Harry Watts Academy Consultation Report October 2019

P ersonal growth through; R especting pupils’ needs O vercoming barriers to reach potential S afe, nurturing and supportive environment P upil centred approached E mpathy and excellence in learning R ecognising achievement in all circumstances

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Contents Page

Introduction 3

Consultation methodology 5

Overview of the feedback received 9

Trust Response to the consultation 14

Conclusion and recommendations 15

List of Appendices 16

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1. Introduction

Following approval by the DfE and Sunderland City Council in summer 2018 Prosper Learning Trust were appointed as the preferred academy trust to deliver the new Sunderland Special Free School. Following the approval in summer 2019 of the final plans for the capital build project the Trust were able to move forward with the statutory consultation.

The following report summarises the key information and data which was shared as part of the consultation and informs stakeholders of the outcomes and actions resulting from this consultation period. Consultation ran from 2 September 2019 – 12 October 2019.

1.1 Geographic position of the school(s) The map below shows where Harry Watts Academy is to be located in the region alongside other Prosper Learning Trust schools. The ability to facilitate joint working across the Trust is key to delivering sustained improvements and improved outcomes for learners.

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2. Consultation Methodology

The overall aim of the consultation process was to ensure that everyone who has a stake in the development of the new school had the opportunity to hear about the proposals and to share their views and ideas about the plans. The objectives of the process were to:

• Provide relevant background information and context for stakeholders • Explain the reasons for the new school • Share key detail including key policies linked to admissions, safeguarding and SEND, site information and curriculum plans • Provide an opportunity for stakeholders to hear / read more and ask questions The principles laid down by the project team for the consultation were that it should be:

• An open and transparent process • Accessible to all stakeholders in terms of: o The times of the events o The language used (jargon-free wherever possible and acronyms fully explained) o Well-publicised and advertised o The venues being DDA compliant A variety of media were used to consult including:

• Direct letters to all schools in Sunderland, the Local and Neighbouring Authorities, public buildings including libraries, Colleges, parent/carer forum • Press releases / Media content • Leaflets and posters distributed • Publicised meetings involving presentations and questions and answer sessions • Online Survey • Website / Social Media • Emails

2.1 Direct letters

A letter and/or email introducing the consultation were sent electronically to the following groups and an example is included at Appendix 1: • Parents/community members • Local schools, colleges and training providers • Local Authorities • Key stakeholders in the region

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2.2 Online survey

Throughout the consultation Google survey was used to capture a response to 9 key questions, these included: 1. Please tick the box which best describes the type of stakeholder you are? 2. Do you agree with our statement of provision (admissions policy)? 3. Do you agree with our safeguarding policy? 4. Do you agree with our SEND policy? 5. Is the proposed curriculum offer engaging for the pupils who may attend the school? 6. Our proposed permanent site is situated on the former Bishop Harland CE VA Primary School site in North Sunderland. Do you agree this is an appropriate location? 7. Should the Trust enter into a Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State to open our school? To understand more about what is a Funding Agreement log onto https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/academy-and-free-school-funding- agreements-multi-academy-trust 8. Any further comments or questions? 9. If you would like to receive a copy of the final report and findings and/or would like a response to any question asked whilst completing this survey, please complete the details below before submitting your form

There was also an opportunity with all 9 questions to leave additional comments should the stakeholder wish to do so. Stakeholders who attended consultation meetings also responded to a hard copy version of the same survey.

2.3 Press Release

A press release was prepared on the 3rd September 2019 and issued to 16 media contacts via email on 6th September 2019.

2.4 Website http://www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk/harrywattsacademyconsultation/ was live throughout the consultation period. The site (which was accessed via the Prosper Learning Trust website) was aimed at providing detailed information about Prosper and the proposals with an opportunity to email questions or comments or to conduct the online survey. Links were also provided to the school website www.harrywattsacademy.co.uk. Two screen shots of the site can be seen on the next page with a copy of all the website screen shots provided in Appendix 2.

