Statutory Public Consultation
The Heights Burnley Alternative Provision Free School
Final Report on the Statutory Consultation – April 2018
Consultation Report
For
The Department for Education
The Heights Burnley School
Document Status/Issue No: Date of Issue: Final Report 25th April 2018 Name Signature Author D.Bury
Checked & Approved:
Contents
Final Report on the Statutory Consultation – April 2018...... 1 Executive Summary ...... 4 Purpose ...... 4 Concern and Opposition ...... 4 Support ...... 4 Conclusion and Recommendations ...... 5 Introduction and Proposal ...... 5 Why is it different to other schools? ...... 5 Key Features and Overall Vision ...... 6 Curriculum and Learning ...... 6 Approach to Curriculum and Learning ...... 6 Curriculum Planning ...... 7 The Consultation Process and Programme ...... 8 The Consultees ...... 8 Responses to the Consultation ...... 9 1 Questionnaire Results ...... 9 Question 1 - Your details: ...... 9 Question 2 - Who are you? Please tick alternatives...... 9 Question 3 – Proposals ...... 10 Question 4 – Overall Vision ...... 10 Question 5 – Special Free School provision in Burnley ...... 10 Question 6 – Admissions ...... 11 3 Meetings ...... 11 Summary of the evening ...... 11 Analysis of the Consultation Responses ...... 11 Summary of Consultation Outcomes ...... 12 Appendix 1 – Stakeholder Consultation Questions ...... 13 Appendix 2 – Stakeholder Consultation Letter ...... 17 Appendix 3 – List of Consultees ...... 18
Executive Summary
The proposal is to open a new 5-16 years Alternative Provision Free School in Burnley. The school has been given approval by the Secretary of State to enter the Pre-Opening phase and this statutory consultation is part of the work we are doing to get final ministerial approval during 2018 to open in Spring 2019. Our intention is to offer provision to 150 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) pupils.
Consultation has been carried out to meet the requirements of Section 10 of the Academies Act 2010. The statutory consultation started on 14th March 2018 with a published end date of 25th April 2018. Stakeholders were identified from the contact details of people/organisations known to The Education Partnership Trust and included local residents, staff and governors in schools and nurseries, health and other community groups and MPs. All stakeholders were invited to respond to the proposals via a questionnaire (paper or online), attending a public meeting and replying to direct email or letters.
The consultation attracted 6 questionnaire responses. There were no other written responses. There where zero attendees at the main public consultation meeting, held on 26th March 2018 from 17:00 at Coal Clough Academy. The outcome has been totally in support of the proposal with only positive comments and no concerns. Purpose
The purpose and objectives of the stakeholder consultation were to:
• Understand the diversity of views of local stakeholders towards the proposed Free School • Explain the process of setting up a Free School • Provide reassurance and accurate information to any stakeholders who might have concerns about the project • Begin to build links with key education, business, and community contacts with which the Free School could develop ongoing links as part of its development • Survey the opinions of parents/carers and the wider community and draw together where appropriate the differing aspirations, needs and requirements of stakeholders
This report sets out the methods of consultation used and the responses received. Concern and Opposition
There was no opposition or concern put forward throughout the consultation period.
Support
The proposals were exceptionally well‐supported by the all of the stakeholders that responded – the community wants to see the proposals go ahead. Stakeholders recognise the numerous benefits the Free School will bring to young people in Burnley (and possibly beyond the surrounding area). All of the views expressed by the questionnaire respondents were in support of the proposal. Conclusion and Recommendations
On the basis of the overall support expressed for the proposals it is recommended that the Academy Trust:
1 Enters into a Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State to open The Heights Burnley as a new Free School
2 Make the consultation report available on the website
Introduction and Proposal
The Heights Burnley will form part of the Education Partnership Trust (EPT) which is a not-for-profit multi-academy trust and academy sponsor with a proven track record in delivering alternative provision. The EPT also sponsors The Heights Blackburn, Coal Clough Academy, Pleckgate High School and Eden School. has an absolute determination to deliver outstanding education enabling pupils to develop confidence, resilience and employability; so they can progress into education, employment and training.
We have worked closely with schools and key stakeholders to ensure a shared vision for the The Heights Burnley and we believe the evidence of that commitment is well demonstrated in this proposal.
