Three small C of E primaries in East Anglia have been working effectively together in recent years supported by both LEA and diocese. Both) have been very supportive, particularly over the last 2 or 3 years, subsidising any interim head's salary, sourcing suitable experienced deputies to consider as acting heads, and helping to think creatively about our situation. One tiny unitary authority, with many other problems to deal with, has shown significant interest. They have also recognised that, having mixed-age classes, there is flexibility to admit more than the allocated number if intakes have been variable.
NASS advocacy of carefully managed informal systematic collaboration seems soundly reflected. It can prevent unrealistic expectations from more formal arrangements that put pressure on Heads and deputies and inadvertently give some stakeholders ideas of hidden agendas, with federation perhaps the thin end of a wedge.
We also learned at our Penrith conference from Heads of some North Yorkshire pairs of small schools of positive and constructive practice developing that enhanced the children's life and work. Some formal Gloucestershire pairs make similar claims. NASS policy encourages informal partnership though we recognise local circumstances where formal federation seems right. We welcome news of effective practice.
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