Business Plan 2015-2018
Contents Pete Anstey, Chair of Directors Washwood Heath Multi Academy 3 Trust Introduction 4 Welcome to the 2015-18 Business Plan for Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust by Bev Mabey, Executive Head Teacher Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust 5 Our Mission Our Values Our Strategic Vision 6 The Role of Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust Our Family of Academy Schools 7 Washwood Heath Academy Brownmead Academy Saltley Academy Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust Governance 8-9 Structure Responsibilities How we are able to secure improvements in Teaching, Learning 10-11 and Assessment Self Evaluation School Improvement Strategy Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust Priorities 2015-18 12 Summary of Priorities Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust Head Office 13 Head Office and School Responsibilities The Head Office Team 14 Find out more about the Trust 15
Pete Anstey, Chair of Directors - Washwood Health Multi Academy Trust The objectives of the Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust are focused on providing the best possible learning opportunities for the young people within the area we serve. This business plan provides the opportunity to articulate to all our stakeholders how we are planning for the development of all aspects of the work needed to deliver our objectives. The buildings and infrastructure for learning set the environment within which learning takes place, it needs to be fit for purpose, safe and provide a stimulating place for learning. Staffing and support needs to be of the highest quality, well informed and led and professionally developed to continuously improve their performance. The Multi Academy Trust will provide the people and services needed to administer, organise and deliver the provision. Leadership will take note of the changing social, political and economic climate to predict change as well as exploring best practise in all aspects of delivery. The planning for delivering the outcomes described, must be done in the climate of an inconsistent and challenging economic and political climate where funding is not always predictable. We (the trustees) must ensure delivery of the service to our community. Continuity of and quality of provision are the first principles we will maintain. This plan sets out how the objectives are to be achieved over the next three years and is the visible commitment to deliver. 3
A message from Bev Mabey, Executive Head Teacher of Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust It is great pleasure that I welcome you to the Washwood Heath Multi Academies Trust (WHMAT) Business Plan for 2015-18. Currently we are a family of 3 schools (2 Secondary and 1 Primary). We are stronger working together in partnership is the underlying principle and moral purpose of the WHMAT. We are a family of schools serving a discrete community within this great city of Birmingham. The schools are fully inclusive and serve a very rich and diverse community of cultures and faiths. Each of the schools is unique in its own identity but the strong links between the schools has enabled high quality collaboration to ensure the continued successes of everyone in the partnership. At the heart of all the trust is the focus on school improvement, staff development and ensuring that our young people attain the best possible development and outcomes ensuring that our young people develop into well rounded citizens of the future who will be able to contribute and sustain the growth of the community in which they live. The trust supports all 3 schools to respond positively to the ever changing landscape of education ensuring that we maintain high standards of provision and experience for all our young people. The development of independent, confident young learners is the prime focus of all schools within the MAT through providing excellent teaching and learning opportunities through an enriched curriculum that meets the needs of all of our students. We are fully committed to developing a thirst for learning beyond their school years, providing them with high quality information and guidance to make the right career choices as they enter the next phase in their education. Our young people are more confident, self-assured with a clear sense of personal direction. The trust is also fully committed to providing an exciting and appropriate environment in which our young people can learn and grow whilst feeling safe. We ensure that we offer a wide and varied range of professional development for the staff at all levels of role and responsibility. Leadership development is a key focus and strength of the MAT. Additionally the trust accepts fully the responsibility for robust financial and resource management ensuring value for money at this economically difficult time for us all. We are a family of schools open to growth over the next 12 months to expand our provision for Primary. As the trust develops there is no doubt that we will continue to have a positive impact on all stakeholders within our local community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to find out more about the WH MAT. Mrs Bev Mabey 4
Mission: Values: Learning to succeed is what Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust is about: a passion for and love of learning with the drive and motivation to succeed. Our aim is for students to fulfil their limitless potential through perseverance and effort, to recognise that excellence is a habit not an act (Aristotle). Staff are highly trained and here to support, guide and inspire students to continue their learning after school and when they do leave our schools, to do so with the confidence to see the world as an opportunity. We aim to provide the best opportunities for learning and a climate within which a sense of moral responsibility is clear and that each child recognises that humanity and the common good is a key aim for all. We have four pillars for success: Students who achieve in the top 20% of similar schools, who go on to fulfil their highest aspiration and are seen as ambassadors for the school and positive role models in the community. Staff for whom we are the employer of choice, providing a great place in which to work and an environment where they can be the best. Parents/Carers who know that Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust really cares about their children, recognise that it has effective strategies to meet individual needs and for whom the School is the natural choice to entrust the education of their children. A Community for whom we are a partner of choice which improve outcomes locally, regionally, nationally and globally. By the time our students leave the Washwood Multi Academy Trust they will be literate, numerate confident young people with high aspirations, independent learning skills and a sense of moral responsibility. 5
