report

Weavers School

A Public Consultation on Academy Status

Main points arising from the Public Consultation

18 March 2013 – 10 May 2013

May 2103 – FINAL

Weavers School: A Public Consultation on Academy status

Weavers_ReportonPublicConsultation_FINAL_May13 of 15

Contents

Executive Summary .................................................................................................... 3

Section 1....................................................................................................................... 4

1.1 Introduction and Background ................................................................................................. 4

1.2 About Creative Education Trust ............................................................................................. 4

1.3 A school confident of its future .............................................................................................. 5

1.4 Design Programme ............................................................................................................... 5

1.5 Purpose and process for the consultation .............................................................................. 5

Section 2....................................................................................................................... 7

2.1 Overall analysis of responses ................................................................................................ 7

2.2 Sample comments from respondents who agreed that the school should become an

Academy ......................................................................................................................................... 8

2.3 Sample comments from respondents who disagreed that the school should become

an Academy .................................................................................................................................... 9

2.4 Sample questions sraised at the Drop-In session on 26th March ......................................... 10

Section 3 – Next Steps .............................................................................................. 11

Appendix A - Stakeholder List ................................................................................ 12

Appendix B - Consultation Questions .................................................................... 14

Appendix C - Academy details on the website ...................................................... 15



Executive Summary

CONSULTATION PROCESS

� The consultation was a joint undertaking between the school governing body and the Sponsor

� The formal consultation process took place between 18th March 2013 and 10th May 2013

� Consultation leaflets were distributed to parents, schools, community groups, faith groups, local Councillors, youth groups, and local residents among others. The leaflet issued contained a tear-off slip with pre-paid postage to submit comments

� An email address was set up to receive enquires

� A postal address was made available to receive enquiries

� The school telephone number was provided as a point of contact for verbal enquiries � A page on the school’s website, with a feedback page, was set up outlining the

proposal for the conversion to Academy status, as well as a downloadable version of the consultation leaflet

� A ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ (FAQ) document was produced and made available at meetings, at Reception and on the school’s website

� Briefing sessions/meetings held with Parents/Carers, staff and Student Council

� A public drop-in session was arranged for specific queries to be raised

NOTES

1. An outline of the TUPE implications was explained to staff at a meeting on 25th March. Formal TUPE meetings will be held in June, at which point representatives of Regional and Area Trade Unions will be invited. The Sponsor (CET) will then advise of any ‘measures’ being declared.

FEEDBACK � 73% of respondents (i.e. 41) were in favour of the proposed academy.

� 27% of respondents (i.e. 15) were opposed to the proposed academy.

NEXT STEPS � There will be public access to the report on the consultation in June 2013, via the

Academy page of the school’s website, but there will be no public access to the individual responses received, which is covered by the data protection act.

� The Department for Education will consider the outcomes of the consultation as part of the Funding Agreement sign-off process for the proposed Weavers Academy.



Section 1

1.1 Introduction and Background At a Governing Body meeting of 21st November 2012, Governors at Weavers School took the decision to pursue Academy status. This was following a careful and detailed evaluation of the various options for securing the long term success of the school. The governing body voted unanimously in favour of pursuing academy status with an academy sponsor, Creative Education Trust. The Governing Body and the proposed sponsors of the Academy sought the views of the parents/carers, community and staff on these proposals. The Weavers School consultation period, from 18th March to 10th May 2013, proposed that Weavers School became an Academy and be called The Weavers Academy. The proposed Academy would be sponsored by the Creative Education Trust (CET) and would convert by September 2013. The proposed Academy would continue to be a local school serving the local community and would adopt the existing Northampton County Council (NCC) admissions criteria and maintain the existing catchment area. Academies are high-performing schools designed to meet the needs of young people in the 21st century. They are non-fee paying schools and independent of the Local Authority, but publically funded by the Government and inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). A partnership with the Creative Education Trust will increase the opportunities for our students. Supporting the school’s drive for improvement, our sponsors will add an additional dimension to the education of Weavers’ students. Our joint ambition is to create a school that nurtures entrepreneurial skills and attitudes. This in its turn will better equip students in their preparation for post-16 education, higher education and employment. We believe that a partnership between the Creative Education Trust and Weavers School will prepare students to embrace the possibilities that the exciting world of the 21st century will present. Creative Education Trust recognise that Weavers School has made many changes in the last 2 years and that results have improved and are set to continue to do so. The Governors and Headteacher believe that working in partnership with CET will help the school achieve ‘outstanding’ more quickly. This is an opportunity for the school to access additional resources, specialist support and a wealth of professionals not currently available.