Why is it different to other schools?
The Heights Burnley is an Alternative Provision Free School - it is funded directly by the Department for Education and is independent of local authorities, although we are working closely with Schools and Burnley Borough Council to deliver our vision. The school will be free to design its own curriculum and to meet the needs of these pupils. Like all schools, The Heights Burnley will be inspected by OFSTED.
Key Features and Overall Vision
The Heights Burnley is an Alternative Provision Free School and will be offering 150 full time equivalent places for learners in Key Stages 2,3 and 4 who have found it difficult to achieve in their mainstream setting.
The academy will be based in a brand new, purpose built building in Burnley.
Working in close partnership with our local schools, local authorities, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), the Department for Education (DfE) and parents/carers, we will deliver highly personalised learning programmes to develop academic achievement, vocational skills and personal and social development en route to employment, education and training.
The Heights Burnley will provide high quality vocational education from state of the art facilities in addition to the core subjects of English, mathematics and science and will offer specialist provision to those young people who would benefit from specific support to achieve educational success.
Curriculum and Learning
Approach to Curriculum and Learning
The Heights Burnley is committed to delivering a curriculum that will be broad and balanced and will engage, inspire and challenge those pupils who have previously found it difficult to achieve in their mainstream setting. It has been developed to meet the needs of those pupils who have those complex needs that are difficult to meet within conventional school settings. It will provide the opportunity for every pupil to reach their potential and in so doing, raise standards and promote their spiritual, moral and social development.
The curriculum will be underpinned by the following principles:
1.Personalised Learning
Our curriculum will involve identifying learners’ needs and then tailoring learning and teaching to meet the specific needs of each pupil. This will be achieved by ensuring that staff know their pupils well, build on their strengths and by creating a Personalised Learning Plan for every pupil. These pathways will help raise aspirations for the most able and will support those with less ability and more vulnerable pupils.
2. Core Subjects
Our curriculum will prioritise improving outcomes in English, maths, science and public services. It will provide every pupil with the opportunity to develop their literacy and numeracy skills to at the very least a functional level and supporting them in education, employment and training. Pupils will study for GCSE and appropriate qualifications to achieve good academic attainment on par with mainstream schools.
3. Relevance
Our curriculum will ensure that our pupils see the value of what they are learning through real life experiences, which make it relevant to their lives. By emphasising skills for learning, life and work in both academic and vocational subject areas, our pupils will see make connections with the use of those, in their homes, their communities, the world of work or personal interests. 4. Challenge & Enjoyment
Our curriculum will provide the platform to challenge, engage and motivate our pupils in their learning. It will encourage pupils to have high aspirations and ambitions by nurturing their talents and by creating enriching learning experiences. Pupils of all abilities will enjoy their learning experiences, at appropriate level of challenge. They will be active in their learning and have opportunities to develop their skills and talents and demonstrate their creativity.
5. Inclusion
Our personalised curriculum will respond to the full range of talent and ability. It will promote achievement for everyone and have good arrangements for working with other relevant services to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and boost their self-esteem. The curriculum will encourage positive values, respect and fairness. It will build upon earlier knowledge and achievements and promote resilience through developing caring relationships, high expectations and opportunities for participation and contribution.
6. Progression
Our curriculum will enable staff to quickly identify the needs of their pupils and build on their prior learning skills. It will move pupils through appropriate challenging activities in order that they consolidate their skills by practice or progress to new learning experiences. Pupils will be encouraged to reflect on their own learning, strengths and areas to develop and identify the next steps on their learning journey.
The Consultation Process and Programme
The consultation conducted by The Education Partnership Trust and covered in this report, started on 14th March 2018 with a published end date of 25th April 2018.
The objective of this consultation was to gather the views of the stakeholders on the proposals for The Heights Burnley Free School in order to inform further development of the proposals and to assist the Academy Trust in its consideration of entering into a Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State. A timeline of the process is summarised below with specific detail given throughout this report.
Within that time various letters and emails were sent to known stakeholders and a formal consultation event was held to help anyone take part in the consultation.