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2.5 Publicised meetings

The following meetings were communicated to stakeholders and carried out during the consultation period:

Date Time Event Venue

18 2:00pm Partner Agencies Sunderland College September 23 4:30pm School Event Biddick Academy September 24 1:30pm Elected Members, Councillors Civic Centre September and LA Officers 24 4:00pm Parents 1 Willow Fields Primary September School 24 5:30pm Community 1 Willow Fields Primary September School 30 10:00am Community 2 Redby Community September Centre 30 1:00pm Parents 2 Redby Community September Centre 30 4:00pm General Event/Drop In Session Biddick Academy September

2.6 Leaflets and Posters

Copies of the leaflets and posters issued to stakeholders can be found in Appendix 3 & 4. These were distributed with all letters and to public buildings including Libraries, leisure centres, community centres and Colleges.

2.7 Email – [email protected]

The email address above was used to enable anyone who wished to be able to post a question or a comment about the proposals. At the end of the consultation period these questions and comments were collected to be responded to as appropriate.

2.8 Community, LA, Partner Agencies, Schools, Councillors and Parent/Carer Presentations

At each of the consultation meetings a presentation was given with information about Prosper Learning Trust and why they are looking to open a new school in Sunderland. A copy of the presentations can be found in Appendix 5.

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3. Overview of the Feedback received Appendix 6 contains all the questions, comments and feedback received from the various media used throughout the consultation period. Numbers of participants in meetings and surveys are below. Appendix 7 includes a copy of the two news articles which appeared in the local press during the consultation phase.

3.1 Attendance at Consultation Meetings

Date Event Venue Number in attendance 18 Partner Agencies Sunderland College 6 September 23 School Event Biddick Academy 0 September 24 Elected Members, Councillors Civic Centre 2 September and LA Officers 24 Parents 1 Willow Fields Primary 5 September School 24 Community 1 Willow Fields Primary 0 September School 30 Community 2 Redby Community 2 September Centre 30 Parents 2 Redby Community 0 September Centre 30 General Event/Drop In Session Biddick Academy 3 September

3.2 Online Survey

We received 4 completed surveys online. 13 paper copies of the survey were also returned after the consultation meetings. Full detailed feedback is attached in appendix 6 and a summary of the feedback is highlighted on the following 3 pages:

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Please tick the Do you Do you Do you Is the Our proposed permanent Should the Trust enter into a Any further comments or box which best agree with agree with agree with proposed site is situated on the Funding Agreement with the questions? describes the our our our SEND curriculum former Bishop Harland Secretary of State to open our type of statement safeguarding policy? offer CE VA Primary School school? To understand more about stakeholder you of provision policy? engaging for site in North Sunderland. what a Funding Agreement is log on are? (admissions the pupils Do you agree this is an to policy)? who may appropriate location? https://www.gov.uk/government/ attend the publications/academy-and-free- school? school-funding-agreements-multi- academy-trust Community Yes Yes Yes Yes member Parent Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Other Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Community Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes I think the Harry Watts Academy member will be a much welcomed, valued and needed school to meet the educational needs of children with autism. As a teaching assistant myself, often working with children on the spectrum and as a proud grandmother to an autistic grandson, this school will benefit those whose needs cannot be met in mainstream schools. LA Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes representative Other: SEND Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Team Manager (Sunderland)

