Hi all,
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions with regards to the potential relocation of La Fontaine school to the Havelock Recreational Ground!
Best regards,
Serge
www.lafontaineacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/FAQs.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Find out about La Fontaine Academy’s vision and mission:
www.lafontaineacademy.org/mission
Find out about what happens at La Fontaine:
www.lafontaineacademy.org/newsletters
1.
Who are La Fontaine Academy?
La Fontaine Academy is a member of the STEP Academy Trust, a registered
charity who see vision is to achieve educational transformation by establishing a growing family of Academies
The STEP Academy Trust is committed to improving the life chances of all children
La Fontaine is an inclusive, non denominational, primary school teaching children aged 4 to 11 in English and French. The school opened in Bromley in September 2014.
We opened with Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 classes, and will be adding a new year group every year until we reach full capacity.
Our school offers a unique service to parents and communities in Bromley which are underpinned by our beliefs in inclusiveness and academic excellence and the real value to children’s academic potential and life chances that arise from bilingual education. All children are welcome at our school and we strive for a diverse intake, reflecting our local community.
2.
Is La Fontaine
Academy a private school?
No, it isn’t. We strongly believe that education is a right, not a privilege
All children are entitled to a good, free education.
3.
What is a Free School?
Under the 2012 Education Act, all new state schools must be Free Schools or
be sponsored by existing academies
In June 2010, the government invited groups of parents, teachers, charities and local communities to develop proposals to set up a new type of school: a ‘Free School’. Where the Department for Education believes that a proposed school meets a local need and will be successful, a new Free School is set up. Free schools are funded by the government, so parents do not pay anything to send their child to a Free School and groups running Free Schools cannot make a profit. Although the government funds Free Schools, because they
are a type of Academy, they can do things differently from other state schools. For example, they can follow a different curriculum, or change the length of the school day. Just like any other school, though, they are still
inspected by Ofsted to make sure they achieve high standards.
Free Schools must be open to pupils of all abilities and cannot be academically selective.
4.
How do our admissions work?
At the moment, we admit people on a 50% proxi
mity, 50% ballot basis. Our admissions process including our ballot is
administered on our behalf by Bromley Council. The greatest majority of our pupils (as well as those who have applied to join us next year) live in Bromley. Our families predominantly live in Bromley Central.
5.
Are we a French school?
No, we are not. We follow the English National Curriculum. We are assessed by the Department for Education and Ofsted, like any other state school in England. We do teach French but do not compromise National Curriculum requirements. As we have a longer school day
(08:25-15:30), we can fit in French lessons on a daily basis into our timetable. We also teach PE and Music in French.
6.
How many children will attend our school at full capacity?
We will be a 3-form of entry school. That’s a potential 630 children.
7.
Will our school impact other local schools?
No, it will not. There is a shortage of school places in Bromley, particularly in Primary Planning Area 4 (Bromley Town Ward, Plaistow and Sundridge Ward, and Bickley Ward). Local councillors have recognised the lack of school places saying that ‘There is a serious lack of school places in the area, with many Bromley Town and Shortlands residents forced to go outside Bromley for school.(Newshopper Online, 7thNovember 2014).The nearest school to Havelock Recreation Ground (Raglan Primary school) is oversubscribed:
for 2014,it received 268 applications (for 60 places available). Offer distance
for 2014was0.26miles. The second nearest school (Bickley Primary School) is also oversubscribed: for 2014, it received 376 applications (for 60 places available).Offer distance for 2014 was 0.31 miles.
As stated in council reports, ‘[t] here are currently insufficient school
places in planning area 4 (central Bromley–Bromley Town, Plaistow and Sundridge and Bickley Wards). Without La Fontaine there is a deficit of 53
places (including the 5% surplus for choice and contingency) in 2014/15 rising to 108 by 2025/26. Initial school admissions data suggests that there have been at least 49 applications for school places at La Fontaine for September 2015 from within a mile of Havelock Road Recreation Ground.
8.
Will traffic be impacted?
There will be a greater number of people travelling to the area. As is the case with all schools in Bromley, some people will drive to school. However, beginning earlier (08:25, as opposed to 08:50 at Raglan Primary and Bickley Primary and finishing at 15:30, as opposed to 15:15/20 at Raglan Primary and Bickley Primary), key traffic issues will be avoided. We are considering finishing our day at 15:45. A robust travel plan will be developed and
we will consult local residents to ensure all views are taken into consideration.
9.
Will La Fontaine Academy take over Havelock Recreation Ground?
No, it will not. Our aim is to work with the local community to enhance the
park. Our aim is to ensure that the area gets the best it deserves in terms of 21st century facilities. We are aiming to make our school a flagship eco-friendly school and work with local residents to develop local facilities for all to use (e.g. we want local groups to use our school building in the evenings and at weekends). As part of the enhancement of the park, the council and our school will work together with local residents to develop play facilities for all to use (e.g. outdoor gym, multi-sport pitch). Our aim is also to enhance the biodiversity of the area by working with local families to develop the natural features of Havelock Recreation Ground.
10.
How much space will the school take up in area should it be placed in Havelock Creation ground?
Final plans are yet to be agreed. What has been agreed, however, is that
the school would have to be developed,as stated in council reports, on the basis that the remaining area would be upgraded with landscaping and the
possible addition of a children’s play area.
Any questions?
We’d love to hear from you.
[email protected]
We will update this list as people ask questions.