The Governing Body of Heavers Farm Primary School and Selsdon Primary and Nursery School is writing to formally consult with you regarding a proposal for our schools to de-federate from the federation, thereby ending the federation of the two schools. This is an important decision, and we are committed to sharing the reasons behind this proposal and seeking your valuable views before any final decision is made.
- How the federation was formed: The schools originally federated in 2014 to allow them to have a shared management oversight and where possible share resources. Whilst this was very successful for some years, practice has changed that model to one where the schools are run as their own entities.
- The current position: Both schools had seen a drop in pupil roll and some significant financial constraints which led to staff restructuring. In the past year changes at both schools have improved the financial positions and further enhanced the quality of education provided. In the process of making these changes the shared management structure between the schools has devolved to separate management for each school. Additionally, curriculums have separated and been adapted to meet each individual school’s needs.
- Reasons for considering de-federation: We believe the schools will operate more effectively with separate governing bodies to strategically oversee, challenge and support each school individually. The schools operate almost entirely independently from each other, with the exception of sharing a governing body. This proposal will align strategic overview with operational practice.
Benefits of the Proposal:
- The school governing body provides strategic direction for two different schools, in different positions, with their own management teams. This change would give the schools their own governing bodies focused on the requirements of each school.
- This will allow Parent Governors to focus on the needs of their community of parents.
- Additionally, this allows Staff Governors to focus on the needs of their particular staff community.
Potential Impacts
- Impact on staff: Senior Management time in governor meetings will become more focused. Otherwise, no impact is expected on staff at present. However, previously staff have been able to move between schools when vacancies have arisen with a streamlined recruitment process. This would not be possible after defederating. Existing staff who have transferred from one school to another would simply continue at their current school. Some minor contracts for shared services between the schools will require SLAs for continued support until the next renewals.
- Impact on pupils: No impact is expected on the pupils. Both schools have kept their own uniforms. Moving forward, as mentioned above, governors at each school would be able to hold school leaders better to account for continuous school improvement.
- Impact on parents/community: No impact is expected on the parents/community.
The Proposal:
It is proposed that as of 20 October 2025 the Federation of Heavers Farm Primary School and Selsdon Primary and Nursery School will end, and new governing bodies for each school will be appointed.
The Consultation Process:
We invite you to participate in this important consultation. We want to hear your thoughts, questions, and concerns regarding this proposal.
- Consultation Period: The consultation will run from 12th September 2025 to 1st October 2025.
- How to Get Involved:
By completing an online form here: https://forms.gle/uusWS9mUqXibsz4S8
Or by post to either school
Federation Consultation
Selsdon Primary School
Addington Road
South Croydon
CR2 8LQ
Federation Consultation
Heavers Farm Primary School
58 Dinsdale Gardens
London
SE25 6LT
by the closing date.
Next Steps:
Following the consultation period, the Governing Body will carefully consider all feedback received. Governors will then make a formal decision on the proposal to de-federate Heavers Farm Primary School and Selsdon Primary and Nursery School. We will communicate the outcome of the consultation and the final decision in writing by the 17th October 2025.
We value your input and look forward to your participation in this process.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Swadling
Chair of the The Governing Body of Heavers Farm Primary School and Selsdon Primary and Nursery School
