Expression of Interest Published

The EOI is available online, not sure how to search for it but the DCSF have sent me a direct link

Expression Of Interest on the DCSF site

Interesting that the date for opening the new building which has always been 2011 - is now listed as 2012.

Not sure what the impact of that will be but I think it means there will need to be an increase in the facilities at Chapter to handle the extra intake for 2009/2010/2011.

Still I am sure it's all been thought out by the council - nothing to worry about there.

Have a read and see what you think - my next questions are about how much money got released, to whom, and what are they spending it on.

The Expression of Interest

For those of you who don't know, the first stage of the Academy process (after the required Insultation - sorry Consultation) is the Expression of Interest (EOI) - that has been completed and some funds have been released to allow the Feasability study.

Trouble is, right now, nobody seems to know how much public money has been released, or to whom, or what they are going to spend it on.

The expression of interest is a public document, except it's not actually been made public anywhere. I have asked to DCSF to supply it under the Freedom of Information act, they have today replied with a reference number and a statement that they have 15 to 20 business days to respond. It should have been published on the DCSF site

When I receive it (or spot it published) I'll update the blog so we can all read it, likewise if we hear who has got the 1st release of funding then we will make sure to let everyone know.

CHATHAM SOUTH PARENTS - IT'S HAPPENING TO YOUR CHILDREN NOW - YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR CASE

Open letter to parents and students at Chatham South School

We attended your consultation meeting last night, and we were alarmed at what we heard - it was deja vue for us.

We (SOCK) feel we have made a difference to the future of our children we did this by being organised, gaining support of the Head, the staff, the parents and the students and local residents. It's not over yet, but we have made a difference.

We got publicity and support for our campaign and we have worked hard and learned a lot - we would like to share our experiences with you, and help you if we can - please contact us at

contactus@sockcampaign.com

You can make a difference, and there are some things you need to know to make the most of your efforts.

Council publish details for Year 6

One of the biggest concerns that SOCK have had over the past few months is the readiness of the Council to FINALLY provide some detail on the tranistional arrangements, and indeed some detail on the specifics around the academy.

This week the Admission to Secondary Schools parent information pack was published. The Academy is there, and the open evening so people can see the facilities is .............. NOT HAPPENING!

Remember that the Chapter site and current buildings ARE the academy until 2012 when the new buildings are ready. So people will want to see whats there, and perhaps understand the planned modifications etc. parents of exisiting students would be interested as well, since apart from SOCK knocking on doors and chasing for details, we have heard NOTHING.

But, don't panic there will be an "information evening" at the corn exchange, where there will be "Talks and presentations by the Academy sponsors and the Principal designate." - That really worries me - how can anyone make an informed decision about the future of their childrens education without seeing the place, talking to the students, the staff and parents.

I wrote previously that the preparations were half-cocked - it seems that even that was optimistic.

For those of you who haven't seen the prospectus - it's available online at the council's website

A year to go.... - academy opens in Sept 2009!

Over the summer the role of principal of the academy has been advertised, the advert carried some useful information, namely the name "The Strood Academy", and the confirmation that the location is the Chapter School site.

The rest of the ad makes interesting reading - not least that the closing date for applications is the 15th September. Given that the council think they will make the appointment by the end of September, that leaves just 2 weeks to appoint someone to the £100K plus position.

To me - that sounds like they already have someone in mind, and given that there appears to be no representation outside of the Council and the Sponsors on the interview board then there appears to be little chance influencing that decision.

There is still time to apply - if you are interested........ click here to see the advertisement.