Grove Primary School Academy Status Parent & Community Consultation

What is an Academy Academies are state schools that are not accountable to the Local Authority. Academies have greater autonomy in terms of curriculum and finance. Academies control 100% of their budget

Why Become An Academy? The government’s agenda is for all schools to become academies. Grove Primary School has been placed in ‘Special Measures’ by Ofsted, this means in order for it to improve, it has to be sponsored by another Academy Trust. Grove was to be sponsored by CEAT in June 2015, unfortunately CEAT felt they could not sponsor Grove at that particular time. St Martin’s Multi Academy Trust was asked to sponsor Grove and its directors have agreed to do so.

Who are St Martin’s Multi Academy Trust? St Martin’s MAT was originally a federation of two schools, St Martin’s CE Primary School in Bradley and Field View Primary School in Bilston. They federated in September 2010 and became a Multi Academy Trust in March Both schools have had success in raising standards and St Martin’s is particularly known for it high achievement in maths. It has a dedicated and knowledgeable Board of Directors who see children’s education and personal achievement as the key to their success.

Why is St Martin’s MAT sponsoring Grove? The Leaders (Lynne Law, Ben Davis, Sam Davis and Philip Salisbury) have been working with Grove since April Standards have already started to rise (as commented on in the HMI and Ofsted reports from April and June 2015). Parent responses are very positive in that they feel their child is making progress. The Leaders and Directors of St Martin’s MAT want to continue to support Grove and ensure it once again becomes the ‘good’ school it used to be.

What might be different in an academy? Funding – ability to use all of the grant for the benefit of our children Services – ability to choose quality, value for money services Curriculum – ability to ensure what we teach will enhance our children’s learning

What will be the same? MOST THINGS Ofsted Special Educational Needs arrangements Free School Meals The Uniform (with a new logo) The Staff

What happens next? Consultation continues. The TUPE process commences with staff. The Trust sign the funding agreement. Grove joins St Martin’s Multi Academy Trust Academy opens 01 April 2016

Any Questions ? Lynne Law Executive Headteacher