Date Events and Activities Purpose of Event Who is it for? Monday Formal consultation event To provide information Stakeholders including 26th March including session with Q&A – about The Heights Burnley & Pendle 2018 held at Coal Clough Academy, Burnley Free School and schools, prospective 1700-1900 Swindon Street Burnley answer any questions parents/pupils, Partner and concerns raised Agencies and local residents
A consultation document was produced which covered key areas such as the proposal, the consultation process and timeline, how to respond, the closing date for responses and where additional information could be found. The document was made available in hard copy and published on www.theheightsburnley.com
People wishing to participate in the consultation were advised to do so in several ways. The instructions given on how to respond included:
• Completion of a questionnaire available on the website (www.theheightsburnley.com) • Attendance at a public consultation meeting where by representatives of the Education Partnership Trust outlined the proposals for the running of the school with opportunities for Q&A
1 formal public consultation meeting was arranged on the evening of 26th March 2018 (details in table above). At this meeting representatives of the Education Partnership Trust planned to present the proposals for the school with opportunity for attendees to ask questions, express views or contribute to the development of the school.
There where no attendees to the consultation meeting.
The Consultees
The Education Partnership Trust has an extensive, established network of contacts within education, health and social care, community groups, employers, government agencies and Burnley Council. All of these individuals and organisations have been contacted directly to invite participation in the consultation process.
The full list of consultees is detailed in Appendix 4 to this report. In summary, the following were directly invited by post or email to participate in the consultation.
Consultees Invited to Participate Number Invited to Participate Schools (Primary, Secondary and other provision) 65 LA Leaders / Officers 4 Community Organisations 3 Lancashire Police 1
Total 73
In addition, notices about the consultation were posted on The Heights Burnley Free School website inviting local residents and members of the public to participate, should they wish to do so.
Responses to the Consultation 1 Questionnaire Results
The Proposers opted for a detailed consultation questionnaire with specific questions about the proposals and spaces for open‐ended responses. Questionnaires were completed by 6 respondents. The percentage return was fairly low, but this is not unusual for Free schools. Furthermore, the previous extensive discussions at local level by the Education Partnership Trust meant that much agreement had already been achieved and information shared with schools and community groups. Question 1 - Your details:
(This question is asked to help us analyse responses to the questionnaire) Question 2 - Who are you? Please tick alternatives.
Category No of responses % of overall response Parent/Carer of a child who could attend The Heights Burnley after April 2019 Employed at another school 4 66.6% Governor at another School 1 16.6% Local Resident Local Employer/Business Councillor M.P Other, please specify 1 16.6% Total of responses 6 100*
N.B. *% rounded up to make 100% Question 3 – Proposals
Do you support the proposal to open a new Free School in Burnley as described in our consultation document?
Response No of responses % of overall response Yes 6 100% No 0 0 Don’t know 0 0 Positive Comments in addition to a YES answer - 5
Negative Comments in addition to a NO answer -0
Question 4 – Overall Vision
Do you support the vision of The Heights Burnley Free School?
Response No of responses % of overall response Yes 6 100% No 0 0 Don’t know 0 0 Positive Comments in addition to a YES answer - 3
Negative Comments in addition to a NO answer – 0
Question 5 – Alternative Provision Free School In Burnley
Do you believe that The Heights Burnley Free School offers education which meets the needs of our vulnerable learners?
Response No of responses % of overall response Yes 5 83.3% No 0 0 Don’t know 1 16.6% Positive Comments in addition to a YES answer - 2
Negative Comments in addition to a NO answer – 0
Question 6 – Admissions
Do you think The Heights Burnley Free School’s Admissions policy and criteria are clear and fair?
Response No of responses % of overall response Yes 5 83.3 No 0 0 Don’t know 1 16.6 Positive Comments in addition to a YES answer - 0
Negative Comments in addition to a NO answer - 0
Question 7 – Funding
Do you think The Education Partnership Trust should enter a funding agreement with the Secretary of State to open The Heights Burnley?
Response No of responses % of overall response Yes 6 100 No 0 0 Don’t know 0 0 Positive Comments in addition to a YES answer - 0
Negative Comments in addition to a NO answer - 0
3 Meetings
Public Consultation Meeting 26th March 2018:
Venue: Coal Clough Academy, Swindon Street, Burnley. 1700-1900
Attendees: Sharon Roscoe, David Bury, Aishling McGinty and Holly Clarke from The Education Partnership Trust,
Summary of the evening 0 people attended the meeting. The meeting was to be led by Sharon Roscoe.
