1. Exploring Trust Status Outer West Schools involved: Beech Hill, Lemington Riverside, Milecastle, Newburn Manor, Simonside, Throckley, Walbottle Campus, Walbottle Village, Waverley, West Denton and Westerhope

2. Background The environment in which schools operate is changing rapidly The role and scope of the Local Authority is shrinking Budgets are likely to be reduced over coming years

3. Why are we considering changing now? All our schools are already working together through the Headteacher network. Each school enjoys autonomy within the area and each has its own characteristics which it would seek to maintain We are always looking for new ways to enhance provision to optimise the learning experiences of our children

4. What would changing add? Deeper collaboration on a range of mutually beneficial developments Enhanced continuity and transition (3-18) Involvement through partners from the business, HE/FE, charity sectors Having a larger buying power Charitable status would give access to other funding sources Greater community involvement

5. Who else would be involved? Newburn Manor Nursery has already expressed an interest in becoming an Associate School. Nursery schools are not allowed to become full Trust schools. We are currently exploring other potential key partners who would strengthen our capacity to deliver better opportunities. One of these will be the Local Authority.

6. Choices for Governing bodies Each school’s Governing Body has considered the options available for change: 1.Remaining as a Community School 2.Becoming an Academy 3.Becoming a Foundation school with a Trust Each of the eleven schools has decided they wish to consult on option 3 as it is the best option at this moment in time.

7. What would stay the same if we became a Trust school? Each school would continue to have its own Governing Body which would still be responsible for the school. The schools would continue to teach the National Curriculum, follow the schools Admissions Code and be inspected by Ofsted. They would still receive funding from the Local Authority and be part of the Newcastle family of schools. All staff would be employed on the same terms and conditions.

8. What would change if we became a Trust school? Each Governing Body would be the employer of the staff instead of the Local Authority. The buildings and grounds of each school would be held by the Trust rather than the Local Authority. The Trust would be responsible for appointing two governors to each school Governing Body. (This may be done by identifying 2 current governors to change category.)

9. What is a Trust School? A Trust school is a state-funded foundation school supported by a charity, often called a Trust School A Trust school is a member of the Local Authority (LA) family of schools. Trust status is similar to Voluntary Aided status for faith schools. Trust schools are still subject to Ofsted and LA monitoring of standards and potential intervention Any maintained school or group of schools can become Trust schools – primary, secondary or special schools The Trust normally includes external partners The Governing Body decides on acquiring a Trust

10. If you have any questions please call into school to speak to Mrs. Nelson-Taylor or Mrs. Oliver during the week of 10 th -17 th June 2013