Consultation

I recognise that we have been suggesting a number of significant changes with the family of schools over the last few months including the suggested move to a Multi Academy Trust, the possible expansion of the sixth form and the timing of the school day. It is challenging for all of us to consider how we might re-shape the school for the benefit of our students. This week, on Thursday 21st May, the Governing Body will meet to discuss and make a decision about the timing of the school day. Forty-four parents have sent through comments that will be shared with the governing body and I genuinely do not know what the decision will be. If they do decide to change the day, please be reassured that there would not be a change to the amount of time spent in lessons. In fact, we are confident that there is a slight increase in actual teaching contact time within the proposal as a result of the reduced movement between lessons and the settling down necessary at the start of lessons. Similarly, as there will not be any change to our teachers’ contract terms, this proposal is not reducing the length of the school day for our staff, but allowing them to better support co-curricular activities, intervention groups, planning and marking. As with all change, it will suit some more than others. Perhaps the most important consideration for me is the lunch hour. In my view, it is simply not sustainable to have a long break within a cramped inner city site. There are also the significant considerations of monitoring our students on this difficult site and keeping everyone safe in a square open to the public and traffic. It is all very well in the summer when the sun is shining, but a wet January day is quite a different thing. We did have an interesting day on Thursday when a number of catering companies met with representatives from the school bidding to take on the contract. Many of you may know that Zig Heimann has resigned as catering manager and that Cathy Vale, our Sous Chef is now on maternity leave. All the companies have promised to invest in the site and this seems like an obvious time to explore this option. We will make a final decision in June and will let you know the outcome. I am hoping that the successful firm will put on a tasting evening for parents before September.