Partnership Working within a Multi Academy Chain. Sidbury C of E Primary School 10 th May 2011 by Gary Chown

The National Picture “Taken altogether the changes we want to make represent a formidable reform programme. A more autonomous school system led by professionals; a new generation of brilliant teachers; a new era of discipline in our schools; a fairer funding system; a simpler and more challenging curriculum and a qualifications system that restores standards rather than diminishing them. I’m under no illusions about how tough it will be to drive this programme through but the scale of the challenge is such that we have no choice but to be this radical and this ambitious. There is no option but to push ahead on all fronts as quickly as possible”. Michael Gove, 9 September 2010

Setting The Scene “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them” Einstein

Tonight is not about…… School closure Amalgamation or takeover Heroic saving of schools in crisis Saving money Getting rid of Headteachers Homogenisation Empire building

Tonight is about……. Sustainable schools Shared values Focusing on teaching Encourage creativity Reducing duplication The best possible education and outcomes for our children

What is A Multi-Academy Chain? Company Trust Directors Local Governing Body South Brent Primary School Local Governing Body Children First Family of schools Local Governing Body Local Governing Body AN Other School or Group of Schools First Federation Family of schools

Primary Academies Trust A Company Limited by Guarantee Primary Academy Trust The Company Member Shareholder ? Member Shareholder ? Member Shareholder Executive Director Member Shareholder Diocese Member Shareholder Diocese

Directors of the Company Appointed by Members Directors Non Executive Diocese Chair of Govs A Chair of Govs B Chair of Govs C Parent Executive Head Executive Head

The Local Governing Body The Academy’s Local Governing Body is essentially a subcommittee of the Directors/Governing Body The Academy’s Local Governing Body will be representative of local stakeholders. The makeup of individual Governing Bodies will reflect the faith and status of its member academies.

Questions

Why do we need to join an Academy Chain? Securing long term Leadership Improved staff development Increased financial stability Wider opportunities for children Promotes creativity and innovation Focus on Teaching and Learning Greater autonomy for local decision making Improved Outcomes for Children

School Improvement Work Establish a teaching School National Leaders in Education (NLE) A network of National Support Schools (NSS) Local Leaders in Education (LLE) Professional Partner support Regional Leaders (RL) Advanced Skills Teachers (AST) School Improvement Consultants – commissioned by Local Authorities

School Improvement example Teaching and Learning Leaders to work across the group of Academies e.g. –Early Years –SEN and G&T –Curriculum specialisms Leaders could be drawn from existing Academies staff and funded through pooled budgets. Employment under an SLA /contract e.g. –Educational Psychologist –Speech and Language therapist –Parent Support Advisor(s) Academies will pay for services on a pro-rata basis

Questions