Bellemoor School | Southampton
What it means to be a Foundation School
What it means to be a Foundation School
All schools have different priorities and reasons for considering a change of status to become a Foundation School. The paragraphs below try to capture the main features which schools we have supported to date consider important and relevant.
The opportunity to develop a strong partnership with parents, the local community, staff, governors and business partners through:
- A greater sense of ‘ownership’
Being a Foundation school is an attitude of mind; a determination to lead rather than be led; a strong shared vision for school improvement; working with others for the benefit of the pupils. It has an energising effect when people can see that what they do can make a difference to the school community. Many schools use the change of status as a ‘hook’ on which to set up improved consultation and involvement with parents and the community, or to undertake a thorough review of school priorities and strategic direction.
- Charitable Status
Foundation school governing bodies and foundations, where schools have them, have charitable status which may be an attraction to potential business sponsors as any money received will have to be accounted for in an annual report to the Charities Commission. Currently this is under development following a new Charities Act and FASNA will be involved in discussions relating to the process for schools.
An increased ability to determine the future development of your school through additional opportunities:
- Employer status
A more flexible approach to the deployment of support staff is possible.
- Admissions Authority
The governing body is the admissions authority and must prepare an admissions policy, ensure that the proper consultation process is carried out before implementing the policy and establishing an admission appeals process.
- Owning the building and premises
The governing body has more effective control over the use of school facilities out of school hours and the opportunity to generate income through letting redundant building.
The opportunity to network with colleagues from all parts of the country through:
- Membership of FASNA
Membership means being part of a supportive network of like minded schools. Headteachers, senior mangers, governors, and clerks are invited to our conferences. Termly newsletters update members on the activities of committee members in the national arena and act as a vehicle for exchange of views. Our website has a members section where items pertaining to the core responsibilities of Foundation schools are posted.
We recognise that governors may need additional support after the process of change and we are committed to providing information which will be relevant to the development and training of governors of a new Foundation school and provide an alternative view to that coming from the LA. More information on these issues follows.