With more than 60% of children in English schools already attending academies, CST welcomes the government’s announcement that all schools will become part of an academy trust. Accompanied by a trust-inspection system developed in consultation with schools and trusts, the decision marks a landmark in the evolution of England’s schools from good to great.
CST also welcomes the intention to reform support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. The current ‘deficit model’ approach too often focuses on what children can’t do. Encouraging inclusive support within mainstream schools while recognising the crucial work of the specialist sector offers a more positive approach, with quicker and more local support to help all children succeed.
School trusts employ more than 600,000 staff across teaching, leadership, and operational roles. We want schools and trusts to be attractive places to work and welcome the government’s investment in training, especially to support special educational needs. Trusts frequently operate in competitive local employment markets, and CST looks forward to working with the DfE and employee organisations in developing effective and flexible approaches to retention and recruitment of staff.
CST Chief Executive Leora Cruddas CBE said: “School trusts offer the only approach where everyone in the organisation is dedicated to one thing: making our schools better. With well over half of children at trust schools, it makes sense to consolidate on the progress already made in raising standards.
“Many school trusts operate both mainstream and specialist schools, and we have seen the value of encouraging an inclusive approach across the system. Done right, it can mean children get quicker, more local support. Change will take time and we need to ensure children and their families are reassured their needs will be protected. It also needs to be properly funded, with schools supported with upfront and ongoing costs to give all children the care they deserve.
“Trusts have been at the forefront of innovation in schools, introducing flexible working, offering improved pay and conditions, and using new technology to be more efficient. As we implement the positive reforms in the White Paper, we need to ensure trusts’ role as employers is recognised and that they retain the flexibility needed to continue to support high quality, inclusive education.”
- The full white paper is published on the Department for Education website: Every child achieving and thriving
