Berkhamsted School Provision Consultation

An introduction from our headteacher and chair of governors

What does our governing body believe is the best outcome for our school and our town?

Updated: Our governing body met on Wednesday, 29 February, 2012 to discuss their response to the Berkhamsted school provision consultation. Before being able to reach a decision in principle, they will be asking the local authority for clarification and more information, particularly financial information for Thomas Coram and the for the whole town for option A. The governing body will meet again on Tuesday, 20 March, 2012.

What does this mean for pupils currently at our school?

Option A (two-tier) means that, in September 2013, all pupils currently in Year groups 5 and 6 would be guaranteed places at Ashlyns Secondary School for both Year groups 7 and 8.  However, Year 7 pupils would be able to apply for other secondary schools through the secondary transfer process.  Should Year 8 pupils wish to apply for admission to alternative secondary schools, in year applications would need to be submitted.

From 2014, all Year 6 pupils would apply for a secondary place through the usual county phase transfer process.  Ashlyns School would be included in the list of schools offering places and these would be allocated in accordance with their admissions criteria.

Option B (three-tier) does not affect pupils’ movement in existing schools.

What does this mean for staff of our school?

In Option A (two-tier), some staff may need to move to different schools and they would be protected by the principals of TUPE (Transfer Undertaking for the Protection of Employees scheme). Following consultations, discussions with headteachers, governors and unions on a protocol for change would happen.

In Option B (three-tier), there would be no direct implications for existing staff.  There may be greater opportunities for existing and new staff serving Bridgewater School as it extends its age range.

How to find out more and be best informed to make a decision

Read carefully and consider the consultation material and look at the information on the county council’s website – see hyperlinks below. Each school has information on its website and on display at their school.  There is also a questions and answers section on the county council website, which will be updated as the consultation proceeds. Talk to some of our head teachers at the drop-in sessions, see below.

Drop-in sessions

The following drop-in sessions have been arranged at Berkhamsted Civic Centre:

  • Thur 23 Feb, 11:30am-3pm
  • Wed 29 Feb, 11:30am-3pm and 6:30-9pm
  • Mon 12 March, 6:30-9pm
  • Wed 21 March, 6:30-9pm
  • Mon 26 March, 6:30-9pm

 

How and when to let the LA know your views

The county council, headteachers and governing bodies would welcome your views on these options and about the proposals for individual schools.  We would also be pleased to hear alternative suggestions you may have for us to consider. You can do this by completing the on-line response form – see hyperlinks, below. If you do not have access to the internet you can return a paper copy of the response form, which is available at all the Berkhamsted schools, at the drop-in sessions or by calling 01438 737350.  Paper copies should be returned to: School Planning Team, Freepost HJ71, Hertfordshire County Council, County Hall, Hertford, SG13 8YD.

If you need help to understand this information, please contact the customer service centre on 01438 737350.  An interpreting service is available for those who need it.

A consultation event involving focus groups from all schools was held on 22 February 2012 in the Civic Hall, Berkhamsted, was chaired by the Director of Education for Hertfordshire, Mr Justin Donovan. Key issues and debate from the Thomas Coram focus group, which like all school focus groups comprised the Headteacher, the Chairs of Governors and representative parents can be downloaded here. Our parents, who volunteered to be part of this group, were: Philip Bailey, Sarah Brierley, Sarah Gray, Uli Grego, Kate Hedge, Nick Reynolds, Sally Wardle and David Wolstenholme-Williams.

We are also keen to share your views with other parents. If you have any comments please keep these brief and email them to consultation@thomascoram.herts.sch.uk; we will post them here.

The decision making timetable

Public consultation 6 February – 27 April 2012
Governing bodies of Faith & Foundation Schools Meetings May – June 2012
HCC Education Panel Meeting June 2012
HCC Cabinet Meeting June 2012
Statutory notices June 2012
Objections to statutory notices considered July – August 2012
HCC Cabinet Meeting September 2012

Links

Links to our partner schools’ consultation information pages

Ashlyns School
  Bridgewater School
  Westfield First School
  Potten End CE(VC) First School
  St Mary’s CE(VA) First School
  Swing Gate First School
  Victoria CE(VA) First School
  Greenway First School

We will update this page as the consultation progresses.

Comments are closed.