Schools to unite under federations scheme

GOVERNORS at Bramham Primary School and Shadwell Primary School have announced plans to create a federation with a shared management team and governing body.

Proposals have been made to create the federation from September 2010 and public talks with parents and all interested parties will now take place before a final decision is made.

Governors believe that both the schools in Leeds would benefit from working together as part of the 21st Century Schools project, which promotes partnerships.

At a joint governing body meeting last month, governors from both schools voted in favour of the proposals and agreed for a formal consultation to take place. If the plans go-ahead, it would create the Federation of Bramham and Shadwell Primary Schools.

The federation proposals mean that admission numbers and arrangements for each school will stay the same; children will continue to be educated in their current school; the headteacher and deputy headteacher at Shadwell will be shared across both the schools; the two schools will continue to have budgets set based on the number of pupils at each school but will have an opportunity to share resources; and a new joint governing body would be established for both schools.

Sue Morgan, chair of governors at Bramham Primary School, said: “Being part of a federation would provide Bramham primary with access to more resources and staff expertise which will only help our children.”

Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds, said: “These schools’ governors have announced these innovative proposals as they feel the changes would help provide even better education and opportunities for all the children.”

The consultation will run until April 19 and all parents and interested groups are urged to take part. Written comments can be made to both Shadwell Primary School, Main Street, Shadwell, Leeds, LS17 8JF or Bramham Primary School, Clifford Road, Bramham, Leeds, LS23 6JQ. Comments can also be emailed to shadwellps@ leedslearning.net or bramhamps @leedslearning.net.