Parent Council Feedback:

Thank you to those parents who were able to make it to the meeting this week. We discussed three key items: the Federation proposal, plans for the expansion of the school and feedback from the new pupil survey. Full minutes of the meeting will be published shortly on the blog, but some points are worth mentioning now:

• Parents suggested calling the meeting a Parents’ Forum so that it doesn’t sound so formal. The term Council implies that you have to be a member or that it is a very serious meeting – which isn’t the case. It is a chance to share our plans with you and to hear your views and ideas.
• The Federation idea is exactly that… an idea. If, after discussion with Governors, it turns into a proposal then you will be given much more information about pros, cons and what a Federation actually is. However parents were interested to hear that:
o The two schools retain separate budgets
o The two schools retain separate DfE numbers and separate Ofsted inspection cycles
o The two schools retain their own staff – although they may be offered the opportunity to work or collaborate across the Federation
• The Education Funding Agency (EFA) have indicated that it will be possible for the demolition of the old building to go ahead this summer. However the LA have to complete a development plan to show how they are going to expand the school between now and 2020-21.