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Please tick the Do you Do you Do you Is the Our proposed permanent Should the Trust enter into a Any further comments or box which best agree with agree with agree with proposed site is situated on the Funding Agreement with the questions? describes the our our our SEND curriculum former Bishop Harland Secretary of State to open our type of statement safeguarding policy? offer CE VA Primary School school? To understand more about stakeholder you of provision policy? engaging for site in North Sunderland. what a Funding Agreement is log on are? (admissions the pupils Do you agree this is an to policy)? who may appropriate location? https://www.gov.uk/government/ attend the publications/academy-and-free- school? school-funding-agreements-multi- academy-trust LA Don’t know Yes Yes Yes Don’t know Yes representative Partner Yes Yes Yes Yes Don’t know Yes Organisation Partner Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Organisation LA Yes Don’t know Yes Yes Yes Yes representative Community Don’t Know Don’t Know Other: Not Other: Not Yes Yes Member I wonder if seen yet sure I’m there could qualified to be potential comment. I for parents like that it is to tailored to the circumvent needs and the EHCP less route which ‘achievement’ is based notoriously academically difficult to navigate?

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LA Yes Yes Yes Other Yes Yes representative Having As soon as possible academic and "real life learning" opportunities is important

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Please tick the Do you Do you Do you Is the Our proposed permanent Should the Trust enter into a Any further comments or box which best agree with agree with agree with proposed site is situated on the Funding Agreement with the questions? describes the our our our SEND curriculum former Bishop Harland Secretary of State to open our type of statement safeguarding policy? offer CE VA Primary School school? To understand more about stakeholder you of provision policy? engaging for site in North Sunderland. what a Funding Agreement is log on are? (admissions the pupils Do you agree this is an to policy)? who may appropriate location? https://www.gov.uk/government/ attend the publications/academy-and-free- school? school-funding-agreements-multi- academy-trust Community Don’t know Don’t know Don’t know Don’t Know Yes Don’t know Member community Yes Don’t know Don’t know Don’t know Yes Don’t know member Parent Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Parent Don’t know Yes Don’t know Yes Yes Yes Would like to see please

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A summary of all the responses, themes and the messages contained therein, is provided below in section 3.3.

3.3 Themes and Key Messages

Overall feedback was generally extremely positive about the new school proposals. The themes stakeholders are most interested in are: 3.4.1 Curriculum content / needs of learners Particularly in the early years of operation of the school stakeholders were concerned that there was not enough clarity around the needs of the learners and if Harry Watts would/could meet that need.

3.4.2 Admissions During the consultation period concerns were raised linked to admissions and the proposed Statement of Provision. Stakeholders requested clarity on the following points:

3.4.2.1 Size of the school / competition for places – concerns were raised that the school would not be big enough to meet growing demand in the city, especially if the school could accept pupils from neighbouring local authorities as well. Are 96 places enough?

3.4.2.2 No post 16 – stakeholders highlighted their concerns that there was not enough clarity for parents/carers and pupils on what the options would be at 16. See 3.4.3.

3.4.2.3 Transport – meeting the needs of different learners ensuring pupils can arrive safely to and from school / home. Transport arrangements need careful consideration ensuring that younger and older children have clear access and appropriate arrangements in place which are deliverable and affordable.

3.4.3 Arrangements for post 16 As Harry Watts Academy will be a school for 5-16-year olds stakeholders wanted to understand the proposed transition arrangements at 16. Where would students go to next? In the early years of the school operating pupils may be moving 3 times in 5 years (for example they could move to a school in Year 7, to Harry Watts in year 8 and again to College after year 11) for some parents they prefer the security of one consistent experience rather than changing at 16. The main concern was for those in secondary years who may move from one school to Harry Watts Academy and then have to move again at 16. The nature of the needs of the pupils mean change is not always a good thing and risks have to be managed to mitigate the impact on students. Clarity from the local

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authority and Prosper on post 16 arrangements needs to be considered and communicated.

