Confusion over school governance

The position of the Governing Body at Audlem St James' School is getting increasingly complicated.

The GovernorsYesterday, Audlem Online published the letter sent to parents and carers which said: "15th April 2011 Dear Parents/Carers,

This matter is now in the hands of the Local Authority and they will inform parents of what action they now intend to take.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Niall Carr
Chair of Governors"

Local AuthorityCheshire East, however, have now given Audlem Online the following statement:

"Unfortunately the letter sent to parents from the chairman of Governors dated April 15th is factually incorrect.

"The children of Audlem St James Primary School are our priority and deserve the best education that can be provided.

"Understandably, parents are naturally worried about the conflicting messages received from school. The local authority would like to reassure them by setting out the facts clearly.

"The local authority is committed to doing all it can to ensure the highest quality of education for the pupils at the school.

"The school's governing body is required by Ofsted to put together a plan. The plan should set out how the governing body intends to raise standards. The deadline for this is May 23rd, 2011.

"If the governing body can show they are able to undertake the required actions to raise standards at the school for the benefit of the children then the local authority will of course work with them to achieve these goals.

"If, however, the local authority feels that the governors of the school, which has been rated "satisfactory" by Ofsted inspectors, do not have a clear and consistent strategy to improve standards then we as the local authority must act in the interest of the pupils.

"As a local authority we are required by law to ensure that the proper process is observed."

ConfusionThe reasons for these differing interpretations are unclear. Being positive, however, the key point is that the Governors now have over a month to develop a comprehensive plan to raise the school's "Satisfactory" OfSTED rating to "Good" and then "Excellent."

We understand that nothing has been signed by the Secretary of State for Education, a necessary step in the appointment of an Interim Executive Board to replace the Governors.

Audlem Online also understands that the Local Authority, Cheshire East, will be writing to parents and carers.

An Audlem School Governor says: "The situation has been very confusing and we were not aware of what the local authority was planning. We will, of course, continue to work very hard to progress the school and provide the best possible outcome for the pupils. We will be in direct contact with the Local Authority to seek clarification."

We are sure all will want the Governors' strategy to demonstrate that the school can achieve the standards all parents, pupils and the wider community want to see – an excellent school that is a credit to all concerned.

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