Statutory Public Consultation For Highfield Humanities College Academy Conversion

Transcription

1 Statutory Public Consultation For Highfield Humanities College Academy Conversion This consultation will begin on 23rd September 2015 and will finish on 21st October

2 Contents 1. Introduction Overview of proposed academy Why have we decided to become an academy? Why consult? Timeline of process How to respond TET Mission and Values Highfield Humanities College Mission Statement Admissions Overview Governance Overview Consultation Questionnaire...8 2

3 1. Introduction The Board of Governors has decided, in the best interests of the school and the education of the pupils, to apply for academy status with the Tauheedul Education Trust (TET) as the named sponsor. This will be subject to consultation with all stakeholders. TET has been given permission by the Secretary of State to become a sponsor. It has also been nominated by the Department for Education (DfE) to sponsor the conversion of Highfield Humanities College into an academy in January This consultation provides details of the proposal to convert Highfield Humanities College into an academy by 1st January Overview of proposed academy 2.1 Why have we decided to become an academy? Academy status will allow us to accelerate the current improvement programme in the school and focus even more on raising standards and achieving better outcomes for students. Becoming an Academy will give us the opportunity to strengthen governance and leadership of the school through the partnership with TET. The partnership with TET, which is based in the North West, will also allow us to benefit from a wider network of established education expertise, including a number of outstanding schools, in our improvement journey. By working with TET we will benefit from the experience of its board which includes a former Regional Director of Ofsted, a former Director of Education, the Chief Executive of a Local Authority, a Deputy Lord Lieutenant and individuals with specialist legal, business and teaching expertise. The Academy funding model will enable us to secure best value for the school through economies of scale within TET s arrangements. Academies have more freedom over the curriculum taught this means that Academies can tailor the curriculum to meet the needs of the children, to reflect the values of the local community and achieve the very best outcomes for students. The changing education landscape means that local authorities have a new role as commissioners of school improvement. The Academy in partnership with TET will work closely with the local authority in this new relationship through the local Challenge Board. 3

4 2.2 Why consult? Section 5 of the Academies Act 2010 requires all schools to carry out a formal consultation on the specific question of whether the school should enter into Academy arrangements with the Secretary of State in order to convert the school into an academy. This document outlines the key questions that the Governing Body wishes people to consider, the process by which you can respond and what will happen to your responses. We are very keen to hear your views as this process moves forward. 3. Timeline of process The overall consultation process is from 23rd September to 21 st October Within that time various events, activities and support will be available to help anyone take part in the consultation. Date Events and activities Purpose of event Who is it for? Friday 25 th September at 5.30pm Formal consultation event including session with Q&A held at Highfield Humanities College, Highfield Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 3JZ To provide information about Highfield Humanities College s reasons for converting to an academy and answer any questions and concerns raised. Stakeholders, including parents, prospective parents, governors, local schools, community groups, associated partners and local residents. Wednesday 23 rd September at 3.30pm Formal consultation event including session with Q&A held at Highfield Humanities College, Highfield Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 3JZ To provide information about Highfield Humanities College s reasons for converting to an academy and answer any questions and concerns raised by staff. School staff 4

5 4. How to respond Anyone wishing to take part in the consultation process can do so in a variety of ways, including; You can complete the questionnaire on our website at There will also be a public consultation meeting (please see timeline table above for date, time and venue). At this meeting representatives of the Governing Body will outline the reasons and proposals for why Highfield Humanities College should become an academy. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and give your views, so you can contribute to the development of the school into a successful academy. You can read and then complete the questionnaire at the back of this consultation document and then post back to: TET Shadsworth Road Blackburn BB1 2HT or via to: communications@tetrust.org 5. TET Mission and Values Our Mission We aspire to create outstanding organisations that cultivate learners who excel in academic achievement, personal development and service to communities. Our Values We believe that education transforms lives. Our Trust is built on the values of selfdiscipline, compassion, mutual respect for all people, regardless of difference and respect for the earth itself. We believe that all our students, from every background, are capable of achieving outstanding outcomes and developing into active British citizens who contribute fully to the local and global community. 5

