Report on Governing Body Decision - Conversion to Academy

 

NORBURY MANOR BUSINESS AND ENTERPRISE

COLLEGE FOR GIRLS

Report on Governing Body Decision

regarding Academy conversion

The Governing Body decided, after considering all the relevant information including both legal and financial advice, to pass a resolution to convert to Academy status, whilst retaining our name, uniform and ethos, as from the 1st January 2012.

Introduction

The consultation ran from 10th May 2011 to 3rd July 2011. .  A range of information was posted on the college website including background information on Government policy regarding academy conversion and specific information on the Governors approach to the issue.  The following stakeholders were consulted:

·     Parents of existing students and those of children starting in September 2011

·     Staff and Students

·     Local Schools

·     The Local Authority

Written responses were submitted by email and letter.

A staff consultation meeting was held on 24th May 2011 at which two representatives from the Local Authority were present.  A wide range of questions were asked, some regarding staff terms and conditions, and the transfer process (TUPE). 

This meeting was followed by a Parent Consultation meeting where a range of questions were addressed, including clarification on the role of the Local Authority.  At the request of some parents the consultation process was extended and a question and answer site added to the website.  The Headteacher, Mr Sands, and Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Francis, held a further question and answer session with the Parents Friends Association (PFA) on 7th June 2011.

Students were given information in Assemblies.  In addition the Headteacher held a question and answer session with members of Student Voice on 6th June 2011 who were encouraged to ask questions and submit responses.

Staff Responses

·     Several staff asked for further clarification on terms and conditions and the TUPE process, while the majority of staff expressed support for the conversion.

 
 

 

Parent Responses

·     A number of the responses from parents during the consultation sought clarification on a range of points - financial regulations and the level of extra funding that would ensue if Governors decided to go ahead.  Questions were also raised as to how the extra funding would be spent.  Overall the majority of Parental comments, as expressed through the PFA, at the consultation meeting and in written response, were in favour of conversion.

Student Response

·     Student Voice report that the initial concerns of some students that Academy status would alter the ethos and teaching at NMBEC have been allayed, and that the student body has a positive outlook on the change to academy status.

The Local Authority

Mr Alan Potter, Director of Education for Croydon, has stated that the Local Authority will work with and support NMBEC, should Governors decide to convert. 

Mary Turner

Chair of Governors