Summary - This is a useful case study of a 4 school "soft" federation in Norfolk, looking at their focus, successes, challenges and solutions.

Introduction: The 4 schools comprising Rural Norfolk are a “soft" Federation where the joint Governing Committee have delegated powers (formed under School Governance (Collaboration) (England) Regulations 2003)  

Focal areas: professional development for teachers; creating subject expertise; broadening and improving 14-19 provision; broadening and  enriching experiences for pupils; improving the achievement of specific pupil groups; effective use of ICT / learning technologies; community / social  cohesion; and enhanced support and guidance thorugh Learning Mentors.

Impact on standards of teaching and learning:

• Greater awareness of and access to Vocational courses at KS4 and beyond; Improved teacher confidence and use of ICT/Multi Media.
• Sharing materials and expertise through subject networking.
• Joint planning of learning projects.
• Joint CPD for NQT on Virtual Learning Enviroment.

Pupils groups to benefit most:

• Students unsure of their future post 16 are now better informed.
• ‘Coasting’ students - their comfort zones have been challenged.
• CID borderline pupils.
• Gifted and Talented pupils.
• Those with need of additional support and guidance.   

Impact on teachers’ professional development and support:

• E-Learning/ICT, multi-media developed.
• Pooling expertise and jointly preparing lessons/resources.
• A school ICT Co-ordinator now seconded as e-learning Co-ordinator for Federation.
• Joint training across Federation.
• Leadership group CPD.
• conduit for individual staff to develop ideas e.g use of PDA, in PE with colleagues showing increased motivation and use of ICT.

Enhancement of links between schools and the local community:

• Facilitated thinking in developing joint approach to Extended schools.
• Better communication between Learning Communities.
• Coser working with Adult Education, Youth and Community.
• More strategically planned provision.
• Out of Hours Learning; recognition of shared goals.
• Raising awareness with parents of their role in their child's education.
• Raising awareness of learning strategies/Vocational pathways.

Major challenges or barriers:

• Differences in emphasis on ethos/aspirations.
• Differences in management structure/capacity.
• Geographical distance and transport links.

For more information, please contact Sue Jorgensen-Moore - Consultant Co-ordinator,  by either emailing rnf@btconnect.com or by calling 01603  871841.