Analysis of the Consultation Responses
Summary of Additional Comments related to Question 3
Answer Number of Responses and % Number providing additional of Responses comment to support their answer and % of Respondents Yes 6 (100%) 5(83.3%) No 0 0 Don’t Know 0 0
Summary of Additional Comments related to Question 4
Answer Number of Responses and % Number providing additional of Responses comment to support their answer and % of Respondents Yes 6 (100%) 3 (50%) No 0 0 (0) Don’t Know 0 0 (0)
Summary of Additional Comments related to Question 5
Answer Number of Responses and % Number providing additional of Responses comment to support their answer and % of Respondents Yes 5 (83.3%) 2 (40%) No 0 (0) 0 (0) Don’t Know 1 (16.6%) 0 (0)
Summary of Additional Comments related to Question 6
Answer Number of Responses and % Number providing additional of Responses comment to support their answer and % of Respondents Yes 5 (83.3%) 0 (0) No 0 (0) 0 (0) Don’t Know 1 (16.6%) 0 (0)
Summary of Additional Comments related to Question 7
Answer Number of Responses and % Number providing additional of Responses comment to support their answer and % of Respondents Yes 6 (100%) 0 (0) No 0 (0) 0 (0) Don’t Know 0 (0) 0 (0)
Summary of Consultation Outcomes
• 100%% (Question 3 above) support the proposal to open a new Free School in Burnley as described in the consultation document • 100% (Question 4 above) support the vision of The Heights Burnley Free School • 83.3%% (Question 5 above) support that The Heights Burnley Free School offers education which meets the needs of our vulnerable learners • 83.3% (Question 6 above) support the view that The Heights Burnley Free School’s Admission policy and criteria are clear and fair • 100% ( Question 7 above ) Support that The Heights Burnley School enter a funding agreement with the Secretary of State.
The responses (6 replies received) to the consultation questionnaire (either via completion of hard copy at meetings or via the website) was the most productive mechanism by which local people provided their opinions about and support for The Heights Burnley Free School proposals.
Appendix 1 – Stakeholder Consultation Questions
7. Consultation Questionnaire
The Education Partnership Trust proposal to open an Alternative Provision Free School In Spring 2019
Please complete the questionnaire below and return it no later than 25th April 2018
Question 1 - Your details:
(This question is only asked to help us analyse
responses)
Name: ……………………………………………………………….
Address:
…………………………………………………………………………………
……………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Postcode: ………………………………
Question 2 - Who are you? Please tick alternatives.
Parent/carer of a child who could attend The Heights Burnley Free School after April 2019 Parent /carer of a child from another local school Employed at another school Governor at another school Local Resident Local Employer/Business Councillor M.P. Other – Please specify (e.g. Member of an Organisation/Society) –
Question 3 – Proposals
Do you support the proposal to open a new Alternative Provision Free School in Burnley as described in our consultation document?
Yes No Don’t know Comments
Question 4 – Overall Vision
Do you support the vision of The Heights Burnley Free School?
Yes No Don’t know
Comments
Question 5 – Alternative Provision Free School in Burnley
Do you believe that The Heights Burnley Free School offers education which meets the needs of our vulnerable learners?
Yes No Don’t know
Comments
Question 6 – Admissions
Do you think The Heights Burnley Free School’s Admissions policy and criteria are clear and fair?
Yes No Don’t know
Comments
Question 7 - Funding
Do you think The Education Partnership Trust should enter into a funding agreement with the Secretary of State to open The Heights Burnley?
Yes No Don’t know
Comments
Thank you for taking time to complete this questionnaire.
Appendix 2 – Stakeholder Consultation Letter
Date 13/03/2018
Re – PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE PROVISION FREE SCHOOL IN BURNLEY
Dear
The Education Partnership Trust has been given permission by the Secretary of State to open The Heights Burnley, an alternative provision free school in Spring 2019. We are currently in the pre- opening phase and as part of this we are undertaking a Statutory Public Consultation.
Please find enclosed our Consultation Document, which includes a questionnaire.
