Public Consultation Meeting Proposed [School Name] Church of England Academy [ Date]

Academies  Academies are publicly funded independent state schools.  Funding comes directly from central government rather than via the Local Authority.  The Governing Body (certain schools) can decide whether to apply to become an Academy.  For others, the DfE issues an Academy Order and a Sponsor is Appointed.

What’s Different about Academies?  Freedoms  Governance  Accountability  Funding....and what stays the same?  Laws on admissions, exclusions and SEN  Partnership and collaboration  Inspection  Not for profit

What are the Proposals for this School? The Diocese of Ely Multi AcademiesTrust will sponsor the new Academy It will be called “[Name of the Academy]” The vision for the school. This consultation is to start to answer your questions but also to find out what things should be included in the school’s improvement plans as it becomes an academy managed by DEMAT

DEMAT A not for profit Trust. The Trust aims to serve its community by providing education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. Ely Diocesan has 83schools. DEMAT has in place a central team with education, ICT, buildings, finance and management expertise, organised and focussed on supporting and developing the academies that become part of the Trust.

How will this Affect Staff?  Staff will transfer from the employment of {current employer’s name]to the Academies Trust (TUPE)  TUPE is the Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006  All employees who are in post at {Date of proposed transfer] will transfer

What changes?  The school day will stay the same.  The school uniform, badge and ‘name’ stay the same  The curriculum and extra curriculum activities will only be changed where improvements are required and this will be done with full communications and notice  Those groups that use the school now will still be able to use the school after the conversion.

What Changes? Staff will have a new employer The Local Governing Body will be reconstituted, with Governors appointed by DEMAT. There will still be teacher and parent representatives on the LGB as well as a representative from the Parish Church. Some policies will have to be amended to reflect the status of the new employer

What about the Future? No plans to change anything without consultation. The Trust schools will deliver the national curriculum. For its staff the Trust would expect to adopt any National collective agreements – however will not be obliged to do so and will consult as necessary. The Trust plans to increase the number of schools sponsored. Widening opportunities for collaboration and for procuring services collectively.

Next Steps Consultation continues until [date], please return the consultation questionnaires. The Academy development plan will be agreed. The legal work for transfer will be done. The Minister’s approval for the conversion will be sought. The new LGB will be constituted. Conversion once approved will occur. A hand out is available of FAQs, new questions, and the answers to them will be posted on the school website. If you have any other queries please direct these to [DEMAT / School]

Questions A handout is available of FAQs, new questions, and the answers to them will be posted on the school website. There is also a FAQ page on the DEMAT website at If you have any other queries please do ask them now, or if you would prefer direct these to [DEMAT / School].