Family & Education
Redbridge schools plan federation
Closer alliance would allow better use of resources and educational planning, governors say
September 19, 2021 11:43
Closer alliance would allow better use of resources and educational planning, governors say
September 19, 2021 11:43Kantor King Solomon High School and Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary have launched a consultation with a view to forming a federation to bring the two Redbridge schools closer together.
Initial soundings about the proposal among staff, parents and governors in the summer produced “an overwhelming positive response,” leaders of the two schools say.
KKSHS and WIJPS, which already share a campus, would retain their separate identities but be led by a unified governing body under the proposal.
It would enable “more effective use of revenue, better budgeting and an all-through educational approach that means we can plan the journeys of our students to give them the best possible opportunities to achieve their potential,” parents were told,.
Primary pupils would be able to take advantage of resources at the secondary school such as science labs or arts or sports facilities.
An alliance would allow a “joined-up” curriculum and extend opportunities in informal activities whether for Jewish education or extra-curricular trips.
“By sharing knowledge across both schools, we can ensure more effective transition for students with specific needs, whether these be educational, social or as a result of their context,” parents were told. “In particular, wellbeing and mental health support can be shared across the federation.”
The aim would be to put the plan into practice for the summer term next year.
Meanwhile, the summer break proved to be busier than expected for managers of the campus after heavy rain caused serious flooding at the end of July.
“The site team have performed miracles and much of the repair work is complete allowing us to open on time although some will not be complete until October,” said KKSHS headteacher Hannele Reece.
But one sport halls remains out of use and flooring will need to be replaced in around half of the main school building and a quarter of the sixthform block.