4. Trust response to the consultation feedback

Prosper Learning Trust have reviewed the feedback provided as part of the consultation and are delighted with the quality of feedback although the numbers of those participating in the consultation was smaller than anticipated/hoped. As a result of the feedback received the Trust will be ensuring that the points highlighted below are actioned by the deadlines shown in bold text: o Our communications plan is updated to reflect stakeholders’ feedback – November 2019 o The final report is shared with those who requested a copy. This will also be published on the School and Trust websites and shared with Sunderland City Council and the Department for Education – 31 October 2019 o The education brief is updated to reflect curriculum feedback and points raised surrounding admissions and post 16 – 25 October 2019 o Stakeholders are kept informed about progress of the new school - Ongoing o Parents are represented on the governing body as early as possible. Prosper will be seeking representation from the Sunderland Parent/Carer forum for the transition to the new school and the first 2 years of opening. December 2019 o Post 16 arrangements are clarified, and work commenced with key partners to develop a bespoke offer for HWA students – March 2020 o Admissions – the Statement of Provision needs to be updated further to reflect the autism need. Prosper to meet with the LA and agree proposed response to the DFE. November 2019 o Clarity is sought from the LA on the student profile through the first 3 years to the academy been full at 96 pupils. December 2019 o Information is provided in the press and via social media networks to keep stakeholders informed of progress and plans for the new school. Ongoing

5. Conclusion and Recommendations

In summary throughout the 6 weeks consultation we have concluded that there is a strong demand for the Harry Watts Academy and that there is support and commitment from a variety of stakeholders across the city of Sunderland. Some stakeholders are nervous that the school won’t be solely for Sunderland children and that it does not have any post 16 provision with the main concern being around admissions as highlighted earlier in this report.

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The joint working with Sunderland Council and Together for Children is working well and should be sustained with a heightened emphasis going forward on developing local relationships further. As highlighted in our response to the consultation feedback in section 4 we will drive forward with the actions highlighted and complete them by the deadlines stated or sooner if possible. The Trust believes it should enter into a Funding Agreement for the new school and plans to continue with the proposal to open in temporary accommodation at Thomas Bewick Special School in September 2020 before moving to the permanent building in January 2021. There is a lot of work to do and with the appointment of a new Headteacher Designate imminent we can move forward in the next stage of planning in readiness for the school opening in September 2020.

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6. List of Appendices

Appendix 1 Direct Letters

Appendix 2 Website Screen Shots

Appendix 3 Leaflet

Appendix 4 Poster

Appendix 5 Presentation

Appendix 6 Feedback comments and questions and answers

Appendix 7 News articles

Harry Watts Academy Consultation Report October 2019 Page 17 of 17 Appendix 1 – Direct Letters

Appendix 2 Harry Watts Academy Website Screen Shots

Harry Watts Academy Consultation

2 September 2019 -12 October 2019

It is the aim of Prosper Learning Trust, that within 3 years the new school will be recognised as a centre for excellence both regionally and nationally in providing specialist autism services, thus benefitting all children, families, school staff and partners within the city and beyond.

Harry Watts Consultation Booklet v4.indd 1 9/2/2019 2:45:39 PM Consultation for the proposal to open a new special free school in Sunderland

The new school is to be named Harry Watts Academy

Vision for the school • Improving the educational experiences of all our pupils • Recognising and celebrating the achievement of both pupils and staff • Providing a stimulating learning environment in which the team of highly skilled staff deliver well-resourced, quality first teaching to meet the needs of all pupils • Working in partnership with the local authority, parents, trustees, governors, stakeholders and the wider community • Valuing the entire school community, promoting well-being and encouraging spiritual, moral, social and cultural development in an atmosphere that fosters the growth of respect and responsible behaviours • Ensuring a safe, secure and supportive environment that allows pupils to become more independent and resilient, where they can be happy and enjoy learning

Our education offer Harry Watts Academy will be a specialist autism school providing education for up to 96 children aged 5-16, as a direct result of the increased demand for autism places within Sunderland and neighbouring authorities. The school will compliment existing provision, responding to both pupil place planning pressure and parental demand.

Harry Watts Consultation Booklet v4.indd 2 9/2/2019 2:45:39 PM The number of children with autism whose needs cannot be met within the mainstream sector is also rising proportionally to the school age population. Creation of additional specialist places will ensure those who are best suited to specialist provision are more appropriately placed.

