A SCHOOL in Penarth is changing from the rare status of being run by a board of governors to being managed by the local authority.
Stanwell School in Penarth found itself in a perilous situation at the end of the 2022/23 financial year, sitting on a deficit of more than half a million pounds.
A damning audit report in June 2023 revealed the state of the school’s governance-led approach, with finances in tatters - and even concerns it could face liquidation.
To turn this round, the school was forced to look at changing its status from foundation-led to maintained by the Vale Council, a monumental move in the school’s history, with Stanwell one of just ten foundation schools left in Wales.
On February 8, the governing body approved the change of status of the school.
In a determination letter, dated February 19, chairman of governors Tony Rogers said the change would mean Stanwell would benefit from additional specialist financial support, greater access to “expertise” from the Vale Council and better support with cash flow and access to funds for capital projects.
An Estyn report on the consultation says the proposal is unlikely to have either a positive or negative impact on standards of education at the school, with the proposal having no impact on the curriculum or vulnerable pupils.
Estyn concluded the change of status would not disrupt learners’ education in any way.
There were questions around how the change would affect the admission process at Stanwell School.
On the Vale Council website currently, under school admissions, for Stanwell, it’s advised to contact the school direct.
However, Mr Rogers' determination letter said any pupil applying to Stanwell School after September 2024 would have to apply through the council’s admissions procedures, with no catchment changes proposed as part of the consultation.
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Stanwell School set unrealistic budgets, had weak control limits, and incorrect decision-making had taken place as gifts of alcohol and vouchers were bought with no benefit to pupils: Read more on Stanwell’s damning audit report that led governors having to hand over control of the school, here
Mr Rogers' letter went on to say: “The governing body was satisfied the proposal will support the school to further develop provision for pupils, through additional specialist support from Vale Council.
“It will help facilitate improved financial management and adherence to legislative requirements, regulation and policy.
“It will facilitate the development of greater partnership working across the whole Vale of Glamorgan, as well as with the local authority and Welsh Government
“And it will enable the council to support the school with future capital projects, manage building projects and address recent challenges relating to financial management.”
When asked for comment on the situation, a Vale Council spokesperson said only: "Stanwell School has decided to change its status to become community maintained so will be managed by the council in the same way as other schools in the Vale."
All changes are due to come in in September 2024.
Parents of Stanwell school, we want to hear from you. What’s happening at Stanwell? How’s it been? How’s it going? What do you think of these changes? Will the school be managed better by the Vale Council or has it lost a special status?
Email your thoughts to harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.
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