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Monday, 16 October 2006 |
This project is in the detailed feasibility stage and at the moment, we are working to resolve challenges around planning permission prior to signature of the funding agreement. We have been developing the governance structures and matters relating to the new trust and continue to develop the designs to ensure we have a sustainable solution which meets the needs of the current school, the Fellowship and the community.
Detailed plans will shortly be submitted for planning approval
and we hope to hear the outcome by the end of December.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How many Pupils will be Educated at the Academy?
The Academy will be a state funded independent school for 330 pupils aged 3-16 years and will provide Steiner education for local children. Any child in Herefordshire can apply and criteria in line with the Government’s guidance will ascertain priority in allocating places.
2. What are the Key Challenges for this Project?
This project is in the Academy programme because it is a Steiner school and because of the innovation and diversity it offers. The challenge will be in ensuring that we do not lose the very nature of Steiner education in the transition and working with Hereford Council to secure planning permission. There is also a perception that spending money on this new Steiner Academy is taking away from other schools in Herefordshire. This is not the case – this is funded by Central Government who are supporting this project as the first State funded UK Steiner School.
3. How are Academies Accountable to their Local Communities?
The DfES want Academies to be at the heart of their communities, and expect them to be established in consultation with local stakeholders. Local interests can also be represented on the governing body.
4. Will the School Offer Community Facilities?
There will be facilities that can be used by local people – for example sports and meeting facilities. It is likely that there will be other ways in which the community can use the school – for cultural, educational and social events.
5. Do Academies have Headteachers?
Academies have a Principal. A Job Description has been drafted and we will be appointing the Principal in advance of opening to contribute to the process of setting up the Academy.
6. What Will Happen to the Existing Hereford Waldorf School Buildings?
It is now the case that the existing buildings are to be incorporated into the development of the site. They will be a part of the Academy and may be used as craft, music and art rooms. This is still to be determined as the architects are currently producing detailed designs. These will be presented at another Public Open Evening to be held at Much Dewchurch Village Hall in a month or so.
7. When Will the New Buildings be Ready?
We are currently in the Feasibility Stage during which we test the viability of the proposed project. This includes work around all sorts of educational, governance and technical issues such as admissions, leadership, the designs, planning permissions etc. If we successfully prove the feasibility, the project moves forward into the Implementation Stage. It is possible that the school will open as an Academy (and start to receive funding as such) in September 2007 but the new buildings will probably be complete a year later (September 2008).
If you have any enquiries about the project please contact:
Lara Newman, Project Manager
Navigant Consulting
C/o Hereford Waldorf School
Much Dewchurch, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR2 8DL
Tel: 07973 688896
Email:
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