Within Prosper Learning Trust we believe we bring the expertise of specialised autism services to enable the successful establishment of the new school.

Once open we will ensure a positive and enjoyable learning experience for pupils and a great place to work for staff.

Harry Watts Academy is due to open in September 2020 in temporary accomodation before moving to the new school in January 2021.

Policies For details on our statement of provision (admissions policy), SEND and Safeguarding policies please log on to: www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk/harrywattsacademyconsultation

Proposed site for the new school The proposed site is the former Bishop Harland CE VA Primary School in North Sunderland. Build options are under consideration that will maximise the available area. This includes the development of a two storey build that provides discreet primary and secondary spaces as well as practical learning environments, class bases and breakout spaces. Draft images of the site and building layout can be found on our website www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk/harrywattsacademyconsultation

Harry Watts Consultation Booklet v4.indd 3 9/2/2019 2:45:39 PM How to Have Your Say and Find Out More

We would welcome your feedback on our proposals during this consultation. You can have your say: Online Our website is available and includes further detail on our proposals. There is also an opportunity to complete a short online survey. www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk/harrywattsacademyconsultation By writing to us You can write to us via two routes: 1. Email [email protected] (In the subject bar please state Harry Watts Academy Consultation) OR 2. Post to Harry Watts Academy Consultation c/o Prosper Learning Trust, Linhope Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE5 2LW By calling us 0191 9171246 Attending a Public Meeting If you would like to attend one of our meetings, hear more and ask any questions we have scheduled three meetings during the consultation: 24 September 2019, 5.30pm Venue: Willow Fields Primary School, Winslow Close, Sunderland SR5 5RZ 30 September 2019, 10.00am Venue: Redby Community Centre, Fulwell Road, Sunderland SR6 9QU 30 September 2019, 4.00pm Venue: Biddick Academy, Biddick Lane, Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE38 8AL

Harry Watts Consultation Booklet v4.indd 4 9/2/2019 2:45:39 PM Harry Watts Academy Have Your Say

Prosper Learning Trust are holding a number of consultation events regarding the proposal to open a new special free school in Sunderland. The new school is to be named Harry Watts Academy. If you would like to find out more about Harry Watts Academy, ask questions or have your say, please attend one of the following consultation events:

24 September 2019, 5.30pm Venue: Willow Fields Primary School, Winslow Close, Sunderland SR5 5RZ

30 September 2019, 10.00am Venue: Redby Community Centre, Fulwell Road, Sunderland SR6 9QU

30 September 2019, 4.00pm Venue: Biddick Academy, Biddick Lane, Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE38 8AL

For further information see our website which includes further detail on our proposals. There is also an opportunity to complete a short online survey. www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk/harrywattsacademyconsultation Harry Watts Academy

Consultation 2 September 2019 – 12 October 2019 Introductions

• Who’s who • Trustees • Prosper Learning Trust • Local Authority • Department for Education • Purpose of today • Stakeholder Consultation The Proposal

Who? Prosper Learning Trust and Sunderland Council

What? 5-16 Special school for Autism with 96 places

Why? The need, ensuring places locally for all children, improving outcomes

How? High quality staff (incl. leadership and PLT trust context). Significant adults from partners locally Bespoke curriculum

Where? Former Bishop Harland CofE Primary School Site (Thomas Bewick for one term)

When? September 2020 onwards Who are Prosper Learning Trust

• Prosper Learning Trust (PLT) were formed officially on the 1 January 2018 • 3 Member schools • Chief Executive Officer Mark Jones • Chief Finance Officer Martin Proud • Chair of the Board Joanne Clifford-Swan • Prosper’s leadership and central team cover areas in education and school improvement/Finance/Compliance/HR/ICT/Governance and executive leadership Why did the Trust form?

