Two successful hard federations show how they are working, with an insight into what it means for the governors involved.
At Alvanley and Manley Village schools in Cheshire, federation was essential for the survival of the two schools.
Numeracy governor Diane Duff witnesses policy in practice, and the current and the former chair of governors, Donald Currie and Gary Partington, meet with executive head Kate Walker to review the schools? progress since federation.
For secondary schools Ashton on Mersey and Broadoak School in Manchester, federation has allowed the schools to retain and develop their senior leadership team, and to pool experience and resources.
Chair of governors Brian Rigby meets with the headteachers of both schools to keep informed of key issues, and parent governor Kath Bloomfield uses her building expertise to assist in the development of new school facilities.
