Schools link-up aims to improve standards

PARENTS at three Mid Devon primaries will learn more this week about proposals for a pioneering partnership which aims to improve education standards.

The governors of Wilcombe, Sampford Peverell C of E and Hemyock primaries are planning to create the first school federation in the Mid Devon area.

Wilcombe headteacher Gary Chown and governors from the schools have begun making presentations on the scheme to parents in a consultation exercise which will last six weeks.

If approved, Mr Chown would become executive head of all three schools from September with new heads of teaching and learning appointed at each school.

Mr Chown said although visiting the three schools was almost a 20-mile round trip, he did not feel this would present any problems in terms of closer working. "It is not about geography, it is about sharing ideas and maintaining high standards in teaching and learning," he said.

Mr Chown said the new heads of learning and teaching would be responsible for the day-to-day running of their individual schools, with his role that of overseeing the strategic leadership of the schools.

Mr Chown said: "It is an exciting time. Initial feedback has been positive, including from Devon County Council. Sampford Peverell is a Church of England school and maintaining the Church ethos of the school is our aim. The diocese board of education has also indicated strong support."

Mr Chown said he wanted to reassure parents the individual schools would still be "at the heart of their community" and each school's unique individual ethos and values would be preserved.

Mr Chown assumed executive leadership at Sampford Peverell at the start of this term which, he said, meant he already had a flavour of the school and had got to know staff, parents and pupils.

The new federation would have a single governing body to oversee the work of the three primaries with representatives from all schools.

Among the potential benefits of the federation which have been identified include:

● Wider opportunities for them to take part in joint projects, including shared sports and residential trips.

● Securing and developing successful leadership for the future.

● Providing more staff development opportunities and making better use of individual staff expertise.

● More cooperation between year 6 groups from the three schools prior to transition to secondary school.

● Shared opportunities to provide extended services across the federation such as wrap- around childcare provision.

Mr Chown took over at Wilcombe in 2004 and oversaw significant improvements in academic standards with a number of innovative developments. He has also been chairman of the 320-strong Devon Association of Primary Heads.

Mr Chown did not rule out the possibility of the expansion of the federation in the years ahead.

"We hope it is a federation that may grow when other schools see the success it can bring. We are not actively seeking partners, but we are not closing the door to other schools joining in the future if they believe it could be beneficial," he said.

The consultation process began yesterday with Mr Chown and governors from each school holding meetings at Wilcombe and Hemyock. They are set to meet parents and friends of Sampford Peverell Primary School today at 5pm.

There will also be 'drop-in' sessions led by Mr Chown in each school for those who want to pose questions on an individual basis on Wednesday, February 10 at the following times: 9am-10.30am,Wilcombe; 11am-1pm, Sampford Peverell; and 2pm-4pm Hemyock.

Written responses should be addressed to 'The Chair of Governors' of each school and must be received by 3.30pm on March 15.