OASIS ACADEMY LEESBROOK SECTION 10 CONSULTATION REPORT
November 2017
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CONTENTS
1. Executive Summary
2. Introduction
3. Vision and Ethos
4. Engagement prior to formal consultation
5. Consultation methodology
6. Results
7. Other Issues Arising
8. Responding to the findings
9. Conclusions
10. Appendices
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1. Executive Summary
Oasis Community Learning (OCL) proposed to open Oasis Academy Leesbrook a new secondary school for the East of Oldham and the surrounding area. Under the Academies Act 2010, in advance of opening any proposed new school there must be a consultation period for local stakeholders. OCL undertook a 6 week consultation in accordance with the statutory requirements from 11th September 2017 to the 23rd October 2017.
The consultation sought views on key aspects of plans including, vision and values of the new school, an extended school day, community use of the school and whether the Secretary of State should sign a funding agreement with OCL. The consultation was underpinned by an ongoing commitment to meaningfully and inclusively engage the local community in developing and refining our plans. There were 35 responses to the consultation survey in total, the overwhelming majority of them supportive of the proposals to open Oasis Academy Leesbrook and for OCL to enter into a funding agreement with the Secretary of State.
On the basis of the response to the consultation OCL wish to enter into a funding agreement with the Secretary of State and will continue the open dialogue with local stakeholders so that they are involved in shaping our plans for Oasis Academy Leesbrook.
2. Introduction
Due to a basic need identified by Oldham City Council and the Department for Education (DfE) for a new secondary school in the area of East Oldham, OCL put forward the proposal of a new 10 form of entry all-inclusive community secondary school with a strong academic focus. The planned opening date is September 2018 with a Published Admissions Number (PAN) of 120 Year 8’s and 150 Year 7’s.
Our PAN will stay at 150 until September 2020 when we will move into our permanent new building where we will increase the PAN up to 300.
There is a real need for a new secondary school in the East Oldham area to increase capacity for a growing population but also for parental choice. Currently in excess of 5,304 pupils within a three mile radius of this post code-OL1 3HA are educated in schools judged to be Requiring Improvement or Inadequate. Although there are schools judged to be Good or Outstanding of the 15,816 secondary places within the three mile radius, 4,967 places are at schools with an admissions criteria based on faith. Therefore, Oasis Academy Leesbrook will fill this gap by providing a rigorous outstanding academic education with a fully inclusive admissions criteria.
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3. Vision and Ethos
Our vision for Oasis Academy Leesbrook is that it will be a school where all young people will receive a personalised educational experience. Students’ academic skills, habits and personalities will be developed allowing them to successfully progress to work or further education, whilst making a positive contribution to our community. We will prepare our students to be future local, national and global leaders who the community will look upon with pride and admiration.
Our curriculum, or planned activities to develop growth and learning as well as enriching beyond the classroom, includes a rich experience where students will study both national curriculum ‘traditional’ subjects along with a discreet curriculum that develops the attitudes and values that we expect from everybody within the Academy.
Personalised experience - The curriculum will be designed to meet the individual needs of our students and prepare them for their future education and careers.
Strong Academic focus - There will be a strong focus on reading, writing and mathematics to ensure that students are able to access the curriculum fully. There will be support for students who have English as an additional language, along with a comprehensive programme of development and challenge for the most able readers, writers and mathematicians.
Cultural Offer - The extended day and enrichment curriculum will cover aspects of life such as oracy skills, creating regular opportunities for public speaking in front of classes, assemblies and staff meetings. This will allow students to develop confidence and proficiency in this area.
Character Education - The ‘Oasis 7’ will be the foundation on which our character education is devised. Every year, every child at Oasis Academy Leesbrook will have the opportunity to: 1. Visit a Russell group University 2. Attend a residential trip, having the opportunity to visit one of our Oasis global partners 3. Give back to a local, national or global community 4. Compete against the very best, in athletics, maths challenges, science fairs and music competitions 5. Visit cities around the UK 6. Learn about a variety of careers 7. Participate in local and national politics
DEAR-Drop Everything And Read - Every morning will start with ‘Drop Everything And Read’ (DEAR), where students will read journal articles, classical texts and current affairs articles to stretch and develop their influence skills, vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking.
Family Dining - The Academy will operate a family dining approach to lunches where students will sit together in tables and eat together as a family – promoting conversation and interaction.
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4. Engagement prior to formal consultation
Prior to entering the pre-opening phase, Oasis Community Learning set up a Facebook page called ‘Oasis Free School’ we used our Twitter page for Oasis Academy Oldham to raise awareness of this page. A screen shot of the page is shown in Appendix 1. Overall the page was viewed by 8,013 people, of these 209 engaged with the page via comments and posts. In addition to this 105 people ‘liked’ this page indicating support for our proposal and 104 people follow this page.
