10 key areas to support your Free School

1. Quality project management
Ensuring that the Department for Education’s Project Development Plan (PDP) is followed clearly, that resources are carefully assigned, key stakeholders identified, milestones set and objectives achieved.

2. A governance model that matches your Free School ethos
Establishing structures to determine governing bodies’ accountability and responsibilities; recruiting your governing body; and providing appropriate training and ongoing support.

3. Strategic planning and securing funding
Guiding the development of your financial model to secure the Funding Agreement, including analysing sufficiency and suitability of accommodation; setting accurate 5 year forecasts for expenditure; and assessing risk.

4. Admissions policies and planning
Understanding local admission needs through surveys; understanding and meeting legal requirements; analysing data to plan admissions numbers and aid communication; preparing your prospectus; and managing disputes and appeals.

5. Recruitment and staffing
Defining senior leader roles and recruiting the right senior leadership team through national advertising and head-hunting; developing a carefully defined application and rigorous interview process; and providing interim placements where appropriate. Recruiting teachers and support staff who share your vision using self selection processes, competency testing and class room observations for teaching posts.

6. Capital investment and education design
Optimising the physical environment to support excellent teaching and learning aligned to your ethos; advising on alternative property strategies, eg. commercial leasing and refurbishment,  and the identification of premises, based on research into local demand; and contractor procurement and certification.

7. Curriculum innovation
Using proven learning models, research and educational expertise to explore, develop and design your curriculum model with you, you will be able to demonstrate your educational aims through a curriculum that has the content, style, structure and pedagogy to bring out the potential of all young people in your care.

8. Maximum value for money and impact from your ICT
Making sure that ICT in your school supports your ambitions; aligning ICT requirements to your vision; and ensuring that ICT impacts positively on learning outcomes. The school site is assessed from an ICT perspective, enabling efficient ICT management and administration and developing an effective procurement strategy.

9. Developing sustainable communities
Securing a safer and stronger community and improved health and well-being for all; achieving the best outcomes possible for young people through consultation across the community; and developing facilities and curriculum to increase community and parental engagement and encourage local supply chains.

10. PR, marketing and community engagement
Communicating the benefits of your Free School vision, to inform, engage and give confidence to parents and other stakeholders; promoting success across a range of media; creating a strong visual identity through name, branding, prospectus, displays and uniform; developing marketing campaigns to increase student admissions; and identifying regional trends and potential new learner markets.

To discuss your Free School plans, contact 01223 463757 or freeschools@camb-ed.com