The Role of Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust Our Strategic vision As a result of working together with a shared moral purpose and set of principles we are stronger together to deliver a high quality provision and outcomes for all our young people whilst maintaining our unique identities We are a family of local schools Excellence in Teaching and Learning Innovative and enriched curriculum with a breadth to meet the needs and provide an enhanced experience for all The development of independent, confident young learners Support of the leadership in the development and delivery of SIP, SEF and M and E Shared ownership of provision within the community shared responsibility for nurturing community cohesion Shared ownership responsibility and a commitment for the development and well being of every individual within the MAT Opportunity to collaborate and share expertise across the MAT at all levels Leadership development is a key focus of the MAT We believe strongly in celebrating diversity and an equality of opportunity for all To nurture creative and innovative solutions to maintain capacity and future sustainability of all the Academies within the MAT The MAT will secure value for money through the economic, efficient and effective use of the resources it deploys in order to achieve its objectives. 6
Our Family of Academy Schools: Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust was formed in November 2014. The trust now comprises of three academies: Washwood Heath Academy, Brownmead Academy and Saltley Academy. Washwood Heath Academy Mrs Heather McLachlan Head of Academy Washwood Heath Academy is a large 11-18 academy with 1400 students, 150 in the Sixth Form. The majority of our students are from minority ethnic backgrounds and we have a high proportion of them who speak English as an additional language. We are passionate about supporting and challenging our students and staff to be creative, resilient, team players and pride ourselves on being open-minded and respectful of all cultures and backgrounds that make up our diverse learning community, a key value within the WHMAT. In addition to academic excellence, our students are expected to take risks and participate in a range of activities, from sports to art and music and we have a strong belief in helping others, reflected in the number of charity and leadership events run and supported by students. Our 'family' ethos and values means that students and staff respect one another and feel responsible for lending a helping hand, especially within our vertical form groups. Brownmead Academy Mr Ashley Winters Head of Academy Brownmead is a one-form entry primary school with 210 children, catering for ages between 4 to 11 years old. We are a popular school and offer our families a supportive and caring environment, where children are allowed to grow and develop to become the best citizens they can be. We offer a broad curriculum with an emphasis on enjoyment and provide children with many opportunities for enriching life experiences. Our aim is to give our community the aspirations to achieve together. Saltley Academy Mr Pete Weir Head of Academy Saltley Academy is a mixed comprehensive school of 1014 students, aged 11-16. The school was created on 1st March 2015. Since the Trust was first involved in the school, it made progress towards leaving special measures, which occurred on conversion. The Academy has already developed a reputation for creative and effective strategies for engaging with issues such as 'British Values'. The team ethos of the Academy community has also contributed to a very successful recruitment programme for September, with the Academy fully staffed with a healthy mixture of experience and colleagues at the early stages of their career. Mrs McLachlan Mr Winters Mr Weir 7
Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust - Governance Governance: All schools within the trust will have a Local Governing Body, operating under a scheme of delegation from the trust Up to five Local Governing Body Chairs will be Directors and attend Board of Directors meetings to ensure a clear reporting process The Chair of each Local Governing Body is appointed by the Trust Board MEMEBERS 4 x Members BOARD OF DIRECTORS 14 x Directors to include up to 5 Chairs from LGBs Finance, Audit and General Purposes Strategic Group Brownmead LGB Chair 1 x Head Teacher 3 x Community 2 x Elected Staff 2 x Elected Parents Saltley LGB Chair 1 x Head of Academy 2 x Community 3 x Elected Staff 2 x Elected Parents Washwood Heath LGB Chair 1 x Head of Academy 2 x Community 3 x Elected Staff 2 x Elected Parents Leadership, Achievement and Behaviour Strategic Group 8
Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust Governance The Members will be responsible for: Winding up the trust Amend the Articles of Association Appoint Members/Directors, remove Directors Holding the directors to account for the effective discharge of their duties The Directors will be responsible and accountable for the strategic priorities of the trust. They will:- Agree targets for student and pupil achievement Agree the budgets for schools in the trust Monitor rag rated school action plans Ensure each school curriculum is relevant and broadly based Appoint all teaching staff on Leadership Scale and Support Staff on Grade 6 or above in conjunction with Local Governing Bodies Review performance and pay of Head Teacher/Head of Academy s in conjunction with Chairs of Local Governing Bodies The Directors will delegate the following to the Local Governing Bodies of each school in the trust:- Preparing, monitoring and securing targets for pupil and school achievement Preparing, monitoring and managing the budget Monitoring and reviewing the curriculum for pupils and students Monitoring and reviewing the quality of teaching and learning Reviewing the pupil/student experience Appointing all staff except Head Teachers, teaching staff on Leadership Scale and Support Staff on Grade 6 or above Implementation of the Pay Policy in line with that agreed by the Directors 9
