Co-op Schools Conference
What does the co-operative model of school ownership and control offer?
School models and ownership are a topic of much debate right now. Which is why local education co-operative, the Robert Owen Group, along with the Co-op Group and the Labour Party, are organising a special meeting outlining how your local school can become a Co-operative Trust School. This event is free and is being sponsored by the Co-operative Party.
The Co-operative School Trust model enables schools to set themselves up as co-operatives, using co-operative values and a membership structure to engage parents, carers, pupils, teachers, staff and the local community. Following co-operative values & principles have been shown to really help develop a school ethos and add value to the culture of the school. It develops pupils’ understanding of the world too.
The Co-operative Schools Trust model has proved immensely popular throughout England and by July 2011 there will be some 200 such schools existing in isolation and in groups. Local Authorities can remain partners within the Co-operative Trusts and as such the model represents a very real and radical alternative to the present Academy offer. The Bromyard Cluster in Herefordshire is the first Co-operative Trust School to be established in the Three Counties and is one of the largest in the country.
The meeting will be held on 28th May, 9:30am to 12pm at County Hall, Worcester and guest speakers include:
- Mervyn Wilson, Principal of the Co-operative College
- Kevin Courtney, Deputy General Secretary of the NUT
- Dr Patrick Roach, Deputy General Secretary of the NASUWT
- Steve Wall, Head Teacher of Sutherland School in Telford
Chris Morgan, President of the Robert Owen Group, said,
“This conference is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in finding out more about co-operative schools and is open to teachers, parents, governors, and members of the local community. The co-operative model is becoming increasingly popular as it is a model based on a set of values, including honesty, equality, caring for others, and social responsibility, which are all positive values for children to understand and develop within.”
To find out more about this free event or to book a place please contact Lesley Keay at the Robert Owen Group on 01568 618130 or by emailing lkeay@robertowen.org
17.05.11