Minister backs Neston trust school bid

Oct 28 2009 by Carrie Catterall, Heswall News

THE possibility of establishing trust schools in Neston has been given government support.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Family and Schools, says he will support the local schools’ proposals which could give them the opportunity to tap into additional funds.

Trust schools are state-funded foundation schools, supported by a charitable trust made up of the school and partners working together.

If successful, the Neston schools would be able to gain finance from local businesses and could apply for grants only available to charities.

This would then improve the education environment and the opportunities available to pupils.

If they go ahead with their proposals, the schools would need to submit detailed plans explaining how they envisage their charitable board operating and what the benefits would be both to pupils and the community.

They would then consult with parents and other stakeholders.

On agreement with stakeholders following this first stage of consultation formal, “statutory proposals“ would be published.

After this, the governing body would decide whether to establish a trust.

Once established, the land would be transferred to the trust, and must be used for educational purposes, and new governors would be appointed

Marjorie Downey, Head Teacher at Parkgate Primary School said: “Within the local Education Improvement Partnership – formally referred to as the local ‘Cluster Group’ of schools we are currently exploring the possibility of forming a Trust, with other schools in the area, to see how it could strengthen what we all already do.

“We need to examine what benefits such a move might bring and what advantages there may be for the children.”

Jim Knight, Minister of State for Schools and Learners says the trust model has captured the imagination of schools and organisations and could benefit thousands.