How we are able to secure improvements in Teaching, Learning and Assessment Self Evaluation Our aim is to support all of our schools to be judged by Ofsted as at least good with the capacity to become outstanding. Once per year, each of our schools will be subject to an Ofsted style review of its work that will be initiated by the Washwood Heath MAT Board, involving the Executive Head Teacher and external consultants. Formal reviews of each school s progress towards agreed targets are presented to the respective Local Governing Body of each school on a regular (termly) basis and received by the Washwood Heath MAT Board at least three times per year. At a local level, governors from each of the schools within the Washwood Heath MAT will play an active role in monitoring the quality of learning and teaching and outcomes for learners. Through regular training across all of the schools within the Washwood Heath MAT, governors will be supported to question and challenge information presented to them; gaining the level of awareness and understanding that will enable them to accurately judge their school s capacity for further improvement. Our monitoring processes will continuously inform self-evaluation and planning within each of our schools. These will include: tracking of learner progress and planned interventions to support each learner s success analysis of attendance and punctuality (with a consistent strategy agreed across all of our schools to reduce persistent absence) analysis of data relating to learners behaviour and safety scrutiny of learners work analysis of standards of learning and teaching (including moderated lesson observations to ensure consistent judgements about standards across all of our schools). learning walks involving senior and middle leaders and governors evidence that professional development programmes are directly linked to the outcomes of lesson observations and appraisal objectives detailed analysis of outcomes for learners consultation with students, staff and parents across our schools and partners across our wider community (this will be done through formally constituted groups, focus groups and surveys arranged throughout the year). 10
School Improvement Strategy We will start by getting to know our academies. This will include data analysis, looking at all documentation including RAISE online and Ofsted reports and undertaking an in-school audit of provision. An integrated approach will be undertaken alongside the academy, taking full account of their own self-evaluation and identified priorities. We will also establish the academy s own areas of strength and expertise that can be shared across Washwood Heath MAT and in particular, the skills of staff within the academy. 11
Summary of Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust Priorities 2015-18 Our Mission Learning to succeed is what Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust is about: a passion for and love of learning with the drive and motivation to succeed. Quality of Teaching Ensure that best practice is shared across all of our schools and that every teacher aspires to be outstanding Student Attainment and Achievement Ensure that the attainment and progress of learners in all of our schools is above the national average Safeguarding Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its students. Behaviour and safety of students Develop an intolerance of bullying across all of our schools so that every learner across the campus feels happy and safe Estates/Resources Improve Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust facilities. by: Providing and maintaining a safe and comfortable working environment, conducive to student learning and teacher performance. Leadership and Management Ensure that Governance in all of our schools is well informed and supports accurate and perceptive self-evaluation. Support the recruitment and retention of high quality staff Embed appraisal so that every member of staff feels valued and well supported to excel at their job Value for Money Ensure that each of our schools is well supported and adequately resourced to ensure the best outcomes for learners Please refer to each academy s respective improvement plan for more detail on how member schools will meet support in meeting these priorities. 12
Head Office Responsibilities Strategic direction & education research Strategic school improvement planning Corporate policies MAT and Governance administration School Responsibilities Day to day management Produce and deliver School Improvement Plan (SIP) School specific policies Local Governing Body support Company Secretary duties Financial statutory accounts Audit - internal and external DFE / EFA financial returns Legal - corporate Financial systems implementation Strategic procurement Tax planning and HMRC returns Strategic HR planning Estate management Admissions Policy and planning Maintenance of school accounts Implement and manage school financial controls Head Office returns (financial & nonfinancial) Legal - specific cases Financial systems user licences Operational procurement VAT administration School HR services Site management Admissions administration Insurances Risk management co-ordination Bank services and mandates Payroll account management TPS and LGPS pension returns Maintain risk register and proactively manage risk Banking and bank reconciliations Payroll monitoring Pensions monitoring Employee benefit administration Budget co-ordination and consolidation MAT budget monitoring Budget preparation School budget monitoring 13
The MAT Head Office Team Mrs Bev Mabey Executive Head Teacher Mr Delroy Bramwell Estates Manager Mr Jon Cale Finance Director Mr David Mabey Resource Manager Mrs Angela Sutheran Company Secretary 14
Find out more about the Trust: There are many ways you can stay in touch with us and what we are doing; The MAT website contains information and updates about the Trust Heads of Academies meet with the Executive Head Teacher on a regular basis The minutes from Local Governing Body meetings are posted on each academy s website For further information about the Trust call Angela Sutheran, Company Secretary on 0121 675 0536 15
Burney Lane, Birmingham, B8 2AS 0121 675 0536