A new special school for Oldham.
Invitation to submit proposals
July 2013
Contents
Foreword
1. Overview and timeline
2. Rationale and the demand for places
3. Location and sites
4. Funding
5. Specification and requirements
6. Decision Making Process
Annex
Expression of interest form
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Oldham has high aspirations for all the children and young people in the borough. We
know there is no greater influence on families and their children than getting the right
educational environment where children and young people can grow, thrive and learn.
We pride ourselves in Oldham on having good educational provision, none more so
than in our special schools.
Our focus is on supporting families to give all children opportunities to learn, achieve
and contribute to the regeneration of the Borough. We are committed to the Oldham Cooperative ethos, the Oldham family of schools sharing expertise and good practice for
the benefit of all children whatever the designation of the school.
Oldham is moving towards a formal Learning Co-operative with all its schools,
academies, colleges and learning providers to develop the best learning pathways for
children and young people, from early years, into further and higher education and into
employment.
In inviting expressions of interest to run our new special school, we would be pleased to
hear from providers who can match or even exceed the professional expertise and
outstanding qualities of the staff in our schools, who can demonstrate their commitment
to the values and ethos of the Borough and have a proven track record of improving
outcomes for children with special educational needs.
Amanda Chadderton: Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills
Michael Jameson: Executive Director; Commissioning.
1. Overview.
Oldham is well served by three outstanding special schools who meet the needs of the
children in the borough who have special educational needs and disabilities. The
borough has invested considerable resource over the last five years in providing
excellent learning facilities for children with special needs and disabilities. The schools
are now full and our growing population means that the pressure on special school
places needs to be addressed.
The particular area of growth and pressure on places are for those children with autistic
spectrum disorder and associated social and communication disorders but who could
be high educational achievers.
The Council is seeking expressions of interest to run a new 4 - 19 special school which
would meet the needs of this cohort. The process is in line with national guidance on
establishing new school set out in “The academy/free school presumption:
Departmental advice for local authorities and new school proposers” July 2013. More
information can be found on the Department for Education (DfE) website,
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/schoolorganisation/f00209212/academ
y-free-school-presumption .
Providers considering applying to run the new special school must be an approved
sponsor with the DfE or be able to gain approval in order to meet the specified timeline.
Details of how to become an approved sponsor can be found on the DfE website
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/typesofschools/academies/sponsors/a0
0204913/apply-to-become-an-academy-sponsor .
Oldham Council would like to invite interested providers to submit a proposal setting out
their vision for the new special needs academy. In the first instance, expressions of
interest should be sent via the Chest
https://www.the-chest.org.uk/procontract/supplier.nsf/frm_home?ReadForm
https://www.the-chest.org.uk/procontract/supplier.nsf/frm_home?ReadFormor to
[email protected] and to be received no later than 12.00 noon Thursday 22nd
August 2013.The completed proposals (ANNEX A) should be submitted by 12.00 noon
on 3rd October 2013.
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Timeline
LA should publish specification inviting proposals to establish
new academy/free school (NB the LA will need to notify the DfE
of all proposals by 4 October )
By 2 August
2013
LAs should alert the DfE to any expressions of interest they have
received from potential proposers
By 23 August
2013
New sponsor approval applications to the DfE
By 6
September
2013
DfE will provide feedback on expressions of interest
By 6
September
2013
LA should inform DfE of all proposals received
By 4 October
2013
LA should submit assessment of proposals to DfE indicating any
preference(s)
By 18 October
2013
DfE confirm sponsor and funding allocations for new academy
By 12
December
2013