We would very much appreciate if you would get involved in this process and either complete the questionnaire online at www.theheightsburnley.com or fill in and then return a paper copy (see end of the consultation document enclosed with this letter) to us by post c/o David Bury, The Education Partnership Trust, Pleckgate Road, Blackburn BB1 8QA or via email to [email protected]
You can also come along to our public consultation event on Monday 26th March 2018 from 5pm and complete the questionnaire. The event will be held at Coal Clough Academy, Swindon Street, Burnley BB11 4PF. Details are also in the consultation document.
The public consultation will end on Wednesday 25th April 2018
Yours Faithfully
Sharon Roscoe CEO The Education Partnership Trust
Appendix 3 – List of Consultees
Saeed Chaudary Ward Councillor Stoneyholme & Daneshouse
Shah Hussain Ward Councillor Stoneyholme & Daneshouse
Wajid Khan Ward Councillor Stoneyholme & Daneshouse
Michael Cartledge Chief Executive Burnley Borough Council
Des Callaghan Chair of Governors Coal Clough Academy
S Malik Jinnah Community Centre
Burnley FC In the Community
Dave Cottam Stoneyholme & Daneshouse Police Officer
NEU
BRIERCLIFFE PRIMARY SCHOOL
WORSTHORNE PRIMARY SCHOOL
ST JOHN'S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL, CLIVIGER
PADIHAM GREEN CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
PADIHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL. PADIHAM
PADIHAM ST LEONARD'S VOLUNTARY AIDED COFE PRIMARY SCHOOL
HAPTON CHURCH OF ENGLAND/METHODIST PRIMARY SCHOOL
BURNLEY BRUNSHAW PRIMARY SCHOOL
CHRIST THE KING ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL. BURNLEY
BURNLEY HEASANDFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL
BURNLEY HOLY TRINITY CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
BURNLEY IGHTENHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL
BURNLEY LOWERHOUSE JUNIOR SCHOOL
ROSEGROVE INFANT SCHOOL
ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY RC PRIMARY SCHOOL. BURNLEY
BURNLEY ST JAMES' LANEHEAD CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
ST MARY'S ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL. BURNLEY
ST MARY MAGDALENE'S ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL. BURNLEY BURNLEY ST PETER'S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
BURNLEY ST STEPHEN'S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
BURNLEY STONEYHOLME COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL
BURNLEY WHITTLEFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL
BURNLEY CASTERTON PRIMARY SCHOOL
WELLFIELD METHODIST AND ANGLICAN CHURCH SCHOOL
ROSEWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL
CHERRY FOLD COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL
BURNLEY SPRINGFIELD COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL. BURNLEY
SHUTTLEWORTH COLLEGE
HAMELDON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
UNITY COLLEGE
SIR JOHN THURSBY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BLESSED TRINITY RC COLLEGE
THOMAS WHITHAM SIXTH FORM
PENDLE PRIMARY ACADEMY
COLNE PRIMET ACADEMY
GREAT MARSDEN ST JOHN'S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
CASTERCLIFF PRIMARY SCHOOL
BRADLEY NURSERY SCHOOL
WALTON LANE NURSERY SCHOOL
BRIERFIELD WOODFIELD NURSERY SCHOOL
NELSON MCMILLAN NURSERY SCHOOL
COLNE NEWTOWN NURSERY SCHOOL
BRADLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL
NELSON ST PHILIP'S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
NELSON ST PAUL'S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
LOMESHAYE JUNIOR SCHOOL
ST JOHN SOUTHWORTH ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL. NELSON NELSON WALVERDEN PRIMARY SCHOOL
NELSON WHITEFIELD INFANT SCHOOL AND NURSERY UNIT
MARSDEN COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL
HOLY TRINITY ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL. BRIERFIELD
WHEATLEY LANE METHODIST VOLUNTARY AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL
HIGHAM ST JOHN'S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
COLNE CHRIST CHURCH CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
LORD STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL, COLNE
COLNE PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL
COLNE PRIMET PRIMARY SCHOOL
SACRED HEART ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL. COLNE
WEST STREET COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL
COLNE PARK HIGH SCHOOL
SS JOHN FISHER AND THOMAS MORE ROMAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. COLNE
MARSDEN HEIGHTS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
PENDLE VALE COLLEGE