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Is a cluster group the first step towards federation? (06/04/06)
Question: I am parent governor at a primary school. Recently during a governors’ meeting we were informed by the head that our school will soon form a so-called 'cluster group" with two other primary schools, due to the fall in school rolls locally and at our school in particular. Do you think that a cluster group is the first step towards "federation"? I am little concerned as we will form an alliance with two schools that are not particularly in good "health", Ofsted-wise.

Joan Sallis replies: It is not the first step to federation which is a legal process requiring governing boards’ formal agreement. Clusters are very common now, mainly for the purposes of “extended” schools which will be selected to serve other schools in the cluster in the provision of facilities at the beginning and end of the school day for pre-school and after-school activities. Clustering is also a means of spreading advantages and expertise among a group with varying resources and strengths, helping the weaker as you have suggested.

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