Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest benefit when becoming a Foundation
school?
Most schools believe that the greater sense of ownership is the
biggest benefit as a Foundation school. They have found that:
- More effective relationships are developed with parents
and the local community
- The relationship with the local authority allows
sharper and more focused decision making
- The whole school community becomes involved in the future
direction of the school
Specific benefits with admissions include the following:
- Schools can determine their own admission policy and arrange
their own admission appeal panel
- Special schools may be able to have a greater influence on
their admission policy
- If the school is oversubscribed a governors admission
committee will agree the final list of offers
How much additional work is involved for
governors?
- Governors will have increased independence to determine the
future direction of the school
- There may be greater opportunity for working with the local
community
- The governing body can determine the agenda
Who is responsible for health and safety?
- The governing body has the legal responsibility for health and
safety issues
- Health and safety can be managed in a variety of ways eg using
national guidelines and official information published especially
for schools
How might the relationship with the local
authority change?
- A Foundation school will be more in control of the
relationship
- As a maintained school it will still be part of any local
education authority strategy to improve standards
- A school may have more freedom in the appointment of staff
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