6 We believe passionately that: Children and young people are at the heart of everything we strive to achieve and we have a key role to play in their physical and emotional well-being. Our success depends on the unity of purpose and clarity of conviction of all of our leaders, parents, staff, children and young people, who must strive for excellence at all times and show a willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. Each child and young person, regardless of prior ability and background, can succeed and make outstanding progress academically, socially and personally. We should embrace innovation whilst respecting those traditions that have stood the test of time. Our organisation belongs to, and has a responsibility for, our wider community. Energy, enthusiasm and endeavour are key to the delivery of sustained excellence. Character, integrity and how we treat each other do define us as people. No one person can deliver amazing results on their own it is always the product of earnest endeavours by lots of people. Each person has personal strengths and is unique and special. Long-term sustainability should drive all decisions. 6. Highfield Humanities College Mission Statement We all work together to achieve academic and personal excellence. Working Together is not just a motto, it is seen in everything we do. We are an academic school where pupils enjoy their learning and aspire to do their very best. We encourage pupils to be responsible for their own learning. We emphasise high moral values, social responsibility, tolerance, love, compassion and honesty. We aim to give every Highfield child the very best teaching and personal support that we can. Teaching and support staff work together with other schools and agencies to meet the needs of all our pupils. We provide pupils with experiences that help develop their personal and academic skills. We prepare them well for the next stage of their education, training or employment. We continuously adapt and improve what we do. We want everyone to have excellent communication and numeracy skills, be good team workers, problem solvers and use new technologies effectively. These are skills needed to succeed in the 21st Century. 6

7 7. Admissions Overview Admission to the school is managed by Blackpool Council according to its published admissions policy. The policy can be found here. 8. Governance overview TET has agreed to sponsor Highfield Humanities College. The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees, further details of which can be found here. This Board of Trustees will be responsible for the key strategic decisions relating to Highfield Humanities College. Highfield Humanities College will have a local governing body which will provide for the active involvement of local stakeholders in the day-to-day oversight of the school in partnership with the Trust. This is a key role in the Trust s governance arrangements, and the local Governing Body will report to the Board on progress in securing improved student outcomes and on the delivery of the curriculum. 7

8 Consultation Questionnaire TET is proposing to convert Highfield Humanities College to an academy in January Please complete the questionnaire below and return it no later than 21 st October Additional information is available on the website at including a section on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and information related to academy conversion. Question 1 - Your details: (This question is only asked to help us analyse responses to the questionnaire) Name:.. Address:.... Postcode: Tel:... Question 2 Who are you? Please tick alternatives Parent/carer of a child who currently attends Highfield Humanities College Prospective Parent/carer of a child who may attend Highfield Humanities College from September 2016 Member of staff at Highfield Humanities College Governor at Highfield Humanities College Parent /carer of a child from another local school Staff Association representative Employed at another school Governor at another school Local resident Local Employer/Business Councillor M.P. Other Please specify (e.g. Member of an Organisation/Society) 8

9 Question 3 Overall Mission and Vision Do you support the Mission Statement of Highfield Humanities College? Comments Yes No Don t know Question 4 Equality Assessment Do you think any groups or individuals will be adversely affected by the proposal outlined in our consultation document? Comments Yes No Don t know 9

10 Question 5 Admissions Do you think Highfield Humanity College s Admissions overview and criteria are clear and fair? Comments Yes No Don t know Question 6 - Funding Agreement and academy conversion Do you agree that Highfield Humanities College should convert to become an academy with TET as its sponsor, by entering into a Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State for Education? Comments Yes No Don t know 10

11 When completed, please return this questionnaire to: TET Shadsworth Road Blackburn BB1 2HT or via to: ENDS 11