Educational Diversity  

Conversion to Academy Alternative Provision with Synergy Education Trust

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Parents and Carers

1. What is happening to Educational Diversity?

Educational Diversity is in the process of converting from a local authority-maintained Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) to an Academy Alternative Provision (AP). As part of this change, it will be joining Synergy Education Trust.

2. What does it mean to become an Academy Alternative Provision?

Becoming an Academy means that the school will be funded directly by the government rather than the local authority. As an Academy Alternative Provision, Educational Diversity will continue to support students who need a more personalised or specialised approach to their education, including those that have been excluded, are at risk of exclusion or an alternative approach to their education because they cannot access mainstream education due to behavioural, emotional, mental health and/ or social needs.

3. Why is Educational Diversity joining Synergy Education Trust?

Synergy Education Trust is a group of schools that work together to improve outcomes for all students, including those in alternative provision. Joining this trust will allow Educational Diversity to benefit from shared expertise, increased resources, and wider support structures—while maintaining its strong focus on the needs of individual pupils.

4. Will this change affect my child’s place at the school?

No. Your child’s place at Educational Diversity will not be affected by the conversion. All existing pupils will continue their education with the same staff and in the same environment.

5. Will there be changes to staff or leadership?

There are no changes planned to the staffing or leadership as a result of the conversion. The current team will continue to support your child, and the same values and ethos will remain central to the school’s approach.

6. Will the curriculum or school day change?

There are no planned changes to the curriculum, school day, or term dates at this time. Any future developments would be communicated well in advance and would focus on improving opportunities for all pupils.

7. Will the school support children with SEND and EHCPs?

Yes. Educational Diversity will remain fully committed to supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). This remains a key part of its provision, however Educational Diversity will not be considered as a SEND specialist school.

8. What are the benefits of joining Synergy Education Trust?

Some of the expected benefits include:

  • Greater access to specialist support and training for staff
     
  • Improved opportunities for pupils, including enrichment and qualifications
     
  • Stronger networks for sharing good practice and innovation
     
  • Stability and sustainability of high-quality alternative provision
     

9. How will parents/carers be kept informed?

We are committed to keeping you informed throughout this transition. You have already received regular updates via letters and our school website. 

10. When will the conversion take place?

The conversion is expected to be completed by [insert expected date, if known]. We will confirm the timeline once all legal and organisational steps are finalised.

11. Who can I speak to if I have more questions?

If you have any concerns or would like to discuss the conversion in more detail, please contact our Headteacher, Vic O’Farrell (vofarrell@eddiversity.blackpool.sch.uk)

You can also complete the google form that is published in this link: Academy Conversion question form