So what does it mean?
The new Academies are designed to give schools independence from the Local Authority. The new buzz phrase is "autonomy" for schools and so, under Academy status, schools can (if they wish):
- Have freedom from the National Curriculum
- Vary the pattern of the school day and term dates
- Set its own terms and conditions for staff
- Be free of any interference and bureaucracy from the Local Authority
- Directly receive monies held centrally, by the Local Authority, for children's services.
- Own the land, the buildings and directly employ staff.
One of the school's Governors summed it up by describing it as "being like an independent school without the ability to set the fees."
Do we want it?
Well, the educational benefits seem a little tenuous. It's nice to be given autonomy but some of the freedom we have already and some we may not want! However, if there is a significant sum of money that could be delegated to schools, that was previously held by the Local Authority, then this is worth further investigation. Clearly, if the money is delegated, we also lose the services that were provided centrally by the Local Authority. If we don't want or use those services or we can find them cheaper elsewhere, then the notion of Academies will have to be given careful consideration.
Furthermore, in the week before the Comprehensive Spending Review, we know we will soon have cuts to contend with. It may just be that the greater flexibility and control of the monies available under Academy status is one of the solutions to the difficult times ahead.
