It has become very clear that the Cumbrian Academies Programme led by Moira Swann, the DCSF and Kier Construction plc really is quite unique.
Not only is each and every Cumbrian Academy fast tracked 'normal' Academy creation procedures are totally bypassed or ignored completely.
Barrow's is on the fastest track of all and the reasons why this should be the case are not in the public domain, why?
Not only is each and every Cumbrian Academy fast tracked 'normal' Academy creation procedures are totally bypassed or ignored completely.
Barrow's is on the fastest track of all and the reasons why this should be the case are not in the public domain, why?
Thankfully the Furness Academy Limited web site now has something else new on it. Sadly it doesn't say much and just confuses the issue even more but there it is.
A 'shadow' governing body has been established to rubber stamp Furness Academy Limited's decisions. The make up of this shadow body hasn't been revealed except for having Mr David Kelly sixth form principal as it's chair and one of the 'usual suspects', Cllr Anne Burns being the only other named member.
In most other cases I have looked at it is a 'fully identified' shadow governing body that appoints the prinicpal and oversees all policy making as out in the open as Academy companies deem it neccesary.
Here in Barrow all these decisions have been taken by the three sponsors representatives, Attwood, Kelly & Simco and only at the 11th hour does an 'incognito' shadow governing body get created.
Why it is being done like this is anyone's guess.
In a Limited Company all company owners and officers have to be named to comply with UK company law but in the Cumbrian Academy companies this just doesn't seem to happen.
I hate presumptions but my money is on the 'hidden ones' being many of those luminaries who crafted the education brief and they are not going to argue against anything they have created are they?
What a cosy cabal behind the Furness Academy Limited.Why aren't their names up on the Furness Academy Limited web site for all to see?
Here is the text in full, in black on white not white on purple, and a link to their page.
Link
The group will operate as a shadow body until the Academy opens and then a full Governing Body will be established with elected parent and staff representatives.
Dave Kelly, Principal of Barrow Sixth Form College, one of the institutions sponsoring the Academy is acting as Interim Chair until the full body is formed. Other members of the shadow group include representatives from Barrow Sixth Form College, Furness College, the University of Cumbria and Councillor Anne Burns from Cumbria County Council.
At the meeting, the group signed off more than 40 policies for the Academy, including the Anti-Bullying policy, Safeguarding and Student Welfare policy and Citizenship policy. Members also agreed on a number of sub committees, including finance, quality and standards and personnel as well as audit arrangements and financial regulations for the Academy.
Dave Kelly said: '"This was a very successful meeting and representatives were pleased with how the Academy is progressing.
"Although this is only a shadow group, all members understand the importance of the role they have to play in ensuring everything is in place ready for the Academy opening next month. This is another really positive step towards the Academy opening its doors for the first time.
"As soon as the Academy is open we will be looking to establish the full Governing Body, which will have a strategic role in shaping the future success of the Academy."
The full Governing Body will include: representatives from the Sponsor institutions; the Principal; parent and staff representatives; a person appointed by the County Council.
The shadow body will have two further meetings in August and September, after which the full body will come into effect.
Approved policies will shortly be available to download from the Furness Academy website.
A 'shadow' governing body has been established to rubber stamp Furness Academy Limited's decisions. The make up of this shadow body hasn't been revealed except for having Mr David Kelly sixth form principal as it's chair and one of the 'usual suspects', Cllr Anne Burns being the only other named member.
In most other cases I have looked at it is a 'fully identified' shadow governing body that appoints the prinicpal and oversees all policy making as out in the open as Academy companies deem it neccesary.
Here in Barrow all these decisions have been taken by the three sponsors representatives, Attwood, Kelly & Simco and only at the 11th hour does an 'incognito' shadow governing body get created.
Why it is being done like this is anyone's guess.
In a Limited Company all company owners and officers have to be named to comply with UK company law but in the Cumbrian Academy companies this just doesn't seem to happen.
I hate presumptions but my money is on the 'hidden ones' being many of those luminaries who crafted the education brief and they are not going to argue against anything they have created are they?
What a cosy cabal behind the Furness Academy Limited.Why aren't their names up on the Furness Academy Limited web site for all to see?
Here is the text in full, in black on white not white on purple, and a link to their page.
Link
FIRST GOVERNING BODY MEETING FOR ACADEMY
The first shadow Governing Body for Furness Academy was held on Wednesday 5th August to agree on policies, sub committees and other operational arrangements.The group will operate as a shadow body until the Academy opens and then a full Governing Body will be established with elected parent and staff representatives.
Dave Kelly, Principal of Barrow Sixth Form College, one of the institutions sponsoring the Academy is acting as Interim Chair until the full body is formed. Other members of the shadow group include representatives from Barrow Sixth Form College, Furness College, the University of Cumbria and Councillor Anne Burns from Cumbria County Council.
At the meeting, the group signed off more than 40 policies for the Academy, including the Anti-Bullying policy, Safeguarding and Student Welfare policy and Citizenship policy. Members also agreed on a number of sub committees, including finance, quality and standards and personnel as well as audit arrangements and financial regulations for the Academy.
Dave Kelly said: '"This was a very successful meeting and representatives were pleased with how the Academy is progressing.
"Although this is only a shadow group, all members understand the importance of the role they have to play in ensuring everything is in place ready for the Academy opening next month. This is another really positive step towards the Academy opening its doors for the first time.
"As soon as the Academy is open we will be looking to establish the full Governing Body, which will have a strategic role in shaping the future success of the Academy."
The full Governing Body will include: representatives from the Sponsor institutions; the Principal; parent and staff representatives; a person appointed by the County Council.
The shadow body will have two further meetings in August and September, after which the full body will come into effect.
Approved policies will shortly be available to download from the Furness Academy website.
so the curriculum doesn't even warrant a mention!