PAPER E

 

 

CHILDREN’S SERVICES SELECT COMMITTEE- 26 NOVEMBER 2004

 

FRESH START - WESTON COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

 

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR CHILDREN’S SERVICES

 

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

 

This report is to update the Select Committee on the operation since September 1 2004 of Weston Community Primary School as the replacement for Totland Primary School under a fresh-start project.

 

 

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

 

  1. To receive and note the report.

 

  1. Determine whether any further action or information is required.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

1.                  In December 2003 the Council Executive ratified its decision to pursue a process of fresh-start in respect of Totland Primary School. This followed a significant period in which the school, despite extensive support, had made little progress and was to avoid the risk of the school being taken out of local control, and possibly closed by the DfES.  Prior to this decision the school had been in special measures.

 

2.         During the period from January 2004 to September 2005 the process of fresh-start was implemented. An interim governing body was appointed and developed through a training programme. The school's staffing structure was established and the governing body appointed a headteacher and subsequently a full complement of teaching and non-teaching staff. Meetings took place with parents and a new school name, uniform and logo were agreed.

 

3.         Parallel to this the school began to establish a wider community provision. This had been a key element of the fresh-start proposal to ensure the school's long term viability. Effective links were put in place with the attached Neighbourhood Nursery, allowing for example creche facilities at parents' meetings. Similarly the Family Learning programme was secured and enhanced from September 2005.

 

4.         In September the new school opened with an initial role of forty five pupils this has subsequently increased and for the first time in recent years the school is gaining pupils. The school has also been successful in joining with other West Wight primary schools in achieving extended schools status.

 

5.                  Whilst there is much still to do and the school awaits its HMI approval visit in the spring term the actions of the Executive in approving fresh-start have been successful. The overall ethos and standards in the school have significantly improved and the level of support required from the Authority is significantly reduced and in line with that expected for a new school. Governors are active and the governing body is appropriately fulfilling its scrutiny function. Increasingly the parent community is involved in the school and their children's education.

 

CONSULTATION PROCESS

 

Prior to the fresh-start project extensive consultation was carried out with parents, the community, Members, the DfES and HMI.

 

On-going consultation is now occurring with parents and the community to ensure the new school fulfils its aims.

 

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

 

The report itself does not have any financial implications all financial considerations were costed in the original fresh-start proposal. So far the fresh-start implementation has been retained within the original budget costs.

 

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

 

Executive report November 2003

OFSTED Section 10 Framework

 

Note : This item will be supported by a presentation from the headteacher of Weston Community School (Erica Holyome) and two governors.

 

Contact Point : Keith Simmonds Principal Inspector - 823405 - [email protected]

 

 

 

JILL WAREHAM

Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services