Summary - This case study gives a rare glimpse into the experience of a hard governance federation.           

Introduction: West Sussex is a federation of 3 schools, 1 secondary and 2 special schools. It is a “hard” federation as it operates through a single governing body under the Education Act 2002,  and is led by an executive headteacher, who is ultimately accountable. 

Focal areas: Professional development for teachers; broadening and enriching experiences for pupils; improving the achievement of specific pupil groups; community / social cohesion; and CPD. In addtion to these, there is an aim for corporate ownership of local pupils by the local federation. This relates to sharing resources, expertise and leadership to raise standards (reduction in excusions, raising attainment and attendance)
     
Impact on standards of teaching and learning: The standard of the teaching and learning in federations (through SSER activities) has improved.  This is particularly noticeable in the BESD school.

Pupil groups to benefit most:

• Pupils in the BESD school who have benefited from access to teachers and planning from partner schools.
• Pupils and staff who have benefited from spending time in each others schools.

Impact on teachers’ professional development and support:

• Clearer definition of leadership roles in all schools.
• Opportunities for staff to develop new roles (eg subject leader across federation and head of teaching and learning).
• Joint INSET has broadened opportunities for staff.
• Joint moderation of pupils work.
• Job shadowing for middle managers to develop skills and expertise and extend tolerance thresholds.

Enhancement of links between the schools and the community:

The federation has:
• Provided named contacts and partners for all staff at all levels.
• Highlighted the good practice in schools and enhanced the opportunites for joint agency activity with a raised profile for both schools.
• Created a newsletter and joint ICT infrastructure (virtual private network) allowing staff to share data.
• Made policy and flow of information easier.
• Used video conferencing to support communication between schools and create a"virtual leadership presence".

Barriers / challenges:

• The initial burden on the 'executive head' supporting the BESD school was significant and so more operational support (a part operational headteacher) has been employed.
• Getting appropriate ICT infrastructure to create videoconferencing and a VPN centre pushed boundaries.

How the barriers / challenges were overcome:    

Regular meetings with appropriate senior officers in LEA; when budget allowed, the employment of a part time operational headteacher at the BESD school; and the purchasing of Inset to support the development of leadership potential in staff.

Contract / agreement with LA to deliver services on their behalf: Not yet - but we would hope too be able to use centrally held resources to ensure we can move effectively meet the exclusions trgets for the High School.
  
For more information about this case study, please contact Toby Salt, Director - Innovation Unit, either by emailing toby.salt@dfes.gsi.gov.uk or by callling 0207 925 7467.