Agenda item

The Committee considered a presentation by Mr. Mike McSorley, Head of Learning and Support in relation to the consultation on the Sefton Education Strategy.

Mr. McSorley reported that “the value of a good education cannot be underestimated.  Giving children the best possible start in life helps them fulfil their true potential, living happier, healthier and more prosperous lives”.

Mr. McSorley highlighted the Education Vision for Sefton as:

“Our Vision is to ensure all children and young people in Sefton are equipped with the knowledge, skills and desire needed to fulfil their potential.  The best start in life through good early years provision is vitally important as is continuation of progress at good or outstanding primary and secondary schools and FE colleges.”

“Learning does not stop once a young person leaves school and we want them to have the desire to keep on learning, and developing to shape our future society.”

The presentation outlined the following objectives in delivering the Education Vision for Sefton:-

·         Ensuring good leadership and governance across all educational settings in Sefton.

·         Ensuring that the range of barriers to participation and progress are addressed.

·         Ensuring children are ready for school and the transition to the next stage of their lives.

·         Ensuring that all pupils make at least “good” progress in each year of their education.

·         Ensuring young people leave formal education with the skills and opportunities to achieve.

Mr. McSorley explained that the Sefton Education Partnership Board would be the body with ultimate responsibility for implementing and monitoring the Strategy, but consultation and involvement from the Strategic Group and Operational Groups would also be necessary.

Mr McSorley outlined the following membership of the Education Partnership Board:-

·         Lead Member for Children’s Services.

·         Director of Young People and Families.

·         Chair of SASH.

·         Chair of SAPH.

·         Special Schools representative.

·         Primary Schools representative.

·         Early Years represenattive.

·         Further Education representative.

·         Chair of Sefton Governors Association.

·         Representative from the Liverpool Archdiocese.

·         Representative from the Diocese of Liverpool.

·         Higher Education representative.

·         Employer’s representative.

·         Representative from Training providers.

·         Local Safeguarding Children Board representative.

Mr. McSorley concluded his presentation by emphasising the importance of the Sefton Education Strategy and the importance that all Partnership Board Members sign up to the Strategy.

Members of the Committee welcomed the drafting of the Education Strategy and in particular the offer for young people (14 – 16 years) to opt for a vocational course, offering more choice suited to their learning.  The Director of Young People and Families reassured Members that in a recent Ofsted inspection, Hugh Baird College had received an outstanding rating in relation to safeguarding.

RESOLVED:             That

(1)       the Head of Learning and Support, Mr. McSorley, be thanked for his informative presentation;

(2)       the Head of Learning and Support, Mr. McSorley and all supporting officers be congratulated on the drafting of Sefton’s Education Strategy;

(3)       the Cabinet Member for Children, Schools, Families and Leisure, in consultation with the Senior Democratic Services Officer, Mr. Mike Morris, be requested to arrange a site visit to Hugh Baird College for all Members of the Committee; and

(4)       the Director of Young People and Families be requested to submit a further report to a future meeting of the Committee to include the results of the consultation and the finalised Sefton Education Strategy.