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CO-OP schools to give people power over local education
Dated: 11/09/2008
CO-OP schools to give people power over local education
Schools Secretary Ed Balls has announced that he wants to roll out the co-operative school model – in which parents, teachers and communities have direct power over the running of local schools.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families will make £500,000 available for a pilot of up to 100 Trusts with co-operative governance models over the next two years, so that those with an involvement in schools have a say in how it is run.
Local community groups, including parents, teachers and local businesses can come together to give input and help govern schools.
Schools that join the Trust Schools Programme are currently eligible to receive up to £10,000 from Government to support the costs of setting up a Trust. Those wishing to adopt the co-operative model will now be able to recoup an extra £5,000 to engage consultants to assist in developing this innovative model.
Ed Balls said:
“I want to see more parents and communities actively involved in schools and the co-operative model is an ideal way to do this. This is about putting power in the hands of those who are directly engaged with local schools, and who know best what is needed in their area.
“As the first co-operative trust is now successfully up and running, I want to see this model rolled out across the country, cultivating co-operative schools and the democratic, innovative opportunity they represent. This is about enabling any schools, or new Trust partners, interested in this unique model of governance, to try this out.”
Schools Minister Andrew Adonis said:
“This shows our continued support of the co-operative model which empowers local communities to have direct control over education in their area. Trust Schools in Stockport and Hull are moving forward and the Co-Operative Academy in Manchester will work with the community and other local Academies to transform educational standards in the area.
“I urge other schools to look to this style of governance to put power in the hands of the people they serve.”
Peter Marks, Chief Executive of The Co-operative Group, said:
“We believe that the co-operative structure allows all stakeholders greater participation in the running of the school and a sense of ownership and engagement which has sometimes been missing in the public sector.
“We are convinced that this ethos, which is built on our co-operative values dating back more than 150 years, will lead to higher standards, aspirations and achievements.
“That is why we are committed to supporting the fledgling Co-operative network of schools which offers mutual help and support to those that elect to adopt the co-operative model as well as providing information to those considering making the move.”
The first co-operative Trust School, Reddish Vale Technology College in Stockport, came into being in April. The second, Andrew Marvell College in Hull is due to open later this year. Both Trust schools have developed a co-operative governance model based on the engagement of stakeholder groups e.g. parents and learners through membership. Additionally, co-operatives have provided education and training for school governors and other stakeholders so that they can contribute effectively to the development of their stakeholder Trusts and run effective membership organisations.
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