The consultation period is now ended and governors will meet to consider the views of all stakeholders.
Academy consultation (9am 13/11/23- 3pm 8/12/23)
The governors of Holy Family Catholic Primary School are working with Lancaster Diocese to fulfil the Bishop's vision for our Catholic schools to work closely together. Catholic Multi Academies are being established across the diocese to realise this vision and collaborate closely with our Catholic family of schools. The Blessed Edward Bamber Multi Academy Trust was established in 2012 and Catholic schools across Fylde, Wyre and Blackpool are all working together to grow this academy.
The governors are seeking the views of all stakeholders and a period of consultation will begin at 9am on Monday 13th November and close at 3pm on Friday 8th December. Parents and staff will receive an email and information about multi academy trusts. You are invited to respond to the consultation and how to do this is included in the information that you will be sent. There will also be staff and parents meetings which you are invited to so that you can find out more about multi academy trusts and there will be the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. The following documents have been sent out for your information along with frequently asked questions. Please contact school if you are having difficulties accessing the electronic feedback form. Alternatively, a hardcopy of the feedback form is available from the school office.
Questions asked during consultation:
1. Does this change the criteria for future submissions to the school?
Schools within the Trust still set their own admissions criteria Catholic MATs can set their own admissions policy in discussion with the Diocese and Trust. They still have to meet the strict rules in the Government’s School Admissions Code. The MAT usually works together with other local schools and local authorities to coordinate admissions and ensure equity and diversity in place planning. At present admissions are still managed by the local authority.
2. With schools together in this Trust, how does the funding work? Will school continue to fundraise internally and will those funds be absorbed in as a whole or directly to the school?
Funding from the government is allocated by the numbers of pupils on roll in the October census. Each school retains its own funding. If the school fundraises, these funds again are kept by the school - they are not distributed to other schools or absorbed by the Trust.
3. What will be the maximum capacity per classroom?
The Trust adheres to national guidance on infant class size regulations and ratios for younger children. The maximum capacity per classroom depends on the school's published admissions number.
4. Will there be additional teachers be required?
There will be no additional teachers required as a result of becoming part of the Trust. There may be additional staff required if pupil numbers increase significantly.
5. Will the parent governors continue?
Yes. There is a clear role for parent governors on the local governing body.
