Governors at Bramham and Shadwell primary schools announce federation plans

Governors at Bramham Primary School and Shadwell Primary School have announced plans to create a federation where both would share a management team and governing body.

Proposals have been made to create the federation from September 2010 and a consultation with parents and all interested parties will now take place to gather opinion before a final decision is made.

The proposals have been made because the governors believe that both schools would benefit from working together, delivering a high quality education to every child as part of the 21st Century Schools idea which promotes partnership working.

At a joint governing body meeting last month, governors from both schools voted in favour of the proposals and agreed for a formal consultation to take place. If the plans go-ahead, it would create the Federation of Bramham and Shadwell Primary Schools.

The federation proposals mean:
• Admission numbers and arrangements for each school will stay the same.
• Children will continue to be educated in their current school.
• Facilities will be shared to the advantage of children at both schools.
• The headteacher and deputy headteacher at Shadwell will be shared across both the schools.
• The two schools will continue to have budgets set based on the number of pupils at each school but will have an opportunity to share resources.
• A new joint governing body would be established for both schools.

Sue Morgan, chair of governors at Bramham Primary School, said:
“Being a small school presents some challenges in delivering both the curriculum and extended activities. Being part of a federation would provide Bramham primary with access to more resources and staff expertise which will only help our children. All governors at the school are confident that this would be a very positive and exciting development for the school.”

Martyn Stenton, vice chair of governors at Shadwell Primary School, said:
“Having discussed possible options at length with a number of other governors and education professionals, I see the option of federation as a positive step forward for Shadwell.

“It will allow us to build on our current successes and strengths which include the leadership and management of the school. Working more formally with governors at another school will help us to be more outward looking and find new ways to respond to the changes and challenges ahead. As governors we believe this will help both Bramham and Shadwell to become more successful learning environments.”

Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds, said:
“Schools are facing bigger challenges than ever before. These schools’ governors have announced these innovative proposals as they feel the changes would help provide even better education and opportunities for all the children. It’s important for children, parents and local communities that this proposal is given full consideration.”

The consultation will run until 5pm on 19 April 2010 and all parents and interested groups are urged to take part to ensure their opinions are considered.

Written comments can be made to both schools, the addresses of which are: Shadwell Primary School, Main Street, Shadwell, Leeds, LS17 8JF; or Bramham Primary School, Clifford Road, Bramham, Leeds, LS23 6JQ.

Comments can also be emailed to: shadwellps@leedslearning.net or bramhamps@leedslearning.net.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:
Jon Crampton, Leeds City Council press office, 0113 3951577
Email: jon.crampton@leeds.gov.uk