Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to seek approval for a restructure which clarifies the role and responsibilities, of EDS within the context of new legislation and establishes a greater emphasis on multi-agency working.

Members considered a report which sought approval for a restructure of the Educational Development Service which would clarify the roles and responsibilities of the service, within the context of new legislation and establish a greater emphasis on multi-agency working.

The report detailed how the Education and Inspection Bill currently awaiting Parliamentary assent, placed a different emphasis on the relationship between the LA and schools.  It would require LAs to take faster and more decisive action to turn around schools causing concern and would expect them to draw on the expertise of a range of providers to carry out their responsibilities and powers.  It would also mean working in partnership with School Improvement Partners (SIPs) to promote high standards in schools.

The proposed restructure would result in a change in  the staffing requirements, and the report detailed how that would be achieved without incurring any further net cost to the Authority.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to approve the restructure of EDs and agree to the change to the staffing structure

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed  

REASON:                  To enable Eds to work within the context of the new legislation

Members considered a report which sought approval for a restructure of the Educational Development Service which would clarify the roles and responsibilities of the service, within the context of new legislation and establish a greater emphasis on multi-agency working.

The report detailed how the Education and Inspection Bill currently awaiting Parliamentary assent, placed a different emphasis on the relationship between the LA and schools.  It would require LAs to take faster and more decisive action to turn around schools causing concern and would expect them to draw on the expertise of a range of providers to carry out their responsibilities and powers.  It would also mean working in partnership with School Improvement Partners (SIPs) to promote higher standards in schools.

It was noted that as part of the restructuring process, roles and responsibilities would need to be reallocated resulting in the deletion of one Advisor post.  That would put more pressure on the remaining advisors and consultants and it was not yet known which member of staff would be affected.  In line with national strategies, it would also lead to the creation of a senior consultant post with responsibility for intervention programmes and locality projects.  The report detailed how that would be achieved without incurring any further net cost to the Authority.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to approve the restructure of EDs and agree to the change to the staffing structure

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed 

REASON:                  To enable EDs to work within the context of the new legislation