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2. Rationale and Demand for Places.
Currently there are three special schools in the borough and four resourced provisions
based in mainstream schools.
Of the three special schools, one is a primary special school for cognition and learning;
it is full to capacity. Incidence of PMLD has doubled over ten years and there is a
steady increase forecast in all age groups. A peak in primary numbers in 2011 will reach
secondary settings by 2020.The second is a generic special needs school is for
secondary age pupils.
The last special school was newly established in September 2013 and caters for pupils
with social, emotional behavioural disorders. The age range of Springbrook Primary
Special School, which is outstanding, was extended to provide secondary and post 16
places. Previously pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties had been
catered for within the pupil referral unit.
Pupils with significant needs related to autism, who fall within the average range of
ability at secondary age, are catered for either within their local mainstream school; in
12 resourced places at North Chadderton (approximately 2 places per year group); or in
New Bridge, the generic secondary special school. Therefore, if this pupil cohort is
unable to ‘cope’ with mainstream education the alternative is limited to a generic special
school that caters for a wide range of learning difficulties from profound to moderate.In
primary, there is a 12 place resourced provision in a mainstream primary school.
There are two further resourced provisions for pupils with hearing impairment.
The January 2013 census shows that 143 of 508 pupils with autism attend special
school in Oldham. Of the remaining 365 pupils, 127 are secondary age; 12 of them in
resourced provision. Fifty seven pupils are educated out of borough, 26 are pupils with
a diagnosis of ASD.
Of children excluded from school either fixed term or permanently, there is a greater
incidence of special educational needs in this cohort, particularly amongst the primary
age group.
Current Provision
Age range
Specialism
Capacity
Springbrook
4 - 19
SEBD
96
New Bridge
11 -19
Generic Secondary
Special Needs
300 (PAN) Actual
311
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Kingfisher
2 -11
PMLD ASD SLCN
140
The new special school will enable the Borough to meet the increasing demand for
places for children with a diagnosis of ASD. In addition, working in a Co-operative
Borough the school and the sponsor would be expected to contribute to a system wide
approach to meeting the needs of this cohort of children and young people.
3. Location and Site.
The site allocated for the new school is already in Council ownership and is
situated close to the town centre, is easily accessible from major routes and by
the Metrolink tram services. It is close to new youth provision, Mahdlo centre and
sports facilities. It is close to one of the borough’s outstanding secondary schools
and primary school.
The address of the site is Rock Street OL1 3US, and is currently occupied by one
of the Social Service Teams.
Proposals are being developed to maximise the benefit of the natural topography
and peaceful tree bounded perimeter of the site. There are no major roads
immediately adjacent to the site and traffic management will be a key design
element for the layout of new school on the site.
It is currently proposed that the existing building will be demolished. The site is
serviced with gas, water and electrical supplies; there are also other potential
sustainable options in the area which are under consideration for the new
building. In any event the design will comply with the latest ‘Building Regulation’
requirements for energy efficiency.
4. Funding
Funding to support the building of the new special school was awarded through
the targeted basic need programme which was announced on 18 th July 2013. In
order to meet the opening date of September 2015, the design and build process
will be started prior to the sponsor being confirmed; however, sponsors will have
opportunity to be involved in the design of the school building.
The new school will be an academy and the successful sponsor will be expected
to enter into a revenue funding agreement with the Secretary of State for
education.
5. Specification and Requirements.
5.1 The new special school will be a 140 place school for pupils aged 4 - 19 serving
the borough of Oldham. The school will open in September 2015 and places will
be offered in all age ranges commensurate with the needs in the borough.
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All proposals will be considered against the criteria set by the DfE and included
below:


Innovation and using all the academy freedoms to drive improvement (for
Oldham that is about developing whole system capacity to meet the needs
of this particular cohort.)
strategic direction: a clear understanding of what it means to be an
effective sponsor, clear aspirations and realistic, sustainable business
model

educational capacity and performance: evidence of sustainable
educational impact and school improvement capacity

financial planning and operational capacity: evidence of robust financial
planning and expertise and value for money

governance and transparency: appropriate, tight governance structures
and clear lines of accountability

deliverability and value for money – the capability and capacity of the
proposer to deliver their proposal on time and secure the best value for
money

a focused and coherent educational plan that will raise standards and
bring real quality to the places being added into the system;

The credibility and track record of the proposer and how the proposed
governing body and governance model will drive improved standards.
The Council recognises that a diverse provision offers choice for residents in the
borough and the local authority has and will continue to maintain co-operative
working partnerships with all the providers of learning in the borough. The DfE
will assess the sponsorship proposal but Oldham would champion bids which
have the following dimensions:
5.2 Proposers would have to demonstrate:
1. An inclusive approach, with a commitment to working with other schools and
learning providers in order to offer the best opportunities for young people to
continue in learning and into employment.
2. A commitment to being and active and positive member of the Oldham family of
schools, joining the Learning Cooperative and supporting Corporate Priorities.
3. To take a full part in dialogue with the authority and with other schools in such
associations which currently exist or may exist in the future, such as the
Collaborative structure for primary school or Oldham Association of Secondary
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Headteachers and Principals (OASHP), Children’s Trust Board or the Schools
Forum
4. A commitment to work with borough wide services andassist the authority in its
planning function by the provision of timely and accurate statistical information as
required. It is expected that the academies will agree to the data sharing protocol
which gives the local authority timely information for strategic planning.
5. Remain a part of the admissions process for the borough and to the inclusive
treatment of all children and young people
6. Act as custodian for the land and premises, whoever owns the land, ensuring
access to facilities for the children and young people of the borough
7. Abide by and actively promote the co-operative ethos and values of the borough
8. Welcome community and local authority representatives on to the academy
board.
9. Work effectively with parents and carers as the first and enduring educators of
their children
10. To exercise its place in the community supporting and contributing to the
corporate values and ambitions.
5.3 In addition sponsors should have regard to the following.
Wellbeing of children and young people.
The authority expects sponsors to contribute to the well-being of all children and
young people. It expects in particular to support the well-being of the vulnerable by
working collaboratively with other agencies, including the local authority to support
the early identification of vulnerable young people and their families and to make
appropriate provision for them.
The local authority retains the statutory duty to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of children in whatever learning setting they are placed. The authority will
require any sponsor and academy to contribute to case conferences, to train staff
appropriately in the area of safeguarding and to engage in other activities in
connection with the local authority’s statutory duties in respect of Child Protection.
The authority wishes to work in close partnership with all schools, academies and
their sponsors to raise the attainment of children in public care.
Sponsors and their academies are asked to cooperate with the authority in matters
of fixed term or permanent exclusions in order to realise the borough’s ambition to
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reduce all exclusions. The borough has a Managed Move Protocol with which all
sponsors are asked to cooperate and to adopt early intervention and prevention as a
policy in relation to those pupils at risk of exclusion.
5.4 Social Values Framework
Oldham is a Co-operative Council and all our procurement and commissioning is
informed by the attached Social Value Framework. Sponsors are required to have
regard to this framework. Link to the document:
http://committees.oldham.gov.uk/documents/s36856/Appendix%201%20%20Social%20Value%20Procurement%20Framework.doc.pdf
6. Decision Making Process
All the expressions of interest which have been received on 22nd August 2013 will be
notified to the DfE.
Completed proposals received by 3rd October 2013 will be evaluated and those
shortlisted will be invited to meet with representatives of the Oldham Learning
Cooperative Partnership as part of the final evaluation process. The outcome of this
and the application forms will be collated and reported to the Cabinet Member for
Education, Employment and Skills to determine the preferred provider.
The preferences will be submitted with all bids to the DfE for a decision to be made
in line with the timescales above.
Should no suitable proposals be identified the Secretary of State can recommend an
alternative provider, and if one can still not be identified then the procedure reverts
