Joining the Supported Schools Programme - Phase 10

Schools which have well developed trust proposals, and are advanced in their planning may still be able to join the Supported Schools Programme up to 31st March 2010. This opportunity is only available to schools which will be ready to move into the statutory trust process by March / April 2010.

Schools will need to:

• Contact their Regional Team Leader to discuss the readiness of their trust plans.
• Complete an Expression of Interest application form – Phase 10.
• In section 5.1 Governance of the Expression of Interest, schools will need to produce a realistic timeline for implementation. If the school is ready to start the statutory process then the governing body will have discussed this and agreed to it.
• Send the Expression of Interest to the Regional Team Leader in the first instance. At this stage the Expression of Interest is only being submitted for consideration and this is not a guarantee that it will be forwarded to the DCSF for acceptance onto the supported programme.
• The Regional Team Leader will provide you with feedback on your trust plans. If your trust plans are well developed and have a timeline which indicates the school is ready to begin the statutory process, then the Expression of Interest will be forwarded to the DCSF for consideration.
• DCSF will agree which schools are able to join the supported programme in Phase 10.

If your school is not ready to move into the statutory process by March / April 2010 then contact the Regional Team Leader who will be able to provide further information about the support available to your school.