Agenda item

(To receive a report which summarises the key elements of the Government White Paper "Excellent Education Everywhere", highlighting potential benefits and concerns particularly with regard to the enforced academisation of all schools)

The Chief Commissioner - Learning introduced the following two new members of staff to the Committee:- Gavin Booth, Children's Services Manager, Education Strategy and Martin Smith, Children's Services Manager, School Standards.

The Committee gave consideration to a report from Debbie Barnes, Executive Director of Children's Services, which summarised the key elements of the Government White Paper "Excellent Education Everywhere".  It was reported that there were a number of implications for the Local Authority particularly in relation to the enforced academisation of all schools and the proposal to transfer responsibility for school improvement from local authorities' to school-led systems.

The Chief Commissioner – Learning guided members through the report presented, making particular reference to the following issues:-

·         Teacher Training, as detailed at paragraph 1.4.1.  It was felt that this was a positive move;

·         School Improvement, as detailed at paragraph 1.4.3.  It was highlighted that with the Council having the Lincolnshire Learning Partnership put the Council in a good position to share expertise;

·         Students and Parents as detailed in paragraph 1.4.7.  It was highlighted that trusts would no longer be required to reserve places for elected parents on governing boards, and that governing boards should take a skills-based approach supported by a competency framework, with help to identify skills gaps.  Some Members felt that parent governor representation was crucial as their contributions were invaluable;

·         Fairer Funding – as detailed in paragraph 1.4.9.  The White Paper confirmed that no pupils would be disadvantaged because their school arbitrarily receives less funding than a school with similar costs and pupils.  It was felt that Fairer Funding should bring more money into Lincolnshire; and

·         Academisation by 2020 of all schools.  The Committee was informed that this matter was still being debated, as there was a lack of evidence that academisation would improve schools.  It was felt that this would be a problem for Lincolnshire, as freedom of choice and local needs would be inhibited.  It was highlighted that a letter had been sent to all schools inviting them to have a conversation with the Council before making any decisions. 

The Committee was also advised that the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health Services, Children's Services had written to the Secretary of State expressing the views of Lincolnshire.  A copy of the said letter was detailed at Appendix A to the report presented.  It was agreed that a copy of the letter issued to all schools in Lincolnshire from the Executive Director would be circulated to all members of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee for their information.  Members of the Committee expressed support for the action taken.

Some concern was also expressed with regard to compensation to the Diocese in relation to property/land should the academisation proposal go through.  Reassurance was given that C of E Schools would not just be handed across to multi academy trusts.

Officers confirmed that at present there was no guidance with regard to these matters.  It was felt however, if such a case was to arise that the decision would be one taken by the Secretary of State.  

The Committee was advised that lots of pressure was being put on the government, to prevent the demise of the role of local communities in education and schools.

It was also reported to the Committee that there would be a reduction in the Education Support Grant the Local Authority would receive to fund the proposals in the White Paper.

It was reported further that the Local Authority role in the process was to take a leadership role and provide some stability for the schools in Lincolnshire and that this was what was being undertaken.  It was noted that work was ongoing with schools across the County.

A Motion was Proposed and Seconded:-

"That the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee did not support the forced academisation proposals as contained in the White Paper"

Upon being put to the vote, it was unanimously agreed, and it was

RESOLVED

1.    That the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee did not support the forced academisation proposals as contained in the White Paper.

2.    That the comments of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee and the report presented be noted.

Note: Councillors L and R W Wootten left the meeting at 12:20pm.