As if the news about Finlay Primary School wasn’t good enough on its own it also represents a pioneering idea that had not, at the time, taken place successfully anywhere else in the country.
More than that it demonstrates the power that comes both from partnership working and the local community getting involved. A real demonstration of “Big Community” long before the term had become the common expression it is today. The schools motto of “Making a difference” is exactly what has happened.
Several years ago Ofstead inspectors had highlighted issues at Finlay Primary which had resulted in the government proposing that the school be closed.
However White City community groups, Gloucestershire University and churches in the Gloucester City Deanery stepped in and formed a partnership: the “Learning Community Trust”
A First Of Its Kind
The University of Gloucestershire, in tandem with the White City Community Group, Gloucester Deanery, the Office of Public Management (OPM), Gloucestershire Local Authority, as well as the staff, governors and parents of Finlay community, founded the Learning Community Partnership, which in 2007 bid for the opportunity to set up a new school, under the regulations of New School Competition Bids.
It was the first in the country to go through this process
As there was no precedent for the partnership either legally or practically, questions were raised about the wisdom of investing in the initiative, as there was no guarantee of success. However, the bid was accepted in October 2008.
The Learning Community Partnership now acts as an advisory body for other participants in the NSC bidding, being the first group in the country to go through the process successfully. The project’s legacy is primarily in the impact on the local learning community
More about this pioneering initiative can be found by following this link
http://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/how/case-studies/learning-community-partnership
Finlay Community School
The school which reopened as Finlay Community School in 2009 has now received the highest accolade from Ofstead Inspectors
Head teacher Naomi Walsh said: “Everyone at Finlay is really pleased with this report. I believe that what enables us to progress at such a pace is our approach to working with extended services and the local community.”
“Our motto is ‘making a difference’, and this underpins our vision and values for our school and local community.”
Ofsted inspector Wiola Hola began the report’s main findings with high praise, saying:- “This outstanding school has much to be proud of.
A tremendous amount has been achieved for the benefit of pupils since it was re-opened because of the excellent leadership of the head teacher as well as the outstanding work of the governing body.
Pupils’ attainment is above average. Moreover, pupils’ personal development has many strengths because the school fosters this extremely well through outstanding care, guidance and support.”
Working Together for a common cause
Power to the people is a phrase that springs to mind when this excellent story unfolds. It just shows what can happen when people from different professions and all walks of life get together in unity with a common aim to make something work. Now this model here in the city of Gloucester is being used as an example, with The Learning Community Partnership now acting as an advisory body in other parts of the country.
