Decision details

School Attendance Strategy - Request for Public Consultation

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

Bracknell Forest Council and its partners recognise the need for a clear strategic vision to improve school attendance. This will ensure we are aligned with the Department of Education Guidance ‘Working Together to Improve School Attendance’ which was developed to help schools, trusts, governing bodies, and local authorities maintain high levels of school attendance and improve consistency of support and became statutory from August 2024.

Decision:

RESOLVEDthat

 

i.       Cabinet approve the request to undertake a public consultation on the proposed school attendance strategy.

 

ii.     the revised strategy to be presented to cabinet following the consultation.

Reasons for the decision:

Stakeholder consultation is an important part of the development of the school

attendance strategy, enabling schools, parent/carers, children & young people,

members, key stakeholders, and wider residents to understand and comment on the

proposed strategy.

Alternative options considered:

There is no current strategy for school attendance within Bracknell Forest and with

the introduction of the statutory guidance ‘working together to improve school

attendance’ the option of not doing anything has not been considered.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;

Corporate Priorities : Engaged and Healthy Communities;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Financial Impact: N/A

Declarations: None

Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No

Making Representations: In writing to the Executive Director: People

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Online consultation survey lasting for 9 weeks (paper versions available on request), Council Members session (to be booked), Schools and other key stakeholder session/workshop from November 18th onwards, One to one and group sessions with parents, Early Help Forum Meeting session in January 2025 – Date TBC, targeted emails inviting comments via survey or email drop box, meetings with key stakeholders on strategy affecting service users.

Consultees

Young people, Schools and academies, Parents, carers, and families, The wider public, Council Members, Town and Parish Councils, Council services including but not limited to: Early Help, Children’s Services, Education, Housing, Adult Social Care, Youth Offending Service, Public Health, and Welfare, Other statutory services including but not limited to: NHS Trust, Berkshire Primary Care, Police, Health and CMHT, Voluntary sector including but not limited to voluntary and third sector youth providers and Faith Groups.

Contact: Grainne Siggins, Executive Director People Email: grainne.siggins@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Report author: Grainne Siggins

Publication date: 12/11/2024

Date of decision: 12/11/2024

Decided at meeting: 12/11/2024 - Cabinet

Effective from: 20/11/2024

Accompanying Documents: