EQUA MEAD Learning Trust Consultation
We are letting you know that we have applied to the Regional Schools Commissioner seeking agreement for a proposal for Five Lanes CE VC Primary School to become part of EQUA MEAD Learning Trust.
Our school is a community school and we are committed to working with parents and carers and the wider community. We think it is important that everyone can ask questions, explore the proposal in more detail with us, and be involved in the consultation.
The Governing Board of Five Lanes CE VC Primary School will conduct a formal consultation process to seek the views of parents/carers, staff and the local community on the proposal to convert to multi academy trust.
Formal consultation will be conducted from Monday 20th January to Monday 17th February for parents and carers and school staff.
This will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to submit their views by means of an on-line survey. Governors will review the survey and the responses. All of your views will be taken into account before a decision is made.
Thank you for your patience and support.
The Governing Body
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are EQUA Mead Learning Trust (EMLT)?
EQUA Mead is a merger of two local trusts (EQUA Multi Academy Trust and The Mead Multi Academy Trust). They have proven experience in delivering an excellent education for all children. At Five Lanes CE VC Primary School, we are excited about the expertise they can bring to our school, as well as the opportunities for us to share our strengths with them.
Why does the Governing Body want to join EMLT?
Joining EMLT will allow Five Lanes CE VC Primary School to develop in a sustainable way, within a family of like-minded schools.
Our reasons include:
- Increased opportunities and resources for children through collaborative working.
- Enhanced and targeted school improvement support.
- Economies of scale securing greater financial security.
- Governance support, capacity, and opportunity.
- Improved staff recruitment, retention, and development.
- Central services that support the Headteacher and leadership team (e.g., HR, Health and Safety, Finance).
- Behaviour and inclusion expertise and support.
The vision of Five Lanes CE VC Primary School and EMLT are closely aligned, and we will be joining with a small group of other local schools.
A commitment to cross-phase working (Early Years/Primary/Secondary/Sixth Form) across the trust will facilitate smooth transitions for children across key education phases and eventually into sixth form study.
Moving forward, we firmly believe that being part of a trust will help us better manage change and uncertainty, both within the education landscape and financially. Trust-wide collective efficacy will allow us to streamline functions and focus on our core mission: teaching, learning, and safeguarding.
What will change for your child?
If we proceed, you and your child are unlikely to see any change in your day-to-day experience of school. Children will remain in the same class, in the same classrooms, with the same staff.
What are the benefits for our children?
By being part of a trust with a founding commitment to equality for all children and a belief in collaboration, we can offer a much greater range of opportunities, both educationally and through enrichment activities.
Children will have access to a wider curriculum through increased cultural capital opportunities and further collaboration in sport, the arts, and learning outside the classroom.
An effective and experienced Improvement Team, including specialists in primary, secondary, special educational needs, and child welfare, will ensure our provision is of the highest quality. A strong focus on meeting the needs of disadvantaged children, those with additional needs, and those with special talents will ensure inspirational learning for all.
Will Five Lanes CE VC Primary School lose its individuality?
The identity and ethos of Five Lanes CE VC Primary School will not change as a result of academisation. EMLT celebrates the uniqueness of each school.
We will continue to have a governing body. All children on roll at the school will remain. The times of the school day, term dates, and our Church of England status will remain the same.
Will school uniforms change?
No! The special identity of Five Lanes CE VC Primary School is very important, and our uniform will remain the same.
Will the movement of staff be affected?
In the future, some staff may choose to take advantage of opportunities to work at other schools within the trust if they wish. However, there will be no changes to the conditions of employment for existing staff.
Will teachers’ pay be affected?
All teachers are currently paid in accordance with the statutory provisions of the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD). This will remain the same following academisation.
Will support staff pay be affected?
All our support staff are paid in accordance with the Wiltshire Local Government Pay Scales and Local Government Pension Scheme. This will not change following academisation.
Will the school name change?
No, the name of Five Lanes CE VC Primary School will remain the same.
The Consultation Process
Why do we need to consult?
Section 5 of the Academies Act 2010 requires the school’s governing body to consult with “such persons as they think appropriate” about whether the school should convert to an academy.
The consultation process provides key stakeholders with all necessary information about the proposed changes and ensures their questions are answered. While there is no statutory requirement to consult with specific parties, the government recommends that this includes staff members, parents, carers, pupils, and the wider community.
How long do we need to consult for?
Consultation must take place before entering a funding agreement with the Secretary of State. Best practice suggests a 4-week consultation period to allow all interested groups a fair opportunity to respond and ask questions.
How will the consultation process be conducted?
Consultation for conversion to academy status will be conducted through:
- A letter to all parents/carers, staff, and community stakeholders, opening the consultation period and inviting input.
- An online feedback form – [insert link].
- A paper questionnaire accessible via the school office.
- A drop-in session on [insert date].
Our formal consultation period opens on Monday 20th January and will remain open until midday on Monday 17th February.
What happens after the consultation closes?
After the consultation period, the Governing Body will review all feedback and make the final decision on whether to proceed with the conversion. We will inform parents/carers and staff of the decision.
Key Facts about Academies
What is an academy?
Academies are state-funded schools independent of Local Authorities (LAs). Over half of pupils in England are educated in academies. There are three types:
- Converters – Former LA schools that chose to become academies.
- Sponsored – Previously underperforming LA schools that require support.
- Free Schools – Brand new schools created to meet local demand.
How are academies accountable?
Academies are subject to oversight by National and Regional Schools Commissioners, the Education and Skills Funding Agency, and Ofsted. They face greater accountability than LA-maintained schools.
What are multi-academy trusts (MATs)?
MATs are charities responsible for running multiple academies. They cannot operate for profit, and surplus funds must be reinvested into the trust.
Schools within a MAT share expertise, staff, and resources to deliver the best outcomes for pupils. MATs also hold shared accountability for standards across all schools in the trust.
What is the curriculum model in an academy?
Academies must provide a broad and balanced curriculum that includes English, Maths, Science, Religious Education, and Relationships and Health Education. The curriculum must prepare pupils for life’s opportunities and responsibilities and include the same assessment and reporting arrangements as all other state-funded schools.
How does funding work?
The MAT will receive funding directly from the Secretary of State, equivalent to what an LA-maintained school would receive, based on pupil numbers. Additional capital funding is also available.
What is the admissions policy of an academy?
Academies must provide education for pupils in their local area and have clear admission arrangements. They are required to educate children of all abilities and cannot select pupils based on ability.