• To achieve the best possible outcomes for children working in partnership with like minded schools and leaders • To share effective practice • To divert resources within the group to those who most need it • To develop future leaders – succession planning • Facilitate recruitment and retention of staff by offering career and CPD opportunities • Generate economies of scale Our Aims

• To inspire pupils with a nurturing, pupil centred approach • To become motivated by their own personal and academic success • To aspire to fulfil their own potential • To offer outstanding education • To minimise any educational disadvantage • To develop pupil resilience in overcoming any challenges they face within and beyond school • To be recognised within 3 years as a centre for excellence both regionally and nationally A Prosper Learning Trust School

• Headteacher/Head of School • Local Governing Body • Has an individual identity • Has its own individual school uniform • Own allocated budgets • Individual School Development Plan • Owns their curriculum • Access to all aspects of school improvement Harry Watts Academy

• 96 children aged 5-16 • Supporting children and families in Sunderland and neighbouring local authorities • Based at the former Bishop Harland CofE Primary School site in the Hylton Redhouse ward • Opening September 2020 Harry Watts Academy

• Anticipated Numbers

September 2020 January 2021 Year 2 Year 3 8 36 86 96

• Statement of Provision http://harrywattsacademy.co.uk/policies-and-documents/ Harry Watts Academy Harry Watts Academy Harry Watts Academy Our Offer

• We will develop a school that will • Enable all pupils to reach their full potential • Offer an integrated holistic approach to pupil care will enable barriers to learning to be minimised • Offer a wrap around provision to both pupils and their families • To ensure this happens we will • Improve the educational experience of all our pupils • Recognise and celebrating the achievement of both pupils and staff • Provide a stimulating learning environment in which a team of highly skilled staff will deliver quality, well-resourced teaching to meet the needs of all pupils • Work in partnership with the local authority, parents, trustees, governors, employers, stakeholders and the wider community Our Offer

• To ensure this happens we will • Value the entire school community, promoting well-being and encouraging spiritual, moral, social and cultural development in an atmosphere that fosters the growth of respect and responsible behaviour • Ensuring a safe, secure and supportive environment that allows pupils to become more independent and resilient, where they can be happy and enjoy learning • Prosper Learning Trust brings a strong governance structure Our Offer

• Prosper Learning Trust brings the experience of specialised autism services • A curriculum that • Has a philosophy that focuses on nurturing the whole individual • Develops the knowledge, skills, and character required to move on to the next phase of a pupils education • Makes learning meaningful and relevant to all pupils • Is flexible and can be widely differentiated to suit the needs, abilities and interests of all pupils • Is underpinned with a strong emphasis on developing communication, personal, social and independence skills Our Offer

• A curriculum that • Promotes a balanced mix of ‘process based’ (a more holistic and immersive approach) and ‘skills based’ (highly structured) teaching linking the learning in different subject areas more effectively for the pupils • An organisation that is committed to making Harry Watts an outstanding school that the city of Sunderland can be proud of Governance in Prosper

Members (5) Joanne Clifford Swan Andrea Sterling Frances Lynch

Board of Trustees (9) Joanne Clifford Swan (Chair) Board Committees Bob McDonald (Vice Chair) Finance Jane Melvin Chief Executive Officer Risk & Audit Kathrine Robson Mark Jones Standards Jemil Visram Pay & Appraisal Audrey Lindley Anthony Maher Susan Fulton Trust Central Team Finance Trustee (vacancy)

Mary Astell Academy Harry Watts Academy Newcastle Bridges School Thomas Bewick School Executive Shadow Governing Governing Body (11) Governing Body (11) Board (11) Body (up to 11) Next Steps

• Formal consultation until 12 October 2019 with a summary report shared • Regular communications with stakeholders • Working group • Development of further joint working in readiness for the opening • Funding Agreement with Secretary of State • Procurement of build contractor and build gets underway • Appoint a Headteacher • Transition activities with pupils, families and predecessor schools Have Your Say

