Decision details

For the Executive to approve the Learning Improvement Strategy Framework.

The Executive agreed the Learning Improvement Strategy Framework. The Executive agreed to:

·         the process of consultation and co-production of the Learning Improvement Strategy Framework.

·         commence using statutory powers and intervention as stated within the Schools Causing Concern: Statutory guidance for local authorities, Department for Education (DfE) 2016 from 1 March 2017.

·         consider governance arrangements for this statutory action.

All local authorities have a legal duty to promote high standards and the fulfilment of children and young people’s potential. Under section 13A of the Education Act 1996 local authorities must:

·         Promote high standards in schools and other providers

·         Ensure fair access to opportunity for education and training

·        Promote the fulfilment of learning potential

Additionally the Children Act 2004 established a statutory chief officer post (Director of Children’s Services (DCS) and Lead Member for Children in every upper tier local authority, with responsibilities for education as well as social care services.  In respect of education the DCS must ensure:

·         Fair access to schools for every child

·         Provision of suitable home to school transport

·         Promote a diverse supply of strong schools

·         Promote high quality early years provision

·         Access to sufficient educational and recreational leisure time activities

·         Children and young people participate in decision making

·         Participation of children and young people in education or training

The proposed Learning Improvement Strategy Framework ensures working in partnership with schools to fulfil our statutory duties.

The Local Authority is consistently praised and recognised in Ofsted reports for its level of support to schools.  It is now necessary to build on this work and ensure that Department for Education’s guidance with regard to schools causing concern is followed fully.

None.

None.