In April 2017 when the DfE approved our bid to open this new secondary school in Oldham, OCL issued a press release announcing this news. This article was published by the Oldham Chronicle on 18th April 2017 under the headline ‘New Free School plan approved’. Unfortunately due to the Oldham Chronicle no longer being in existence we are unable to display this article.
This announcement was also displayed on Oasis Academy Oldham and Oasis Community Learning’s websites please see Appendix 2 for a copy of this.
In July 2017, a site just off Roxbury Avenue, OL4 5JE owned by Oldham Council, that the Education Skills and Funding Agency (ESFA) had been looking at as potential site for the new school, was approved by Oldham Council cabinet members. A press release announcing this update was published in Oldham Chronicle on the 11th July 2017 under the headline ‘Free School site revealed’ and in the Manchester Evening News on the 19th July 2017, please see Appendix 3 for a copy and link to this article.
Prior to the consultation period beginning a webpage was created for Oasis Academy Leesbrook as well as a Twitter page @OasisLeesbrook and a Facebook page. Please see Appendix 4 for links to these pages.
OCL are also working very closely with Oldham City Council and we developed our admissions policy with them and the DfE. In addition, we have a services agreement with Oldham Council that they will administer our admissions process and we feature on their admissions website and they will managed our applications. Please see Appendix 5 for a link to this. The project has also received strong support from parents and staff of Oasis Academy Oldham and Oasis Academy Limeside, which are two established schools OCL already run in Oldham area.
5. Consultation methodology
In designing our statutory consultation, we reviewed our previous approaches for the other free schools we have opened as well as a range of other free schools and the New School Network’s good practice guidance to inform our plans.
We developed a short survey design to give stakeholders a flavour of our proposal and an opportunity for them to express their views on our proposal. The survey consisted of the following questions: Their distance from the proposed school site The connection they would have with Oasis Academy Leesbrook
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Their opinion on our proposal for an extended school day Their opinion on our ethos and attitude of inclusion, a ‘can do’ culture, discipline and hard work. If they were a parent/ carer were they considering Oasis Academy Leesbrook for their child/ children The community activities they would like to see provided. If they were interested in becoming an Academy Councillor. Whether they think OCL should enter into a funding agreement with the Secretary of the State.
Most of the questions contained free text boxes, to enable respondents to comment openly on the question. The only question which had a fixed answer was the last one-‘Do you think Oasis should enter into a Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State?’. As this is a crucial question and the foundation of the consultation we needed an easily readable answer so offered two options ‘yes’ and ‘no’. A copy of the Survey is included in Appendix 6.
An Information Booklet and background text on the website was produced to accompany the survey in order to provide respondents with sufficient information to answer the questions on an informed way.
They survey was created on Survey Monkey and a live link was shown on our webpage as well as Twitter and Facebook. This same survey was then printed and distributed at the Consultation meeting, community visits and for those who preferred to see a hard copy or didn’t have internet access. We also had our email address [email protected] live and a phone number, which was listed on all consultation literature and the website for anyone that had queries regarding the consultation.
5.1 Timing In order to ensure as many people as possible were able to respond the consultation ran for 6 weeks from 11th September 2017 to the 23rd October 2017 with a Consultation Meeting held on Wednesday 27th of September 2017 at Oasis Academy Oldham Middleton Road Campus, Middleton Road, Oldham, OL9 6DE. Invitations to the consultation meeting were sent to all stakeholders at the beginning of September followed by reminders throughout the period.
5.2 Stakeholder list The following groups were identified as key stakeholders, and every effort was made to collect their feedback on our plans for the school: Local residents within 1 miles radius of OL4 5JE (proposed school site) Parents and carers currently attending OA Oldham Middleton Road Campus Local businesses-cafes, shops, lawyers Local primaries within 3 miles of OL4 5JE Local secondary’s within 3 miles of OL4 5JE Local Councillors from the following wards: St Mary’s, Medlock Vale, Waterhead, St James, Saddleworth & West Lees, Alexandra, Coldhurst and Werneth Local MPs: Oldham East and Saddleworth-Debbie Abrahams and Oldham West and Royton- Jim McMahon Community organisations-e.g. local Residents’ Associations, local youth groups, local charities
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Faith groups-e.g. Mosques, Churches, Temples SACRE local representatives.
5.3 Consultation and marketing methods In order to ensure as many stakeholders were aware of our consultation and had the opportunity to respond, we developed a comprehensive marketing strategy to encourage responses to our survey. This entailed developing a range of methods for promotion to engage different audiences and to ensure our consultation was as inclusive as possible.
