Will schools retain autonomy as part of the new MAT?
One of the guiding principles of our MAT is that we want all schools to retain what makes them special and unique. We want to continue to serve our different school communities and offer the right provision for the children at our schools. We appreciate that each school has its own ethos and vision and this will continue to be respected. Our MAT will have an overarching ethos and approach which is in line with our individual values.
Will the name of the schools be different?
No. All schools will keep their current name and will still be referred to as 'school' rather than 'academy'. But we will be schools as part of MAT UNNAMED and this additional brand will appear alongside our current school logo on things such as our website, letterhead and signage.
Will the schools be changing their uniform?
No. All schools will retain their current school uniform. We want our schools to retain their uniqueness and our school uniforms are part of what make us all our own school.
Will the school terms change?
School term dates are currently agreed each year by the governors of each individual school. In the vast majority of cases, schools choose to keep term dates that are in line with the majority of other schools in the Local Authority. Term dates will now be set by the Trustees and will be the same for all schools in the MAT. The Tustees will continue to set terms dates with due consideration for other schools in the Local Authority.
Will there be changes to the length of the school day?
There are no plans to make changes to the length of the school day in any school at this time.
Are parents / carers still represented in the governance structure?
Yes. Each school will retain a Local Governing Body (LGB) which will include parent / carer and staff representation. The LGBs sit beneath the Board of Trustees for the MAT and has delegated responsibilities. To find out more, see the Governance section of this site.
Who will make the decisions in each school?
The Headteacher of each school will be responsible for the day to day business of the school. Local Governing Body's will also continue to play a role although this will be slightly different to their current level of responsibility. For more information, see the Governance section of this site.
What will be the admissions policy for the academy schools?
The schools will continue to be non-selective with regard to pupil admissions. It is the aim of the MAT is to ensure that our schools provide high quality, inclusive education for local children.
What are the benefits for my child if the schools convert to a MAT?
The pupils of all schools will benefit from the strengthened links between the schools, increased collaboration and sharing of best practice. The unique individuality of each school will also be protected to ensure all children can access the best provision possible for them.
Is an academy like a business?
No. A business makes profit for its shareholders. An academy school is a charitable trust which cannot make profit.
Are academy schools bound by the same rules and regulations as other schools?
Academies are required to follow the law and guidance on admissions, special educational needs and exclusions. Academy schools do not have to follow the national curriculum as long as the curriculum is 'broad and balanced'. This will be determined by the MAT board of Trustees.
Will schools continue to work with the Local Authority?
We wish to continue to work with the Local Authority and other local schools and partners. Individual schools have the ability to procure services from the Local Authority and external providers based on the needs of each school. We will continue to see support from the Local authority where this adds value.
What will the MAT's relationship be like with neighbouring schools?
The schools in the MAT will continue to work collaboratively with neighbouring schools.
Who makes the decision to create the MAT?
The governing body of each school will make the final decision pending successful consultation and the issue of an Academy Order from the DfE authorising the creation of the MAT.
Why include these four schools in the set up of a new MAT?
All four schools are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. This means our new MAT would be starting from a position of strength with the capacity to create a MAT from scratch. All four schools are also aligned in terms of values and ethos which is critical for successful collaborative working. The strength of the new MAT from the outset means we will be able to welcome a range of schools moving forward without undue risk to the MAT.
Will one school act as a 'lead' school within the MAT?
No. Following research or exisiting MAT set ups, it has been determined that the collaborative approach we are taking is more effective than a 'lead school' model.
Why look to create a MAT now?
There is a unique opportunity to create a new MAT in North Tyneside at this time. If the government returned to their policy of academy conversion for all schools in the future, we could miss the opportunity to be at the ground level of creating an organisation with the values and ethics we choose. This could leave us in the less favourable position of needing to join an organisation that has already been set up.
When might the schools convert academy schools under the new MAT?
Should consultation and an application to the Department for Education (DfE) be successful, our planned date for conversion would be on or after 1st January 2024.
Can schools change their mind after becoming an academy?