1.2 About Creative Education Trust

The proposal is for The Weavers Academy to be sponsored by the Creative Education Trust and operated on its behalf by the Creative Education Academies Trust. The Creative Education Trust is a registered charity regulated by the Charity Commission. Its mission is to promote the improvement of educational opportunity for young people in the UK and to enhance the role of design in schools. It does this through funding the development of a design-based curriculum and through the sponsoring of academies. It is entirely funded through private donations. The Creative Education Academies Trust is a charity and social enterprise set up in 2011 with support from leaders in the creative industries, innovation-based businesses and education.



CET’s mission is to improve standards of education and skills for children and young people across the UK, equipping them to be successful adults in the competitive, globalised world of the future. The creative, problem-solving, innovation and making skills used in design, engineering, high-tech manufacturing and architecture are at the heart of their approach to learning because they are at the heart of the UK economy of the future. CET is delivering its mission through exciting innovations in curriculum, teaching and learning which are driving educational improvement and developing students with modern employable skills in their growing number of primary and secondary academies across England. The Weavers Academy would be the seventh Academy in the CET ‘family’.

1.3 A school confident of its future Increasing numbers of parents are choosing Weavers School as the school of their choice. We are the fastest expanding school in the Wellingborough area and numbers entering at Year 7 and into the Sixth Form are buoyant. At Weavers School we believe that excellent teaching can excite, enthuse and inspire students to achieve great things in life. We are fully committed to raising the ambition and achievements of all members of our learning community and aim to provide opportunities for all students to develop and demonstrate excellence in their gifts and talents. Focusing on high standards, challenge and innovation will help us secure the climate of vibrancy, success and pride in the school, enabling all students to flourish and grow. Our school community knows that together we can achieve great things. Becoming The Weavers Academy with the Creative Education Trust will enable us to continue to change relentlessly, unfaltering as we move forwards.

1.4 Design Programme

The Creative Education Trust’s Design Programme is a unique feature of teaching and learning in their academies. Its purpose is to engage pupils vividly with the process of learning and thereby increase attainment across all areas of the curriculum. Children learn ways of thinking and skills that reinforce their work in other subjects and give them a sense of personal agency. CET intends to provide learning experiences which encourage pupils to welcome change and innovation and to develop confidence in making choices together with an ability to look for creative solutions.

1.5 Purpose and process for the consultation The consultation set out to assess public opinion in relation to the proposed conversion of Weavers School to Academy status. The consultation comprised a marketing campaign and quantitative research based upon: � A six week term time consultation period between 18th March 2013 and 10th May 2013



� 2,500 consultation leaflets distributed to parents, schools, community groups, faith groups, local Councillors, youth groups, and local residents among others. See Appendix A for full stakeholder list

� The leaflet issued contained a tear-off feedback slip with pre-paid postage to submit comments. See Appendix B for consultation questions asked

� An email address set up to receive enquires -

[email protected]

� The postal address of Creative Education Trust made available to receive enquiries - 35 Old Queen Street, London, SW1H 9JA

� The school telephone number was provided as a point of contact for verbal enquiries –

01933 222830 � A page on the school’s website, with a feedback page, was set up outlining the

proposal for the conversion to Academy status, as well as a downloadable version of the consultation leaflet - See Appendix C for the details shown on the website

� A ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ (FAQ) document was produced and made available at meetings, at Reception and on the school’s website - http://www.weaversschool.co.uk/school-information/school-news/198-academy-conversion-information

� A meeting for parents and carers was held at the school on 25th March, attended by 21

parents, with the Chair of Governors, Head Teacher and Sponsor in attendance

� A staff meeting was held at the school on 25th March, with the Chair of Governors, Head Teacher and Sponsor in attendance

� A briefing was held at the school with the School Council on 25th March, with the Head Teacher and Sponsor in attendance

