To seek Cabinet endorsement of the guiding principles for the Herefordshire learning community on behalf of the Council.

The Cabinet Member Corporate Services and Education presented the report of the Head of Sufficiency and Capital Commissioning People’s Services.  The Cabinet Member informed Cabinet that the guiding principles outlined in the report would be incorporated into the working principles in education.  He stated that good education provision was provided in the secondary schools and sixth form colleges, however, early years were currently performing below the national average.  During discussion the following points were made:

·         Currently there was a changing picture in education provision and the guiding principles give all education providers a clear indication of where the County is expecting to go and how it intends to get there.

·         The guiding principles have been welcomed by all in the Hereford Learning Community, including Academies.  There are a high proportion of Academies in the County, which are are seeking direction and wishing to join the partnership.

·         Now need to take the guiding principles forward and ensure all parties in the Hereford Learning Community establish their own action plans which incorporate the guiding principles.

·         Schools are being challenged to work proactively and to be leaders in the community, particularly school governors.

·         It was asked if the guiding principles would be sufficient to carry out what was aspired to and whether the principles could be extended to include life long learning.  In response the Director reminded Cabinet that the role of the authority was now a different one and could only influence and guide but did not have the same control over schools.

·         There was an expectation by the authority that action plans would be made covering a five year period providing improved outcomes.  The main emphasis was on collaborative working with an expectation that Herefordshire could be in the highest performing sector rather than at national average.

·         It was emphasised that all Councillors needed to work with their local schools and encourage them to take on the actions outlined in the guiding principles.

RESOLVED

              THAT:

a)    the guiding principles for the Herefordshire learning community be endorsed and adopted on behalf of the Council; and

b)    the Council uses the guiding principles in policy making and decisions in all business affecting the education and development of children and young people.