14 d. How will the ODBST prioritise the order for conversion? The academy conversion journey will be individual to each school but will include a Due Diligence process which the ODBST carries out. The formal process can happen any time between applying for the Academy Order through to conversion. This process may identify issues which will require attention before conversion is complete. In conversation between the school, the Trust and the Local Authority, a convenient date for conversion will be developed and requested as part of the application process. e. How long does it take for a school to become an Academy? It is expected that most schools are able to convert to academy status in around five to eight months after achieving the initial DfE approval to proceed. f. Do schools need to consult before converting? Yes. All schools are required to carry out a consultation, but it is up to each school to decide whom and how to consult. There is no legally specified length of time for the consultation and schools have flexibility in how it is conducted. We are currently consulting with parents, staff, local schools, and the local community. We will also conduct information sessions for pupils. g. How should we engage interested parties? Whilst it is a legal requirement to carry out a consultation, there is no specification about how this should be carried out. An early consultation could take place at the point the governors are considering whether to become an academy asking opinions on whether to progress the idea, whereas later on in the process, the consultation would be more along the lines of whether there are objections to the proposal to become an academy with a specific MAT. A 4-week consultation period during term time with a public meeting is considered appropriate by the Diocese. ODBST will be present at the consultation meeting and will provide documents for the process. It should be noted that a public consultation is separate to the staff consultation which relates to TUPE.
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