1. St James the Great R.C. (VA) Primary and Nursery School Learning with God’s Love Academy Status Parental Consultation

2. Purpose of meeting To confirm our school’s vision and values To advise parents of the Governors’ discussions regarding Academy status To clarify what an Academy is To discuss the advantages and risks of a transfer To seek your views as part of the wider consultation process

3. Our Vision and Values We are committed to; Catholic education Maximising student progress Inspirational teaching and learning Innovative ways of working Developing and supporting pupils and parents Making a positive contribution to community improvement and inter-school links

4. Our History In 1994 St James the Great School became one of the first primary schools in Croydon to convert to Grant Maintained status. This move was supported by the vast majority of parents and agreed with the Diocese and LA In 1999 GM status was abolished and the School returned to Voluntary Aided status. Our time under GM status is recognised as a successful period in the School’s history

5. What is an academy? Academies are state-funded schools that are not accountable to the Local Authority Academies have greater autonomy in terms of curriculum and finance It is not part of the original first phase of academies which were sponsored by third-party business

6. Why Consider Academy Status? We as a school have a responsibility to; -Ensure the delivery of the best education -Ensure we maintain services for pupils and staff alike -Serve the wider Catholic community -Consider options which allow us to achieve the above objectives

7. Why now? The political landscape Greater freedom to teach what we think is important Finances The School’s current position in terms of finances and ability to make the change

8. School Budget Difference St James the Great R.C. (VA) Primary and Nursery School Learning with God’s Love

9. Where does the money come from? Local Authority Central Spend Equivalent Grant (LACSEG) The majority of services that Croydon provide and that we make a contribution to fund are not used by the school. Those services that are required will still be purchased – no change to provision We are in a good position to make the change

10. What does this mean for the school? Surplus money from Grant will fund school priorities and maintain provision. Continue to be subject to Ofsted inspections Continue to be accountable to the Diocese Catholic ethos will remain – school will continue to look & feel the same

11. What does this mean for the school? Land and property would continue to be owned by Diocese Governors appointed in similar way i.e. majority by Archbishop Staff pay, terms and conditions remain the same Continue to work with other schools and wider community

12. It does not mean… Changing our name or uniform Sponsorship from a third party or joining a federation of academies Changing our admissions policy Sweeping changes to the curriculum Compulsory pairing with weaker schools Changing SEN support

13. St James the Great R.C. (VA) Primary and Nursery School Learning with God’s Love What is the difference for St James the Great R.C. Primary & Nursery School with regard to its being a Voluntary Aided school or an Academy? IssueBeforeAfter Who is responsible for the upkeep of the site and buildings? The Governing Body of St James the Great R.C. Primary & Nursery School The new Governing Body who are also the Board of Directors of the Academy Trust Who is responsible for the strategic direction and policies of the school? The Governing Body of St James the Great R.C. Primary & Nursery School The new Governing Body who are also the Board of Directors of the Academy Trust. Who employs the staff?The Governing Body of St James the Great R.C. Primary & Nursery School The Academy Trust. Who is on the Governing Body? 8 appointed (by the Archbishop) Foundation Governors 2 elected Parent Governors 3 elected Staff Governors 1 Local Authority Governor The Headteacher A small Academy Trust Board as agreed with Archbishop. The new Academy Governors 8 appointed (by the Archbishop) Foundation Governors 2 elected Parent Governors 2 elected Staff Governors 1 Local Authority Governor The Headteacher What kind of school is it?A Voluntary Aided primary and nursery school funded by the state. An independent (of the local authority) Catholic school funded by the state. Who determines the curriculum?The Governing Body.The Governing Body Who establishes staff pay and conditions? Teachers Support staff The Governors in accordance with the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) the 'Burgundy Book' and general employment legislation. The Governors in accordance with the National Joint Council for Local Government Service pay and conditions document. The Governors in accordance with the (STPCD) the 'Burgundy Book' and general employment legislation. The Governors in accordance with the National Joint Council for Local Government Service pay and conditions document Who will fund the school?The Government via the Local AuthorityThe Government through the YPLA (Young People's Learning Agency). Will the school charge fees?No Will the school seek parental contributions? Yes, as it does now for e.g. trips and visits.

14. Concerns Have the costs been considered? Staff pay and conditions What happens if future funding is cut? What happens if future governments change policy? What happens to other schools ‘left behind’?

15. If we become an Academy… Improved finances to meet school’s needs Maintain and improve buildings and resources Retention and recruitment of best teachers Targeted support and reasonably sized teaching groups Improved results

16. Summary There are clear advantages –Finance –Greater self governance –Maintain name, ethos, culture within school There are risks –Greater responsibility and liability –Keeping staff/parents/pupils happy through change But what is the risk of doing nothing?