• Prosper Learning Trust website • Online Survey • Email • Feedback today

Any Questions? Contact Us

1. www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk 2. [email protected] 3. Tel: 0191 917 1246

Harry Watts Academy Master Collective Feedback

Online Google Survey

Comment Positive proposal to meet the needs of vulnerable children. I would like to see ASD in title to be able to excel in ASD delivery

Question I wonder if there could be potential for parents to circumvent the EHCP route which is notoriously difficult to navigate? Answer This should not be possible as there is a clear and rigorous process in place for an EHCP being issued equally the Statement of Provision states clearly that the school must be named on the EHCP and Autism must be the primary need.

Comment “Is the proposed curriculum offer engaging for pupils who may attend the school?” Not sure I’m qualified to comment. I like that it is tailored to the needs and less ‘achievement’ based academically

Comment Having academic and "real life learning" opportunities is important

Comment I think the Harry Watts Academy will be a much welcomed, valued and needed school to meet the educational needs of children with autism. As a teaching assistant myself, often working with children on the spectrum and as a proud grandmother to an autistic grandson, this school will benefit those whose needs cannot be met in mainstream schools.

Comment (via email)

We are excited and delighted that there is a proposal for a new special school within our area. We fully support the proposal.

In the development of this we would like to suggest that we would be keen to work in partnership during the development and operation of the school.

We would hope that places in the school are given only to Sunderland students and not from other areas so that we can meet the increasing need of our local children.

We would also request that the specialists in the school try to do some work with Sunderland SEND around the EHCP processes to see if we can improve the support for students who really need it.

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Harry Watts Academy Master Collective Feedback Page 1 of 5

Partner Agencies Consultation Meeting 18 September 2019 2:00pm Sunderland College

Question Aspiration of being a Centre of Excellence in 3 years, the reality of how needs consideration Answer Pitch is right

Question Who do we talk to regarding commissioning places? Answer The key contact is Mark Jones until the Headteacher is appointed and in post (hopefully from January 2020).

Question Will there be therapies on site? Answer Talking to health and LA’s

Question Children with more complex needs (not high functioning), what will the qualifications offered be? Answer DS response example of ASDAN DofE on site, care etc depends on abilities, independent travel, Sunderland College relationship, CEIAG lead in PLT (Steph)

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Elected Members, Councillors, LA Officers Consultation Meeting 24 September 2019 1:30pm Civic Centre

Question How many schools are in the Trust? Answer There are currently 3, Newcastle Bridges, Mary Astell and Thomas Bewick. Harry Watts will be the 4th.

Question What is the age range? Answer 5-16

Question Where does HR and Finance fit? Answer Finance is managed centrally within Prosper with each Headteacher and local governing body having oversight of individual budgets in line with the responsibilities delegated in the Scheme of Delegation. HR currently is outsourced to Newcastle Council. Going forward we will be developing in house resource starting with an HR Officer.

Question What do Governors look after? Answer Governors are delegated responsibilities from the Board of Trustees via the Scheme of Delegation. Their primary focus is the curriculum delivery and quality of teaching and learning ensuring children make the necessary progress required to achieve the very best they can. They also have oversight of finance, safeguarding, attendance and behaviour.

Harry Watts Academy Master Collective Feedback Page 2 of 5

Question What is the process for admissions? Answer There is a draft Statement of Provision that we are consulting on at the moment as part of this process. This clearly follows the national admissions code and local protocols but if you think this could be enhanced or needs changing in any way please let us know as part of this process. The Academy will have to be named as part on the pupils EHCP.

Question Will the Trust grow further? Answer Prosper does intend to grow in future years but this will be managed and only achieved when the time is right. Prosper do not see themselves being a Trust of 20+ academies but as a specialist MAT who focuses on the most vulnerable young people in society.

Question Would you utilise local therapy services? Answer Yes we will. We understand Sunderland are also reviewing therapy services across the city and how this is delivered to the best effect for children and young people. As a partner delivering locally we want to ensure we have access to the very best services possible for Harry Watts children.

