The commission first heard from
Anna Harding, Head teacher on the plans for closure/amalgamation of
the St Mary Magdalene C of E Primary School (SMMS) around the
following points
- Background info on
SMMS; One form entry Church School is now Half form entry school
with mixed age classes due to falling rolls, Ofsted inspection with
good statutory results above national average, 96 pupils from a
capacity of 210 pupils, High number of Special Educational Needs
and Disabilities (SEND) pupils, 37 Pupils on Educational, Health
Care Plan (EHCP), 3% of children have no recourse to public funds,
51% of pupils eligible for pupil premium, In the lowest 10% of
schools nationally under deprived demographic, 91% Black or mixed
heritage pupils and 94% any non-white ethnic groups, high
satisfaction and good overall experience from pupils and parents,
experienced staff and well-loved school in the
community.
- Steps taken to avoid
closures and amalgamations in the past; mixed age classes,
restructured staff body, minimised redundancies, low budget deficit
£27k, plans to open nursery/reception class on a temporary
basis from January 2024, explored options to join Southwark Diocese
and multi-academy trust, other options for amalgamation also being
considered but church schools are further away.
- SEND pupils would
struggle with transition if amalgamated, pupils have their
educational, emotional and support needs met at this
school.
- Resource based
provision for SEND would help the school to stay open.
- Lack of communication
from Council since May 2023 when proposal for amalgamation/closure
was made, however meetings have taken place in the last
week.
The commission then heard from
Sonia Phippard, Chair of Governors around the following
themes
- SMMS co-operating
with the Council in line with the ‘Keeping Education Strong
Strategy’, however due to lack of communication, it has
delayed all options being explored until now which would have
helped Pupil Admission Numbers.
- Financially viable
school and reducing budget deficit year by year.
The commission then heard from
Enuma Madu, parent on the following topics
- Opening of
Nursery/Reception school vital to the local area according to
parents
- SMMS the first choice
of most parents in the area; excellent care and attention to
pupils; safe and supportive environment.
- Church schools are
known to shy away from SEND pupils according to media reports but
SMMS treats everyone with dignity and respect.
The commission then heard from
Reggie Osei-Bonsu, parent on the following themes
- On exploring options
for my child at reception level schools in the area, SMMS being
smaller and private suited my child’s needs.
- Excellent care and
treatment of my relatives children made me choose SMMS
- Relocation plans for
the family outside London were cancelled due to the needs of my
daughter who has received excellent care and support from
SMMS.
The
commission then heard from Remi-Leigh, parent on the following
points
- Undeniably warm and
welcoming school making it a great asset to the
community.
- SMMS has a high
number of SEND pupils, however not all SEND pupils need SEND
schools depending on the degree of need, SMMS creates a tailored
environment to accommodate a range of SEND needs.
- Families have been
supported thoroughly, parents like the option of choosing a smaller
school
- Lack of clear and
transparent communication on the closure and amalgamation process
which has created anxiety among parents and especially
children
The commission then heard from
Damien, Parent Governor on the following topics
- SMMS pillar of the
community, nurturing and fostering young minds of the future
generations
- Immense ramifications
for parents, staff and children if a decision is made to close the
school.
- Dedicated staff with
20-30 years of experience, high quality of education shown in
Ofsted ratings
- Generations of a
family have chosen SMMS due to the uniqueness of the school unlike
any other school in the borough
The commission then asked
questions on the following themes
- Nursey plans; hours
of operation, capacity and projected income
- Organisation of
School: breakfast club, wrap around after school provision and a 3
year reducing budget deficit plan
- Council and
councillor support to ensure that communications are made to ensure
and assure parents that opening of a nursery school makes the
school viable for applications next year.
The commission then noted a
statement from Martin Brecknell, Education Representative (Diocesan
Board), and Co-opted member of the commission that the Diocesan
Board have worked all throughout the process with the Council and
SMMS and in no way have undermined the Council’s processes
unlike the council’s perception of the board’s
involvement.
Anna explained to the
commission that the nursery/reception would have 15 full time
places (school hours, excluding school holidays), accepting
children that have 15-30 hrs free childcare with parents of 15 hr
free child care having the option to top up the rest themselves.
Feasibility study conducted earlier in the year indicated 9-11
pupils’ projection for nursery, however due to the delay in
process for nursery the numbers expected might change in January
2024. Income expected in the first term is approximately
£15.5k and further growth can be expected. The breakfast
club, after school club and holiday club are run by an external
company called Ultimate Sports who work closely with school staff
and are a part of the SMMS family. There is also a licensed 3 year
deficit recovery plan base on the nursery bring SMMS budget into
surplus in 3 years.
The commission also heard from
Anna that SMMS need improved communications, regular meetings with
all stakeholders-council, councillors, diocesan board, teachers and
governors. The council should explain the issues with viability of
SMMS and all options need to be explored.
The commission then asked
questions on the following topics
- Process behind the
idea of the nursery initiative
- Proportion of pupils
belonging to different faiths; Catholic, Church of England etc.
making it more difficult to find schools with the similar faiths to
amalgamate with.
- Exodus of students
from SMMS due to news of uncertainty over the future of the
school
Sonia explained to the
commission that primarily the motivation behind the nursery was due
to parent needs although there is a budget benefit in it. Early
knowledge of children’s needs in nursery such as SEND helps
the staff give better care, support and a better start to the
child’s education as compared to ascertaining needs in year
one. SMMS has a more Angelical and Pentecostal approach towards
faith which suit the diversity of students within SMMS, while the
proposed amalgamated School St. Johns and Clements has a more
Higher Anglican approach to faith although both are excellent
church schools. Applications this year are lower due to the news of
closure/amalgamation proposal, so looking forward to the nursery
and this would need an admission applications process for September
2024 to be advertised.
The commission heard from Anna
that SMMS is chosen by parents mainly due to the ethos and core
Christian values rather than faith places. There has been a loss
4-6 pupils next year due to the uncertainty over the future of the
school. SMMS has had to reject 12 applications in year 1&2 and
year 5&6 as their full in capacity indicating that it is still
a popular choice.
The commission then noted
possible recommendations
- In line with
‘Keeping Education Strong’ strategy all options are
explored flexibly on proposals for closure/amalgamations of
schools
- Improved
communications and regular meetings and engagements with all
stakeholders
- Equality Impact
Assessments are carried out and shared with schools before any
proposals for closure/ amalgamations are made.