Redundancies at South Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust

5 teachers and "a number" of support staff will go.

The school in Ashburton hit the headlines earlier in the year when a lack of cash at the school meant there was a shortage of pens, photocopier paper and lightbulbs.

A consultation took place earlier in the year which could have led to compulsory redundancies across the schools in the South Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust, with up to 50 jobs under threat.

But a Devon County Council meeting heard that there while there had been no compulsory redundancies among teachers, five teachers had taken voluntary redundancies, and a number of support staff had also been made redundant, with the vast majority taking voluntary redundancy.

Cllr James McInnes, cabinet member for education, had been asked to provide an update on the ongoing situation at the South Dartmoor Community College, and the South Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust.

He told the full council meeting: “The South Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust has recently appointed experienced interim executive leaders, Angela Barry and Lee Miller. Both Ms Barry (as Interim Executive Support) and Mr Miller (as Interim Chief Operating Officer) are working alongside the CEO, the Trustees, South Dartmoor Community College and the six other schools in the Trust to drive strategic direction and ensure stability and sound financial management.

“Over the past few months the Trust has been working closely with the Education and Skills Funding Agency to address the areas outlined in the Financial Notice to Improve. An action plan is being implemented which includes developing a robust and sustainable financial plan. The school report they are already making good progress with this.

“At present, the Trust’s leadership team is working closely with the Office of the Regional Schools Commissioner for the South West to help find a suitable partner for the schools within South Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, including SDCC. The Trust had initially consulted on a partnership with Education South West for additional support, but this will no longer be taken forward.”

Cllr McInnes added Paul Collins, the Principal of South Dartmoor Community College, has stepped down from his role for health reasons, and that Kevin Dyke will be taking over as interim principal from September 1st.

He also shared a letter from Rachel Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of South Dartmoor Academy, explaining the changes being made at the school as a result of the restructure.

It said that the school day will be changing from six 50-minute lessons a day, to five one-hour lessons a day, and that there would be no reduction in the arts and PE subjects.

Pastoral and admin functions of the school have reduced, but Mrs Shaw said they were confident that the numbers in place from September will deliver effectively within these areas, while no changes to the full-time mental health and wellbeing provision were being made.

The library will remain open, the sixth form is not closing, although low sign-up for some subjects means that they may not be offered.

She added: “The Regional Schools Commissioner (RSC) has a good overview of all the Trusts across the south west and can assess who is performing well and will have the capacity to take on the schools within South Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust. Trusts that would be suitable for our schools are being considered at the moment and it is expected a decision will be made in mid to late September with the aim of the Trust joining their new partner in January 2020.”

In a letter announcing his departure from the school, Mr Collins said: “The past 8 years at SDCC have been some of the most rewarding of my career and it has been both an honour and privilege to work alongside so many dedicated, hardworking and talented teachers.

“I have taken a great deal of time reflecting on what is best and right for myself and family and have come to the conclusion that it is time for me to leave SDCC. Although this is the most difficult decision I have ever made in my career, I know it is the right one.

“As I depart I want to make one request and that is that during the challenging and exciting times ahead that our entire community continues to come together as one collective to help, support and constructively challenge each other and remain true to our values of ensuring the best possible education for every student.

“I want to thank staff, parents and governors for everything they have done, but most importantly, I wish every past, present and future student every success and to never forget what an amazing school they have been a part of.”