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Parent/Carers 1 Consultation Meeting 24 September 2019 at 4:00pm Willow Fields Primary School

Question Will Harry Watts Academy be advertised on the South Tyneside local offer? Answer At this stage we are unclear how it will be promoted within South Tyneside (if at all) but we will endeavour to provide the clarity as soon as possible over the coming weeks.

Question How will children be chosen for this school? Answer The local authority are responsible for allocating children to the school.

Question Why not fill up from January 2021? Answer This is an option and it was the original plan however, there is a small group of children (8) for whom they are due to transition from year 6 to 7 in September 2020. We think it is unreasonable to ask a child and their family to make a move twice in a matter of 4 months so have therefore looked at the temporary option for one term in different buildings (Thomas Bewick School)

Question Year 7 classes will there be 2 streams? Answer No. There will be a cohort of 8 children which is one group. Our curriculum will be developed in such a way that the offer to each in the group will be bespoke and tailored to meet their needs so we won’t need to stream.

Harry Watts Academy Master Collective Feedback Page 3 of 5

Question Could it be delivered any sooner? Answer Unfortunately not no. The council are currently procuring the build contractor now that planning has been granted and they hope the chosen provider will be on site by mid-November 2019. It will take a minimum of 12 months to have the building ready for occupation.

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Community 2 Consultation Meeting 30 September 2019 at 10:00am Redby Community Centre

Question Who are Prosper Learning Trust? Answer See annex XX for a detailed understanding

Question Will there be a drop off on site? Answer Yes. Within the school design we have earmarked a place for primary and secondary drop off.

Question Will you do travel training? Answer We will offer this as part of our topic based curriculum. Comment Together for Children provide 1.5 staff members at Barbara Priestman School and this may be something which can be offered for Harry Watts too.

Question How will it affect other schools? Answer This school will add much needed capacity across the city, the LA will continue to grow provision in schools alongside the opening of Harry Watts Academy. Ideally the local authority would like to bring those children currently educated in other local authorities or in independent provision back into the Sunderland system.

Question How will you support / work with other providers across the city? Answer Prosper welcome the opportunity to work with all partners across the city and particularly the other special schools. Prosper have a strong track record of working cooperatively with other providers in Newcastle. The Trust will be meeting with partners over the coming months as we take the new school forward.

Question Any consideration of 16+ provision? Answer The post 16 plans are currently evolving and our partner Sunderland College will be an integral part of the delivery of post 16 provision for our students. We will share more information as it is ready. Question Are the admissions purely through the LA? Answer Yes, all places will be commissioned directly via the local authorities

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Harry Watts Academy Master Collective Feedback Page 4 of 5

General Event/Drop In Consultation Meeting 30 September 2019 at 4:00pm Biddick Academy

Question How will admissions work in reality? Answer Admissions – type of autism, SOP needs to be clearer, Cluster group of SEN needs, yes we can go to these, Head to send more details

Question Where will the post-16 students go? Answer Currently the plan is they will move to Sunderland College and or appropriate training and employment. We are currently engaged with the College to develop our post 16 offer in readiness to communicate in coming months. We appreciate for some that there was an expectation that Harry Watts would deliver post 16 as part of its remit however this was never proposed or agreed as part of the application to open a free school.

Question How does the Board feed into local governance? Answer See slide on page 18 in annex 5.

Question How does it work alongside what we do? What is in it for Sunderland? Answer The LA has made it clear to Prosper that there is significant ASD need in Sunderland and the LA are developing an holistic approach to meet this need. Harry Watts will be part of the solution in conjunction with other special schools and mainstream school ASD provision. The key is making sure pupils are placed in the most appropriate provision to meet their individual need.

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Harry Watts Academy Master Collective Feedback Page 5 of 5

Appendix 7 – New Articles

Sunderland Echo

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