Members of staff at the troubled Cowes Enterprise College have been told that job cuts are to be expected as the school looks to cost save by introducing voluntary redundancies.
Up to 26 positions are set to go in the staffing restructure, however it is said that the governing body are working with the trade unions and associations to ensure its members were kept informed and engaged in the transitions.
Rachael Fidler, Chair of the Cowes Enterprise College Governing Body said:
“We have begun consultations with staff with a view to minimising the impact on them as far as possible. Where job losses cannot be avoided, we are aiming to achieve these through voluntary means and natural movement of staff. The governing body is working with the trade unions and associations to ensure their members are kept informed and engaged in the transitions.
“The Governing Body (GB) has agreed a comprehensive package of funding to support their discussions with staff and ensure that there are a number of options available to affected staff. It is aiming to conclude the restructure in one go, which it believes will be in the best interests of staff, the students and necessary for the college’s budget.
“The Governing Body is working with OAT during the restructure to ensure that once the college converts to an academy, OAT is happy to adopt the new structure and curriculum plan. This will ensure that staff will only need to undergo one consultation process and that they will not face any changes as a result of conversion.
“This process aims to minimise the impact on our students and to ensure we have the financial ability to continue the journey of rapid improvement that CEC is currently on.”
