The Flying High Trust is a 30 primary school MAT based in the East Midlands. We spoke to Nick Layfield, the operations manager.
Initial due diligence and capacity check
Flying High first does an ‘expression of interest’ exercise with the school looking to join them. This is a one-page summary of the school's position, looking at:
- Why they want to join the trust
- Their staffing summary
- Their 3-year financial forecast
- Their site condition
This is assessed by the team members at Flying High with the relevant expertise in these areas.
They make sure there are no significant risks or liabilities that stand out – for example, finances showing significant debts/forecasting large deficits, or significant building disrepair.
If the school requires support, the trust makes sure to maintain a 3:1 ratio of schools that can provide support to schools that need it.