� A ‘drop-in session’ was held on 26th March, for any stakeholder to attend. 6 people dropped in. The Head Teacher and Sponsor were in attendance



Section 2

2.1 Overall analysis of responses Overall 56 responses were received, i.e. via the tear-off slip from the consultation leaflet and the online feedback form on the school’s website. Respondents were asked to indicate which of the following categories applied to them:

Category Frequency Percent

A Parent or carer of a student at Weavers School 26 46%

A Member of staff at Weavers School 2 4%

A local resident 2 4%

A Student at Weavers School 22 39%

Other 4 7%

Total 56 100

In response to the key question of ‘Do you agree that the school should become an Academy?’, the feedback was:

Frequency Percent

Yes 41 73%

No 15 27%

Total 56 100

Summary of main areas of comment:

1. The majority of respondents were in favour of the Academy proposal being progressed

2. Very few responses were sent back, but several comments were offered

3. The majority of respondents believed that conversion to Academy status would further improve progress and the image of the school



2.2 Sample comments from respondents who agreed that the school should become an Academy:

Parent or Carer of a pupil at Weavers School

• “Anything to increase quality and increase creativity in the delivery of lessons is a great thing!”

• “We know that Ruskin was changed and that seems to be getting on alright, so I see no reason why Weavers shouldn’t do as well”.

• “An exciting opportunity for Weavers and Wellingborough which focusses on developing the individual person, putting their skills and ambitions first. Good luck and well done”.

• “I think that becoming an Academy with the CET will encourage the pupils to do better and to achieve their goals. This will hopefully give them more incentive for their future”.

• “In my experience becoming an outstanding Academy benefits pupils and staff alike. I wish the school luck and hope it continues to prosper”.

• “Offer information lessons for parents, e.g. Maths & ICT. Also on ethos and learning style of school. I think the Academy would even further improve the progress and image of Weavers School”.

• “The school does not have a choice about becoming an Academy because of political pressure and changing of exam grades. However I think that the Local Education Authority is not able to effectively support schools, primarily because of a lack of staff. All schools need to find ways to develop and to share best practice. The Creative Education Trust has a vision that matches closely to what Weavers is developing well: sensible, work-focused attitudes and entrepreneurial skills. The CET has a small cluster of primary and secondary schools, including some in the county. Best practice stands a good chance of being able to be shared and nurtured”.

• “I would like to complain that not enough notice was given on consultation events. Need to give more details so people can make an informed choice. Feel this is very rushed for our response and that the survey is very black and white (with no chance for deeper questions): cost of new uniform items? good teacher retention? proven results from other academies? undoing of the very great strides made recently? carrying on with the current pupil initiatives? transition for new pupils in Sept (who picked the school with no knowledge of these changes ? The LEA is not helping enough and I think academy is inevitable and probably becoming more necessary, but please give parents, teachers and pupils more input and more chance for a proper say”.

Member of staff at Weavers School

• “With staff morale at an all-time low, it will be good for SMT to have more guidance and accountability”.



Pupil at Weavers School

• “I think that we should be able to choose what curriculum we should do. Cookery should become a course at sixth form”.

• “I think the school being an Academy is cool, but I would like the school uniform to be more comfy especially in the summer. I think we would be able to wear a Weavers polo shirt. I would like more art clubs as well”.

• “Inter-schools competitions with other schools in CET”.

• “Like to have more explanations ; more creative writing ; chance for drama to become more important and a bigger influence ; to have chance to experience work with animals more”.

• “New uniform, something that stands us out. More PE lessons”.

• “I would like to have more courses like hairdressers courses. I would like more clubs for older people, like dance”.

• “I would like a different uniform. I would like the schools in CET to play competitive sports against us. I would like our school to hold talent shows so that we can express our talent”.

• “I think we should because it will make us feel more important even if we are not. But I think we should have fitted blazers and we should have a dance class instead of extra ICT for those who want it, and on PE days when we have it as our last lessons we should be able to go home in our PE clothes”.

• “It will attract a range of pupils and new activities”.

• “I’d like the experience of working with other schools in the CET partnership”. ‘Other’ respondent

• “Because people will come and you will be able to work with other schools and meet

lots more people because some might be very different”.

• “I think Weavers School staff and pupils will really benefit from the conversion, it will

provide the opportunities that Weavers School needs and give them positive change

into becoming a more outstanding school”.