The methods used to market the consultation included: A drop-in public consultation event open to all members of the community. Email informing staff parents at Oasis Academy Oldham about the consultation Invitations sent to all key stakeholders listed above. A bespoke consultation flyer distributed to local primaries in book bags, local health centres, shops, libraries, places of worship. Drop in at community meetings such as Fatima’s Women’s Association. Social Media advertising, including Facebook and Twitter. OA Leesbrook webpage directing people to the Survey.
6. Results
We received 35 responses via our online survey, structured to enable quantitative and qualitative analysis. Most respondents offered one-word answers to the questions, but a few people gave further comments.
The results were overwhelmingly and enthusiastically positive, with only 3 respondents answering ‘No’ to Oasis entering into a Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State.
We received no emails or telephone calls regarding the Section 10 consultation.
6.1 Respondents proximity to the proposed school site Respondents were asked whether they lived ‘Less than 3 miles’, ‘3-5 miles’ or ‘5 miles or more’ from the proposed school site in the St Mary’s ward of Oldham. Figure 2 shows the answers to this question with over 58% living less than 3 miles from the school site, one respondent skipped this question.
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Figure 2 respondents answer to Question 1.
6.2 Stakeholder group Respondents were asked which stakeholder group they identified themselves as belonging to. The options offered were: 1. Prospective Parent/Carer 2. Parent/Carer of a child at a local primary school 3. Elected council representative 4. Governor a local school 5. Member of staff from a local school 6. Local resident 7. Local business owner 8. Parent/Carer of a child at a local secondary school
Whilst respondents were from various different stakeholder groups, the largest stakeholder group were people who selected ‘Prospective Parent/Carer’. Five respondents skipped this question.
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Figure 2 respondents background
6.3 Opinion on extended school day Respondents were asked if they were favour for an extended school day they had a choice of two responses ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ and a comment box if they wished to provide further comments. Quantitatively just over 50% of people said ‘Yes’.
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Figure 3 opinion on extended school day Qualitatively we had the following responses: “If the intention is to provide enriching experiences for children and support working parents” “I have some further reservations the UTC tried a similar timetable and failed to attract pupils in large numbers. The children would struggle to access inter-school sports’, ‘8.30-4.20pm’” “‘I think it is a wonderful idea” “Concerned about the timing, the children from the Muslim community attend the mosque about 5.30pm so I think the timing at school will get too much for the children.” “Excellent idea!” “I think further examples of the long day needs to be seen and maybe feedback from existing students.” “No-we already have a school.”
With all of these responses in mind, we have decided to keep consultation open on our proposal for an extended school day and develop our plans for an extended school day with the local community listening and responding to their concerns on this.
6.4 Opinion on our ethos and attitude of inclusion, a ‘can do’ culture, discipline and hard work Over 85% of respondents either Strongly Agreed or Agreed with our ethos and attitude. One respondent skipped this question.
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Figure 4 Opinion on ethos and attitude Respondents were given the option to comment along with their answer we had the following comments: “I agree but I am concerned about the number of reports of children with mental health issues, so define ‘hard work’ “ “Yes-concerned location will have an impact on community cohesion.”
In response to the first comment Oasis Academy Leesbrook will make sure they have pastoral care provision in place to support students who may be struggling or need some counselling. OCL are fully aware of the community cohesion issues in Oldham and particularly around the history of the proposed school site. To ensure we develop a school that serves all the communities of Oldham we are working closely with local primaries and community groups.
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6.5 Parent/Carer’s that are considering Oasis Academy Leesbrook for their child/children Of the respondents, that this question was applicable to 74% answered ‘Yes’.
Figure 5 Parent/Carer’s considering Oasis Academy Leesbrook Some respondents also had the choice to comment we had the following responses: “Yes-I would like to see it is as a real contender to Saddleworth school.” “Yes-location.” “Yes-Close to my house.”
All of the above highlights the need for a local all-inclusive secondary school providing a rigorous academic education to compete with the local over-subscribed schools.
“No-live outside of the area.” “No-distance, uncertainty due to recent failings of previous free schools locally, no proven track record.” “No-I don’t agree with the principles of Oasis.” “N/A-Already in convenient school location.”
Concerning the above, some people due to location will not consider Oasis Academy Leesbrook. The comment around free schools has been addressed by informing people about our track record with our two open Free Schools; one is ‘Outstanding’ and the other is ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ features.
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6.6 Strong links with the wider community and the activities we will offer Respondents were asked what activities they would like to see being offered by the school to the local community, this is part of OCL’s mission to ‘Exceptional education at the heart of the community’. Respondents could tick as many options as they wished.
