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