The consultation and engagement period commenced on Monday 29th April 2024 and concluded on Monday 27th May 2024.

Responses:

Seven events were held for staff, parents and carers, and other stakeholders which were attended by 185 people.

195 online survey returns were received.

Key Themes of Questioning Asked by Stakeholders (in the survey and face to face meetings):

• Timing – How long will the process take? Will holidays and term dates align?
• Governance and future growth – What will governance of the MAT look like and how will it work? Have the schools reassured themselves that all models have been explored? Who would be the CEO and make decisions about the schools?
• How big will the MAT grow to and will there be geographical boundaries?
• Finance – How will this be funded? What is the central offer? Will schools lose control of their own budgets? How will it improve funding in the schools?
• Impact on learners – Will the schools adhere to the national curriculum? How will SEND work – will it be different?
• Staffing – What will be the impact of the changes on staff contracts? Will staff be told to go and work in other schools? What will be the professional development opportunities?
• What are the main differences between academies and maintained schools?
• What does it mean for pupils and is this something you have to do or is there a choice?

Responses to all points are included in the main consultation report in section 3.2

In conclusion:

Based on the feedback and information received to date, the emerging conclusion that can be drawn is that there are no apparent legitimate reasons why academisation for Pendle Vale College and the development of the MAT for all three parties should not continue according to the timescales outlined.  There is a view amongst trustees in all organisations that this will be a positive move for all of the schools, but this is not yet shared widely amongst all stakeholder groups, and leaders, trustees and governors recognise that ongoing discussions and dialogue are going to be important and that there is still much work to do.