Figure 6 options for community activities provided by the school
6.7 Register interest for being an Academy Councillor This was an opportunity for anyone who may be interested to provide their contact details to find out more about becoming one of our Academy Councillor’s. We had 5 respondents who were interested and left their details. We will make sure these contacts are included in our Academy Council recruitment process.
6.8 Should OCL enter into a Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State? This is a fundamental part of the Section 10 Consultation and only one respondent skipped the question. The response to this was over 90% of respondents selected ‘Yes’. With those that responded with ‘No’ we will continue to consult with local stakeholders and address any concerns they have about the new secondary school.
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Figure 7 Should OCL enter into a funding agreement with the Secretary of State?
7. Other Issues Arising After the presentation by John Murphy-CEO of OCL and Sarah Livesey-Principal Designate of Oasis Academy Leesbrook there was an opportunity for a Q & A from the attendees. Below are some of the concerns that were raised during this session and our response.
7.1 History of the location A few respondents commented on the history of the site and issues around community cohesion. As the site that has been proposed for the new school is on the site of a former secondary school called- Breeze Hill High School. This was school was closed because it was predominantly attended by the South Asian community which led to a divided community. By opening a school in this area are you not just going to end up the same issue and divide the community again.
John Murphy explained that we are fully aware of the local context around the site and the reason behind the closure of Breeze Hill High school. Oasis are all about inclusion and will have a fully inclusive admissions policy that mirrors that of Oldham Community schools. We will also carry out studies on the local area to make sure we are engaging with all the different communities of Oldham to make sure the school is a fully inclusive and diverse school.
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7.2 Failure of free schools in the area A respondent commented about the failure of Collective Spirit a Free School that opened in 2013 and closed in July 2017 and the Greater Manchester UTC which closed in August 2017. How can we have confidence that this Free School won’t also be a failure and close.
John Murphy explained that OCL are a national multi academy trust that successfully run 48 academies and have two successful Free Schools, Oasis Academy South Bank which is ‘Outstanding’ and Oasis Academy Silvertown which is ‘Good’ with outstanding features. We are an established and experienced provider and that is why we have been chosen by the DfE to work with Oldham Council in opening up this new school.
7.3 Extended school day A respondent commented that whilst he thought the extended school day was a very good idea he wasn’t sure if students would respond positively to this. Have we go any evidence that students value and enjoy an extended school day.
John Murphy confirmed that we currently run an extended school day at Oasis Academy Southbank and it is a great success with staff, students and families. To ensure this is also the right move for the community we will carry out further consultation and Sarah Livesey will visit South Bank and speak to students and staff about their experience of the extended school day.
8. Responding to the findings Once the consultation report has been approved by our Regional Director and submitted to the DfE it will displayed on our website for the public to download and view.
In light of the overwhelming support received to all aspects of our consultation, and more generally the positive response to our proposals as a whole, we have not felt it necessary to make any substantive changes to our plans. However, we remain keen to hear from prospective parents and other stakeholders about any questions or concerns they have, and we are open-minded about the need for future changes to be made as a result.
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9. Conclusions On the basis of the response to the consultation OCL are agreed that they wish to enter in to a Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State to open the school from September 2018.
The Directors of OCL are hugely appreciative if the overwhelming support we have received from the Oldham Community. This support is obvious in the response to the consultation and more widely in our interaction with local parents, schools, our partners and other key stakeholders.
Nonetheless we take seriously all of the issues raised and have sought to respond to them. We do not take community support for granted and will not allow ourselves to become complacent in our efforts to ensure that our plans for Oasis Academy Leesbrook reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.
Additionally, we have drawn a number of important conclusions from the consultation:
1. We need to continually update and enhance the information we provide to stakeholders so they are well informed about our plans.
2. The community support is vital to our success and we will establish an Academy Council to ensure these voices are heard and are involved in the key decisions as we prepare to open the Academy and after.
3. We are committed to fostering and maintaining good working relationships with local primary and secondary schools and our Principal Designate is well underway with this work.
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10. Appendices
Appendix 1
https://www.facebook.com/Oasis-Free-School-347575935576837/
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Appendix 2 http://www.oasisacademyoldham.org/content/%E2%80%9Cfantastic%E2%80%9D- new-school-oldham-given-green-light
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Appendix 3 http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/site-new-free- school-been-13357097
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Appendix 4 https://www.facebook.com/OasisAcademyLeesbrook/
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https://twitter.com/OasisLeesbrook
http://www.oasiscommunitylearning.org/Oasis-Academy-Leesbrook
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Appendix 5 http://oldham-council.co.uk/school_admissions/index.php/oldham-schools/academies- secondary-schools/oasis-academy-leesbrook/
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Appendix 6
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