to the statutory competition process.
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ANNEX A: PROPOSAL
1. Your organisation
Please describe your organisation, any experience it has of running special
schools and provide full contact details. Please include details of your current
leadership/governance structures.
2. Outline of the school
Confirmation that the school will provide 140 special school places, mixed sex for
4 – 19 year olds.
If the bid proposes any changes from this specification please detail the changes
and the rationale for them.
3. Education vision and education plan
Provide your education vision and educational ethos for the new Academy and
the approach to teaching and learning. Set out your aspirations for the
achievement of individual pupils and for the school as a whole. Set out details of
the experience that pupils will have at the new school, how you will evaluate the
achievement of pupils and how you will evaluate the performance of pupils and
the school.
4. Effect on standards and contribution to school improvement
How will the Academy help to raise the standard of education in the area and
contribute to improving the educational outcomes for pupils with ASD? Describe
your track record in improving pupil progress, particularly in areas with a similar
context. How will the Academy support the transition to the next phase or
different learning?
Describe your approach to behaviour management, pupil well-being and
attendance and how they link to your education vision.
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5. Curriculum
Detail of the proposed curriculum. How will you ensure that the curriculum is
broad and balanced? Specifically reference a life skills curriculum and how the
use of external agencies will be used in meeting the needs of pupils with ASD ?
6. Inclusion
Set out your strategy for ensuring that the needs of pupils with differing abilities
are met, especially the gifted and talented. Include confirmation that your
approach would be to work in partnership with the Oldham family of schools to
ensure the needs of all children are met. Please refer to your role in developing a
continuum of provision.
Outline the strategies that will be used to overcome barriers to learning and
achievement such as children with English as additional language. How do you
propose to ensure that you make the school attractive to pupils of all
backgrounds?
Oldham is particularly interested in your strategy for returning to the borough
children and young people in this cohort educated outside Oldham. There are
currently 26 children in this category.
7. Admission arrangements
Confirmation that the new Academy would sign up to the admissions policy and
be prepared to work with the Local Authority and neighbouring schools on the
details of the arrangements such as a catchment boundary.
If the bid proposes any change from this please detail the alternative
arrangements and the rationale for them.
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8. Community cohesion
How will the school contribute to and promote community cohesion? Clearly
demonstrate a good understanding of the local community and detail your plan
for community engagement, build good local relationships. Describe any plans
you have for working in partnership with other schools and educational
establishments as the school develops and after it opens. How will you promote
good community relations?
9. Extended services
Set out what extended services you would aim to provide to parents, pupils and
the local community and how you might work with other local providers to
broaden that offer.
10. Capability to deliver
Provide evidence of your ability to successfully manage schools and of your
ability and experience to run the new special school.
Provide evidence of your successful ability to financially manage schools and
evidence of your financial expertise.
11. Staffing the school and recruiting the governing body
Provide evidence of how staff would be recruited to the school as the number of
children at the school builds.
Provide details of how the recruitment of governors to the school would be
managed and how you would ensure local representation. Provide any examples
of a track record in working positively with the parent body.
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12. Managing the opening of the new school
Provide details of how you will work with other agencies to ensure that the
necessary infrastructure and systems (including ICT, HR etc) are in place for the
opening of the new school.
13. Other
Is there anything further that you would wish to add in support of your expression
of interest?
Evaluation
Proposalswill be evaluated on the basis of the strongest educational case. The
evaluation criteria, and the associated weightings, which will be utilised in this
assessment, are set out below.
Criteria
Weighting
Criteria 1, 3,4 5
40%
Criteria 2,7,
10%
Criteria 6,8,9
25%
Criteria 10,11 12
25%
Organisational requirements
Pass / Fail
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Score
Description of information received
0
No comments or information provided:
1-2
Inadequate submission: sponosr provides an inadequate response.
3-4
Adequate submission with identifiable shortcomings:
sponsor provides an adequate response that is less than the LA's
expectations but acceptable.
5-6
Satisfactory submission:sponosr provides a satisfactory response
and meets the LA's basic expectations.
7-8
Good submission: sponosr provides a good response and wholly
meets or exceeds the LA's expectations.
9-10
Excellent submission:sponsor provides an excellent response which
significantly exceeds the LA's expectations.
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