identity

Any Questions  Please feel free to any questions to