Consultation Information

UCAT (University of Chester Academies Trust) and Parklands Community Primary School would like your views about the proposal for the school to become a UCAT sponsored Academy and your ideas and aspirations for the school and its future. This consultation process is important to the creation of a successful Academy that pupils, staff and the whole of the local community feel proud to be a part of. We will work with the community to understand and build upon the strengths of Parklands Primary School in order to develop an outstanding Academy. We would like your views and there are a variety of ways for you to participate in this consultation e.g. Complete the online consultation form Email info@UCATrust.org, telephone 01244 512 502 complete the consultation form attached and drop it in the post-box in the school reception Attend the parent consultation meeting Visit the UCAT website and complete the wish wall

The formal consultation period will close on 28th February 2014 and we hope that you will contribute to the process. We invite you to attend a consultation meeting for parents on Wed 5th February between 5.30pm and 7pm in the school hall. Further information can be found on both the schools website: www.parklands.cheshire.sch.uk and UCATs website: www.UCATrust.org A Crche and film/pizza club will be provided on the evening to allow for as many parents to attend as possible. If you are unable to attend the meeting on Wed 5th February there will be further opportunity to come along on Friday 7th February between 1.30pm and 2.30pm at the school, where representatives from UCAT will be available to answer any questions. Your feedback during the consultation process will help us to refine our educational vision and ethos for the Academy so that it reflects the aspirations of the local school community.

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Proposed University Primary Academy Ellesmere Port contd. UCAT UCAT is the leading University multi-sponsor of Academies in the country. It is the highly successful sponsorship arm of the University of Chester which has over 170 years of experience in delivering educational excellence and has an education faculty categorised as outstanding by Ofsted. This places UCAT in a unique position to deliver high levels of teacher training, business support and bespoke Continued Professional Development. UCAT will provide opportunities to share and contribute to a collaborative learning network across its growing family of primary Academies for the benefit of all. UCAT currently has six secondary Academies and three primary Academies with an aim to grow a larger family of primary Academies. We recognise the uniqueness of primary schools and will work with our Academy Head Teachers/Principals and their staff to create an impressive primary identity within UCAT and one that will complement and inform the work of our secondary Academies. UCAT has an excellent track record of success and has supported all our Academies in raising standards. Just recently two new UCAT primary Academies have opened which will create opportunities to share best practice and for the school to be involved in Trust-wide networks and events. UCATs transformational approach is underpinned by its clear vision and ethos. UCATs core values stem from raising aspirations and improving self-esteem. This approach can be exemplified by three pillars of learning: Believe, Belong and Become. These three pillars: Allow individuals to believe in themselves and others, cultivate a true sense of belonging to the Academy, the UCAT family and the whole community. Unlocking each individuals potential through personalised learning pathways, allowing all pupils to become all that they are capable of becoming. The aims of a UCAT primary Academy are:

To ensure all pupils progress and achieve the highest level possible To ensure pupil achievement in all its forms is at the heart of everything it does To be a place where teachers and leaders want to work and pupils are happy and love to learn To strengthen parental engagement and community cohesion to support the achievement of all To relentlessly focus on literacy (both written and oral) and numeracy To professionally develop excellent staff so that every child can achieve To maximise the use of new technologies To provide meaningful, personalised learning opportunities ensuring that all pupils achieve their best

School Improvement Model School improvement is high on our agenda. We understand the links between effective teaching and pupil outcomes and are, therefore, committed to making sure all staff, leaders, teachers and support staff have access to the very best professional development. Working closely with the Faculty of Education and Childrens Services at the University of Chester (an outstanding provider in the training of early years and primary school teachers) we provide a wide range of learning opportunities to suit individuals as well as whole-school development needs.

