Joint statement from Brighter Futures for Children and Maiden Erlegh Trust
The Regional Schools Commissioner has approved the move to bring Phoenix College into Maiden Erlegh Trust.
The newly-formed Phoenix Academy will be sponsored by the Trust, with the transfer completed on 1 January 2020.
Formal TUPE consultations with staff, unions, and the employer will begin shortly.
‘This is a very sensible and considered approach which will benefit all involved. We are very pleased with this decision and will be offering our full support to the academy as the changes take place and beyond,’ said Tony Kildare, Managing Director of Brighter Futures for Children, which has overall responsibility for the delivery of education services in Reading.
News of the sponsorship was welcomed by Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Education, Cllr Ashley Pearce, who said: ‘Phoenix College provides support and direction for some of Reading’s most vulnerable children. ?We are pleased that it will be joining a local academy trust in Maiden Erlegh, that has a track record of collaboration, improvement and excellence for its schools.’
Chief Executive Officer of Maiden Erlegh Trust Mary Davies said: “It is a huge privilege to be able to work with Phoenix College as we know that it provides essential places for students across the Reading area. We are committed to inclusion and believe that schools should work with all young people so that they reach their personal potential; special education is an essential part of the educational landscape and we are delighted to be a part of it. We are looking forwards to working alongside the staff, students and parents at the College, as well as with expert partners to ensure the provision develops further.”.