As you will be aware, a number of schools in Cumbria are currently undergoing organisational change as a result of the schools’ review, so that Cumbria has a school system that is suitable for the coming decades. This reorganisation is likely to affect more schools in future years as the schools’ review process moves fully into the implementation phase and change becomes more widespread.
To assist governors execute their responsibilities and to provide guidance for schools with the various practical processes and procedures inherent within the reorganisation, a handbook known as the 'Reorganisation - Staffing Handbook for Schools' has been published. This handbook can be accessed via the School Portal or by following the link below.
As there are many other issues of equal importance within transition, a further ‘toolkit’ document has now been produced to assist and guide governors and headteachers through the other elements of the work inherent within transitional arrangements. The School Organisation toolkit can be accessed via the School Portal.
The toolkit is a guide, it is not prescriptive and it is intended to be a working document that will be modified and supplemented at least annually, in order to incorporate examples of good practice and to update the knowledge and understanding gained. The toolkit and the Staffing Handbook for Schools will apply in all cases of transition. It will be necessary to make differing use of the toolkit in small scale situations such as a change from separate infant and junior schools to a single primary school and in large scale area reorganisations of provision. It is fully acknowledged that each situation will be unique and to determine the extent of the work required, the Transition Manager will be available to assist and to provide further support.
- Due end of Oct 2008: Reorganisation - Staffing Handbook for Schools