Witnesses:
Simon Griffin, Programme
Manager
Liz Mills, Assistant Director Schools &
Learning
Linda Kemeny,
Cabinet Member
for Schools, Skills and Educational Achievement
Mary Lewis, Cabinet Associate for Children, Schools and
Families
Declarations of Interest:
None
Key points raised in the discussion:
- Officers highlighted
that this was an interim report on the development phase of the
Surrey Education in Partnership (EiP) plan. It was noted that there
had been positive feedback in discussions
with key stakeholders to date. It was
highlighted that school head teachers, local groups and
partnerships had been invited to participate in the consultation
process.
- Officers reported
that several key themes were highlighted in discussion with the
stakeholders including: school improvement, recruitment, funding
plans, governance and partnership development. Officers noted that,
during consultation with stakeholders, there had been some tensions
identified, which were a consequence of the blurred lines of
authority resulting from increased school autonomy and governance
changes.
- Officers gave the
Board assurance that school improvement would remain a requirement
after changes to school governance arrangements. It was highlighted
that seven “coasting” maintained schools were being
targeted as part of the school improvement programme. It was
stressed that there was scope for some improvement with regard to
school peer support, particularly looking into the option of
providing support from Teaching Schools.
- It was noted that the
recently appointed Assistant Regional Schools Commissioner, Maria
Dawes (RSC), was working closely with school governors and that
there was a meeting of the Surrey Governors Association which the
Assistant RSC was due to attend. It was highlighted that this close
working relationship was key to maintaining accountability of
schools.
- The regional
differences between funding for Surrey and the London Boroughs was
highlighted as a concern by the Board, noting that Surrey County
Council receives £450 less per pupil than average London
boroughs. Officers noted that this issue was being queried by the
service with central government to find a solution to
this.
- The Board suggested
the need for Officers to engage more closely with Local and Joint
Committees. Members explained that they could be useful to work in
partnership with and would have strong local connections to
schools, as well as being effective at engaging in an advisory and
consultative role. Officers agreed that local committees would be a
useful source for consultation and partnership and that they would
attend meetings of the local committees in future to build a
positive working relationship.
- Officers noted that
consultation with individual schools was key to understanding
issues and pressures facing schools. It was also noted that this
was useful to building key partnerships and working relationships
with those schools. However, Officers pointed out that the service
was working to balance the relationship between leadership and
support for schools.
Robert Evans left the meeting at 11.17am
- The
Cabinet Member
for Schools, Skills and Educational Achievement highlighted the
work of the Spelthorne Education Partnership, noting that this was
a successful partnership that could be emulated elsewhere in
Surrey.
- The Board queried
whether the service worked closely with Area Education Officers and
were informed that the Area Education Officers were leading on the
consultation process.
- Members suggested
that Surrey’s independent schools should be included as part
of the consultation process and suggested that more work was
required in this regard. Officers noted that they were looking into
new methods of involving independent schools and would like to see
a greater level of engagement from them in consultation.
Margaret Hicks left the meeting at 11.34am
- Members asked
Officers for details on future plans for the Partnership. Officers
informed the Board that a draft Terms of Reference was to be taken
to the Partnership Group for comment and approval. Officers also
offered to share the draft Terms of Reference, along with feedback
from the group.
- The Board raised
concerns regarding budget pressures for both the Council and its
maintained schools. Officers acknowledged that there were budgetary
pressures which needed to be worked on and confirmed that Officers
were working, with schools, to find the best sustainable
solutions.
Robert Evans returned to the meeting at 11.38am
- Members questioned
whether the service could offer its financial expertise to schools.
Officers noted that the service was looking into ways to
potentially deliver this service. However, the Cabinet Member for Schools,
Skills and Educational Achievement noted schools have other options
for delivery of this service.
Recommendations:
- The Board recommends that Officers provide the draft
Terms of Reference document, with feedback from the Partnership
Group.
- The Board recommends that the Surrey Education in
Partnership Programme engages with Local Committee Chairmen to
determine in what way local committees can assist education in
Surrey.