Schools cannot return to their status as either North Tyneside Learning Trust schools or Local Authority Maintained schools. Schools would need to continue as academy schools after conversion. Schools may leave the MAT and join another MAT but this is exceedingly rare and would be at the discretion of the MAT Board of Trustees.
Will there be staffing changes?
There are no plans to change existing staff in individual schools at this time. However, a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be appointed to oversee management and a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be appointed to oversee finances in the MAT. A number of individuals will be appointed to the roles of Members and Trustees. These are voluntary, unpaid roles relating to the governance of the MAT and individual schools. For more information see the governance section of this site.
Will each school still have a Headteacher?
Our staffing structure includes a Headteacher at each school to ensure schools can be effectively managed on a day to day basis. If and when a new Headteacher would need to be appointed, this would fall within the remit of the MAT Board of Trustees.
What are the terms of employment for staff?
All permanent staff are entitled to transfer to the new academy school under the same terms and conditions as part of TUPE arrangements. Any future staffing changes or restructures would be managed by the MAT Trustees in consultation with HR and Trade Unions where appropriate. This includes terms relating to pay bands and increments.
What will happen with regard to staff pensions?
Teacher pensions will continue as part of the teacher's pension scheme with the MAT continuing the same employer responsibilities as under the Local Authority. Non-teaching staff will usually be members of the Local Government Pension Scheme and the MAT will secure 'admitted body' status with the local pension authority. This protects the rights of employees and allows the MAT to take on employer responsibility for contributions and administration of the scheme. Staff can opt out of the pension scheme if they wish to make alternative arrangements.
Will the MAT recognise and engage with Trade Unions?
Yes. We recognise the role of Trade Unions and see positive engagement as critical to the transition process and ongoing success of the MAT. Trade Unions will play an important role in the consultation process and TUPE for staff.
Would staff pay scales remain in line with Local Authority arrangements?
We plan to continue to work closely with the Local Authority HR department and adopt their recommended arrangements in line with the majority of other schools in the region.
Will staff job descriptions be re-written?
Job descriptions will continue to be reviewed in the same way they are currently - which is to say following appraisal, due to staffing restructure or a change in business needed if necessary. This would always take place with advice from HR.
Will staff be required to work in other schools in the MAT?
Current employees will be given the opportunity to work at other schools where a professional development or support opportunity arises. However, this would be subject to the agreement of both the schools and the employee. New employees may be asked to work in one or across multiple schools based on the role required.
Will the amount of time allocated to CPD be affected?
This is linked to 1265 directed time and would be looked at as a MAT.
Would there be changes to how the curriculum is delivered?
There may be some approaches to teaching and learning that evolve over time through the process of support and challenge that is possible via the MAT. No changes are planned for the immediate future.
Would the pay date each month change?
This is unlikely at the current time as schools plan to retain the services of NTC payroll in the immediate future.
How will the schools be funded?
The schools will continued to be funded by the DfE. However, instead of funding being distributed by the Local Authority as per the current arrangement, funding will be received by the MAT via a master funding agreement with the DfE. The budget received by each school will likely be similar to that received under the Local Authority.
How will the schools be accountable financially?
An academy school is governed by the rules and regulations for charitable trusts. Like other schools, they cannot run at a loss and must break even. There will be robust financial systems in place including audits conducted by an external independent auditor.
Are there costs involved in becoming an academy school?
There are a number of costs associated with becoming an academy school including legal fees. The government give each school converting to an academy £25,000 which we anticipate will cover these costs in full.
Who will own the school building and land?
As North Tyneside Learning Trust schools, Amberley, King Edward and Monkhouse already lease the buildings and land directly from the Local Authority. The Local Authority will also be required to grant a lease to Holystone.
How does becoming an academy school affect SEN funding?
Notional SEN funding will come directly from the DfE as part of the funding agreement. Funding allocated to a named child via an Education and Health Care Plan will continue to be funded directly by the Local Authority.
Will subject leaders have access to their own budgets?
Schools will have authority to authorise spends against their own budgets up to set amounts as defined by the Scheme of Delegation. It is likely that this will continue to be delegated to subject leaders where appropriate within the set budget.