Discussion groups - Northumbria

							TRUST AND FOUNDATION SCHOOLS
         PROGRAMME
         Networking events
       Northumbria University
         20 November 2008
Aims


• To bring together open and acquiring trust schools to share practice and
  strategies for success
• To explore ways in which the trust is raising standards and developing
  leadership and governance
• To provide discussion and networking opportunities for school staff,
  governors and trust partners
• To identify ways in which the TFSP can provide further support.
The national picture
• Over 480 schools on the programme since September 2006
• 115 open trust schools since 1st September 2007
• Opportunities for schools to join the Supported Schools Programme every
term

And now…
• Open trust schools expanding to include additional schools
•   Federations moving into trusts, and vice versa
•   ‘Town-wide’ trusts
•   Promoters of new schools
•   Sponsors of Academies
•   National Challenge Trusts
Discussion group 1: school presentations

Following on from the presentations:


1. Briefly introduce yourself and your school
2. Outline where you are in the trust process
3. Share strategies for success and tips for overcoming barriers
4. How can you apply information from the presentations to your own
   situation?
5. Is there any further support that you would require?
Discussion group 2: governor / partner presentations

Following on from the presentations:


1. Outline where you are with
   a) working with governors / governors driving the trust process
   b) securing partners and sharing the trust vision
2. Share strategies for success and tips for overcoming barriers
3. How can you apply information from the presentations to your own
   situation?
4. Is there any further support that you would require?
What makes an effective trust?

•   Clarity of vision – why trust status? How will it make a difference?


•   Relevant focus for the trust – raising standards


•   Strong partners with appropriate skills and expertise


•   Commitment to collaboration and innovation
Important resources – on the TFSP website


• ‘A guide to becoming a trust school’ – produced by consortium
• ‘The Toolkit’ – produced by DCSF (up-dated version soon)
• ‘Changing School Category to Foundation – A Guide for Governing
  Bodies’ - DCSF statutory guidance
• ‘Trust School Proposals – a Guide for Local Authorities and Governing
  Bodies’ - DCSF statutory guidance
• Case studies and video clips
• Newsletter and e-alerts
The trust process

Schools must:
• Follow the statutory guidance
• Register and access the Notice Builder at the DCSF School
  Organisation website
• Inform the DCSF School Organisation Unit of the governing body’s
  decision once the representation period for statutory proposals has
  ended
• Refer all legal issues to their solicitor (TFSP cannot offer legal advice)
• Seek advice from an accountant on trust financial matters and audit