PARENTS at Manor Park Primary School and Nursery are being invited to have their say on plans for the school to become part of a Multi Academy Trust.

A letter to parents from headteacher Simon Cotterill and chairman of governors Geoff Mason said: “Our school has been researching the benefits of becoming part of a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) for a number of years.

“Many schools have already taken this step, and we feel we are in a position of strength where we can add expertise and knowledge to a MAT and benefit from the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded schools.”

As part of a four-week consultation period the school is inviting parents and carers to information events on Tuesday, February 25 at 9am and 4.30pm.

The letter added: “There are two main reasons for wanting to be a part of a MAT; MATs are the Government’s preferred way for schools to work in the future.

“Initially it was stated all schools ‘must’ become academies/MATs by 2022; now the Government are saying it is ‘expected’ they will.

"The number of academy conversions in Cheshire are rapidly increasing, so it is important we are at the forefront of the decision-making process to ensure any decisions made are right for our school.

“In addition many of the services previously provided by Cheshire East Council’s education department are unlikely to continue beyond the next 18 months.

“Many services have already changed significantly. In light of this schools already have to find ways of sourcing those services for themselves, and one of the main and most effective ways to do this is to collaborate together - hence the move towards Multi Academy Trusts.

READ>> 'Telly Tubby Land' at Twemlow set to go up for sale

“Having explored a number of options the governing body has decided to complete due diligence with Cheshire Academies Trust (CAT), a cluster of three outstanding primary schools in Cheshire West and Bexton Primary in Cheshire East.

“There is a clear vision for Manor Park and Bexton to work as partners to create our own hub of schools within CAT.

"It would also enable us to enjoy the benefits of collaborative learning with other outstanding schools who have a similar vision and similar values to our own.

"By joining CAT the expertise and knowledge of our staff will be recognised and used to enhance an already high performing group of schools.”