unit 2.5

1.1 Identify the main types of state and independent schools

Nursery schools Community schools Foundation and trust schools Voluntary schools Independent schools Academies Specialist schools Free schools

2.1 Describe the characteristics of the different types of schools in relation to educational stages and school governance

Nursery schools provide pre-school education for children aged between 0-5 years. They are staffed by professionals who encourage and supervise educational play, rather than just provide childcare. Many primary schools have an onsite nursery. They are OFSTED (The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills) inspected and regulated to maintain high quality provisions.

Community schools are run and owned by the LEA (Local Education Authority). They aim to develop links with and can be used by the local community, providing facilities for a variety of clubs, adult education and childcare.

Foundation and trust schools are run by their own governing body. They employ their own staff. They usually form a charitable trust with an outside partner, like a business or educational charity. The land and building are usually owned by the governing body or a charitable foundation.

Voluntary schools are mainly religious or faith schools, although any child can apply for a place. The buildings and land are normally owned by a religious organisation. They employ their own staff and set the admission criteria. Voluntary-aid school is similar but owned by the LEA. Independent schools are privately run. They are funded from fees paid by parents and income from investments and donations. They must register with the DFE (Department for Education), and are regularly inspected by OFSTED as they do not have to follow the national curriculum.

Unit 205 – 1.1/ 1.2
Community Schools
A community school is one which is run entirely by the local authorities. It is heavily involved with the local community, providing constant support and even organising adult education classes. The local authority will determine the admissions policy for the school.
Foundation and Trust Schools
A foundation school is different to a community school as it is run by its own governing body and these are the ones to decide on the schools admission policy working together with the local Education Authority. The actual School, land and building will also be owned by the Governing Body.
A trust school is a type of foundation school; however a trust school has to create a bond with a charitable trust or a business. If a school wishes to become a trust school it will have to apply through the governing body and hold discussions with the parents of the children in the school. This type of school will have to purchase any support services it needs.