04 May 2011

Dear Parents and Whiteley residents,

Thank you for filling in the questionnaire online or at the consultation meeting. We are well on the way towards the number of signatures required to enable this exciting opportunity to become a reality, but there is some way to go yet. Following the leaflet drop around Whiteley, the first consultation evening and feedback via the online survey, there is clearly a great deal of support for the idea of an all-through school in Whiteley. However, we are still finding people who have not yet heard about it; please do keep passing on the message! Location of the school: Although we cannot yet give a clear indication of exactly where the school will be based, we had a very helpful meeting with Partnerships for Schools, who oversee the location and requirements for new schools. Clearly funding for building new schools is very limited. Consequently, proposals for new schools need to look at reusing existing properties. It would therefore make sense for the school to be located in one of the buildings along Parkway, which have been standing empty for some time. Traffic movements, parking, and space for various school-type activities all need to be considered.

Admissions: This is first and foremost a school for Whiteley children, so children resident in Whiteley will get priority. We are proposing one-form entry for Reception, and four-form entry into the secondary phase.

Special Educational Needs: We already have a draft policy on our website, and have ensured that our group includes particular expertise in this area. It would be our aim that children of all abilities and with a wide range of educational needs, from specific needs to being gifted and talented, will all be challenged and supported to achieve well and thrive in their learning.

Provision of facilities: We recognise that provision of playing fields is a concern to parents, and we are looking at a range of solutions. We would aim to provide some space and provision for physical activities, as well as using other local facilities to provide activities which require greater space. All other educational requirements can be fulfilled in the buildings we are considering.

Background of those setting up the school: This has been a concern of some parents. Those leading the proposals largely come from educational backgrounds, including headteachers, deputy headteachers, leaders from a current academy, school inspectors, special educational needs specialists, school administration experts; all those involved are parents in one way or another, some are prospective parents of the academy.

Regards Andrew Saunders Parental Voice, Whiteley Academy Group

Last Updated on Friday, 13 January 2012 22:52