Management Information Sheet
Information for Schools Considering Conversion to Academy Status
Children’s Services has changed part of its structure in order to respond quickly and efficiently to the needs of schools that are considering converting to Academy status.
The responsibility for co-ordinating this process on behalf of the Local Authority from 1st June 2011 rests with Pupil Place Planning and Organisation. Within the team, the first point of contact for schools exploring Academy status is Alison Cunningham (Adviser for School Organisation). She can be contacted on 01603 223480, or by email:alison.cunningham@norfolk.gov.uk
Whilst recognising that schools are not required to consult with the local authority about possible conversion to an Academy, we would expect to be informed when a consultation is taking place. We do expect to be able to respond in a timely way to school’s proposals. At the end of the process the DfE asks the LA to comment on any school’s proposal for change. To enable us to do this, it is helpful to have a full copy of the details sent out in the consultation process and any other relevant documentation the school considers useful in understanding the decision made by the governing body. Details of the timescales for the governing body’s consultation and decision making will also be helpful.
The School Organisation pages on the Norfolk Schools Website are being developed to include latest information for schools exploring conversion as well as some challenges that should be addressed in ensuring that the decision is being taken in the best interests of all the children and young people in an area.
The responsibility for co-ordinating this process on behalf of the Local Authority from 1st June 2011 rests with Pupil Place Planning and Organisation. Within the team, the first point of contact for schools exploring Academy status is Alison Cunningham (Adviser for School Organisation). She can be contacted on 01603 223480, or by email:alison.cunningham@norfolk.gov.uk
Whilst recognising that schools are not required to consult with the local authority about possible conversion to an Academy, we would expect to be informed when a consultation is taking place. We do expect to be able to respond in a timely way to school’s proposals. At the end of the process the DfE asks the LA to comment on any school’s proposal for change. To enable us to do this, it is helpful to have a full copy of the details sent out in the consultation process and any other relevant documentation the school considers useful in understanding the decision made by the governing body. Details of the timescales for the governing body’s consultation and decision making will also be helpful.
The School Organisation pages on the Norfolk Schools Website are being developed to include latest information for schools exploring conversion as well as some challenges that should be addressed in ensuring that the decision is being taken in the best interests of all the children and young people in an area.