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A key feature of our school improvement strategy is the balance between input from a UCAT team of experts in primary school practice and school to school support. The UCAT network of support is made up of former Ofsted inspectors, national experts in all aspects of primary education, senior advisors and outstanding Head Teachers. We also provide school to school support through our strong links with a large teaching school alliance that is able to provide high quality primary support through National Leaders, Local Leaders and Special Leaders in Education. Governance

UCATs current structure contains eight Academy schools led by the UCAT Board of Directors as shown in the diagram, a further primary Academy has opened in January this year in Weaverham, near Northwich. The Board of Directors have ultimate responsibility for all the Academies. However, the day to day running and operations will be the responsibility of the Principal (i.e. Head Teacher) who works closely with the Academys Local Governing Body. This is very similar to the existing Governing Body which meets regularly to oversee the smooth running of the school. There are both staff and parent representatives. Admissions Admissions to the school will remain the same where all children regardless of background or ability will be eligible to apply for the Academy. The Academy will remain within the co-ordinated admissions scheme through Cheshire West and Chester. Families who have already applied to Parklands for entry into Reception 2014, those applications will automatically be transferred to the Academy to be processed and they will be informed of whether they have been successful in gaining a place at the Academy in April 2014 by Cheshire West and Chesters admissions office. UCAT and the school are considering raising the pupil admission number (PAN) for Reception in the future from 25 to 30.

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Uniform

We are consulting on changing the schools brand and, therefore, proposing to provide a smart new uniform free of charge. The UCAT primary Academy uniform is of a high quality and includes: red or purple trim blazer, tie (Junior) and branded PE top. Infants will be provided with a branded polo top, branded PE top and 2 cardigans/sweatshirts instead of a blazer. Due to the date of opening and to save any expense to parents, current Year 2 pupils will have the choice of a blazer instead of a jumper in preparation for starting as a junior in September 2014. UCAT are also hoping to be able to provide nursery children and infants a free book bag and PE bag. There are examples of the uniform available in school which can be seen near reception shortly. The school and UCAT websites also have further information.

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Frequently Asked Questions Who will be the Head Teacher / Principal of the Academy? The current Head teacher will become the Principal at University Primary Academy Ellesmere Port this will ensure the excellent progress the school has made over the last year under Mrs Flanderss leadership will continue and this will also ensure a smooth transition to the new Academy. What is an Academy? Academies are Government funded schools that provide a first class education free to all children regardless of race, religion, ability or family circumstances. Academies are schools that are not overseen by the Local Authority but by sponsors and are funded directly by central Government. Each Academy is uniquely able to provide solutions to its precise needs. UCAT Academies work together and involve staff, pupils, parents and the wider community drawing on the expertise of UCAT. They have additional flexibility to be more creative in what they offer and how they are organised and run. All offer a broad, balanced and innovative curriculum, consistent with national curriculum requirements, but also provide unique opportunities for learning experiences and enrichment clubs. Successful UCAT Academies share specialist experience and facilities with each other to establish stronger links with the local community. In this way, they become a resource and positive focus for the community, providing opportunities for extended learning and aspiration.

What are the benefits of becoming an Academy? The Academy will raise standards through innovative approaches to management, governance, teaching, training and the curriculum. The Academy will have the freedom to make decisions quickly based on the precise needs of their particular school. Throughout the curriculum there will be a commitment to raising pupils' aspirations and developing skills and competencies that give pupils the confidence and maturity to go on to Secondary School. The Academy will offer an exceptional learning environment that challenges and engages learners using the latest technology, which is personal, diverse and empowering, and which promotes individual and group learning as well as high quality teaching. When will the Academy Open? We are anticipating opening on April 1st 2014.

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Will the Academy be inspected by Ofsted? Yes, all Academies are inspected by Ofsted using the same framework as for Local Authority schools. A full inspection is carried out on an Academy within its first few years of opening. How open will the Academy be in its communication with parents? There will be continuous, consistent and clear channels of communication with families, with a focus on engaging parents as partners in their childrens learning. There will also be good use of new technologies, including a wide range of resources, information and interactivity on the Academys website. This will help support the increased focus on engaging the parents to promote their wider involvement in Academy life. Will the Academy admit pupils with a statement of educational needs? Yes, the Academy will be inclusive and the funding agreement sets out how the Academy is required to follow admission law to cater for children of all abilities. The Academy will adhere to the SEN Code of Practice and statutory guidance on inclusion. What will happen to staff at the school if it becomes an Academy? The staff currently employed by Cheshire West and Chester council will have the right to transfer to the Academy on their existing terms and conditions of employment. The transfer of their employment is protected by the application of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE). All staff will, therefore, transfer to the new Academy on their existing terms and conditions of employment.

Should you have any additional questions, the sponsor, UCAT, can be contacted by: Tel: 01244 512 502 or by email: info@UCATrust.org

Believe Belong Become