2.3 Sample comments from respondents who disagreed that the school should become an Academy:

Parent or Carer of a pupil at Weavers School

• “I would like to know how Weavers is going to change in September? i.e. uniform? buildings? staffing? curriculum? aims? and how are any changes to be funded? How are standards to be raised? How are staff conditions to change? Is the Sixth Form to



change? What are the long term plans for the school?”

• “Academisation feels like the first step to the privatisation of education, or even sponsorship by private companies. I also feel like parents have no real say in this. It’s a fait accompli surely?”.

Pupil at Weavers School

• “I don’t want the school to start making loads of rules that are unnecessary. If the uniform is going to change, it should be eye catching”.

• “Because you’re basically doing it for money”.

• “Because I honestly don’t know what’s going to change. So no point really”. Local Resident

• “Academies were meant to assist failing schools. Many have overspent. Weavers

doesn’t need it if it’s a good as it thinks it is. Make the most of what you have and do

better”.

‘Other’ respondent

• “There is only one good reason for a school to leave community control and influence

through the local authority and that is financial. I assume this applies in this case as

Michael Gove has heavily tipped the scales that way. If you have to become an

academy then CET looks a better partner than most. Good luck”.

2.4 Sample questions raised at the Drop-In session on 26th March

• What will be different for new Year 7s?

• Will SEN provision change?

• Will there be changes to the staff structure?

• Will there be a specialism?

• Will the uniform be different?

• Will there be extra Design & Technology lessons?

• How will the school’s finances be impacted?

• How many other schools are being impacted?

• What will be the governance of the Academy?



Section 3 – Next Steps

1. This report on the outcome of the consultation process will be supplemented by several other processes and included in the Funding Agreement submission to the DfE for approval.

2. This report will be circulated to key stakeholders and published on the Academy page of

the school’s website.

For further information and any enquiries about Weavers School’s proposed conversion to an Academy please contact us at [email protected]



Appendix A - Stakeholder List

• All Parents and Carers (Consultation leaflet sent home with students)

• All Staff and Governors (including those who were absent, on sick leave or on maternity/paternity leave)

• Current Yr 6 students that will be joining in September

• Neighbours (Brickhill Rd & Weavers Rd)

• Weavers Leisure Centre Users

• Wellingborough Police Station

• Borough Councillors

• Local MP’s

• Parish Councillors: o Finedon o Wollaston o Earls Barton o Irchester o Great Doddington o Wilby o Bozeat

• Mannock Health Centre

• Albany House Medical Centre

• Redwell Medical Centre

• Wellingborough Library

• Wellingborough Museum

• Castle Theatre

• Everyday Champions Church

• St Mary C of E Church

• Wellingborough URC

• Great Park Street Methodist Church

• St Mark C of E Church

• Swaminarayana Hindu Mission

• Wellingborough District Hindu Association

• Wellingborough Mosque & Community Centre

• Islah ul Muslimeen

• Waendel Leisure Centre

• Redwell Leisure Centre

• Victoria Centre

• Penrith Drive Childrens Centre

• Glamis Hall Community Centre



• Vicarage Farm Community Centre

• Wellingborough Homes

• Anchor Housing Association

• Azuka Housing Association

• Mayday Housing Association

• Orbit Spa Housing Association

• WEP Schools:

• All Saints CEVA Primary

• Croyland Primary

• Freemans

• Olympic

• Our Lady’s Infant

• Our Lady’s Junior

• Redwell Infant School

• Redwell Junior School

• Ruskin Infant School

• Ruskin Junior School

• St Barnabas

• Victoria Primary

• Diamond Learning Community

• Park Junior School

• The Avenue Infant School

• Rowan Gate

• Friars School

• St Marys, Burton Latimer

• St Marys, Kettering

• Earls Barton Infant School

• Earls Barton Junior School

• Mears Ashby CEVA Primary School

• Wilby C of E Primary School

• Great Doddington Primary School



Appendix B - Consultation Questions

Tear-Off slip of Consultation Leaflet



Appendix C - Academy details on the website

report

Documents

public consultation

consultation leaflets

final weavers school

academy status weavers

formal consultation

school confident

school governing body

school telephone number