Primary schools (3-11 yrs)
Partnership
Our aim is to develop the Trust with a true partnership across the secondary and primary phases. Our Board structure would be expected to reflect that range of experiences. Our current Board already has a Director from the primary sector.
Ensuring schools have a "voice"
The Trust sees it essential that schools have a "voice" and are able to feel valued and secure within the Trust structure. We do not believe that voice or influence should be restricted by the relative size of different schools.
In addition, we see the Directors very much as a Trust level role. This means that the Trust Board, made up of Directors, must not be dominated by those drawn from particular schools in the Trust. For that reason, the Board would be expected to be representative of the different phases and/or schools.
Joining us as a single school or as part of a cluster
We are open to individual Primary schools (that can be any or all of: Nursery, Infant, Junior schools) joining the Trust. We are also open to a cluster of primary schools that may have existing links joining us as a collective group. We are looking for geographically local schools; we believe that the most effective working partnerships require easy travelling distances between each school so that a vibrant local community can be established.
The role of the Primary Lead
In the case where the CEO is from the Primary sector then they may take the role of Primary Lead. Where the CEO is from the Seconary phase, or where the CEO is not taking this role, then the Trust would appoint to a Primary Lead role.
It would be intended to use the expertise of schools joining the Trust or in the Trust to provide the Primary Lead, where possible. This isn’t a requirement, but is an opportunity for those that wish to contribute outside their school. The Primary Lead could be on a shared or rota basis or could be a permanent or fixed term appointment.
Where there is not interest for such a post from within our schools, then we would look to appoint a Primary Lead from external sources; the Primary Lead would coordinate the sharing of Primary best practice, work closely with the Secondary Lead and also attend Board meetings to provide expertise at that level.
The role of the CEO across the Trust
The CEO has responsibilities across the Trust. These will include:
- taking the role of Primary or Secondary Lead within the Trust unless the Board decides otherwise
- leading and growing the Trust, working closely with the Trust Board and its committees as required
- supporting high quality provision across the Trust so that its students' and the school communities thrive
- working closely to support the sharing of best practice; this will include meetings with Headteachers and other leaders to develop strategies and responses to different issues and decide how best to use allocated Trust resources
- ensuring financial health and high quality cross Trust support (such as HR, finance, marketing, procurement etc)
The role of the CEO in working with schools
The CEO also has responsibilities to each school, and across schools. These will include:
- supporting high quality leadership, including opportunities for Headteachers to identify best practice and showcase these across schools
- giving opportunities for staff development within and across schools, using the different expertise each school will have
- supporting learning reviews, interpretation of data and other forms of self-evaluation as requested by schools and the Trust
- ensuring the coaching or mentoring of new and existing Headteachers
- supporting delivery of plans to enhance teaching and learning, and wider support for students
Finding out more?
Please feel able to contact us for an informal chat or to ask any questions by clicking here.