With an afternoon focused on the realities
of academy conversion on Thursday 20 March, other sessions focusing on the changes to GCSEs, the use of pupil premium and practical case studies on the implementation of technology, there was something for every headteacher, senior leadership team member, business manager or bursar.
«It is scandalous that there has never been a legal requirement for full consultation with parents, staff, pupils and the community when a school is faced with the
prospect of academy conversion and we welcome the Report calling for this.
On
subject of academy conversion, Cameron said: «I profoundly believe this is the right direction for our country because I want teachers not bureaucrats deciding how best to educate our children.»
Despite the setback, the DfE said it expected the
rate of academy conversions to increase, bolstered by the Education and Adoption Act that came into force in March, giving the department extra powers to intervene in «coasting» schools and have them taken over by academy sponsors.
A parent body in every school can be a powerful way of achieving this but must be clear line of sight with governing boards so it has teeth.We are keen that parents call for such groups whether as a PTA or Parent Council are formed now and
ahead of academy conversion so they can have a say during the process.
Jonathan has particular experience in dealing with issues arising
out of academy conversions and school reorganisations and in advising on the structural and funding issues (including land transfers) that arise in that context.
The general process
of academy conversion is broadly the same for both voluntary and involuntary conversions, although there are of course differences specific to each conversion.
Topics that will be covered include developing school business management skills; managing the process
of academy conversion; and how to source top talent in challenging times.