Agenda item

The Panel considered a summary of the Education White Paper 2016 - Education Excellence Everywhere published by the DFE in March 2016.  The Panel noted the wide range of proposals for changes across the Education landscape and implications for the Council and Borough’s schools.

Members noted the three key threads running through the paper in an increasingly school-led system:

1. Concept of competition whereby the most successful MATs (multi-academy trusts) grow in size and the less successful are taken over by other MATs;
2. An ever-increasing level of autonomy delegated to schools, including the accreditation of teachers;  and
3. The ever-increasing influence of regional school commissioners.

Regional Schools Commissioner (RSC) – covers 17 local authorities for the East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber area.  Concern was expressed by Members with regard to the RSC’s influence and discussed a number of areas. 

It was noted that the RSC would be responsible for holding schools to account and held the same powers as those held by the local authority.  Examples of the powers include, where a school is failing or causing concern the RSC can issue warning notices or put in place an interim Executive Board or partnership with another school.  It was highlighted that where there was a dispute when resolving issues, the RSC has powers to overrule the Local Authority.

It the Local Authority has concerns about any school then information can be forwarded to the RSC for consideration and action if required.  It was noted that the RSC may not be aware of what was happening in schools, but Local Authorities do have an awareness and any issues of concern were gratefully received by the RSC.

It seemed that Local Authorities could have an advocacy position but it must be borne in mind that this benefits the children in Doncaster’s schools and the approach maintained in Doncaster and relationship with the RSC was effective and working in practice.

The RSC held regular meetings with the Local Authority with open dialogue but ensuring that Doncaster’s schools were a priority for the Council with their intervention being welcomed with underachieving Academies.

It was noted that Local Authorities would still hold responsibility for Special Educational Needs, ensuring their voice was heard.

All Schools moving to Acadamisation – All schools were consulted in January, 2016 to outlining future options for our schools.  Each school has declared its intentions, with some wishing to stay with the Local Authority and others identifying that they wish to join other organisations.  It was noted that the schools had been very open thinking about their futures either with or without sponsors and wished to work through the issues to ensure the correct decision was made for the school.

Local Authority becoming a MAT – It was noted that a successful local authority could become a MAT sponsor.  Currently it was not clear what “a successful local authority” would be classed as but if Doncaster was to be in this position it would need to look at whether being a MAT would be advantageous to Doncaster’s schools.

Members stressed that schools could become divorced from the Local Authority and in turn their communities, particularly if Parent Governors were removed.  Therefore, a strong Governance role to ensure that these relationships were not lost was required.

Teaching School Alliance – The organisation had been working with the Local Authority for some time and was a very valuable partnership that had been developed.  The alliance has been very successful, covering all phases of education.

It was noted that the role of a Headteacher would change dramatically in the coming years with the requirement to grow into Executive roles, to lead more than teach and they would be required to oversee administration, legal and finance of much larger organisations.  Some Headteachers were not yet in a position to undertake such leadership therefore training and development of system leaders was essential and Local Authorities are preparing for this requirement.  If there are Headteachers that the Local Authority recognise as being capable as undertaking such a role they would be targeted for training to ensure local continuation.

Members stressed that the Teaching Alliance was increasingly important and pleased to note the support provided by the Council, including the passport funding to help with succession planning ensuring more good teachers were accredited ensuring schools were constantly developing.  Past Scrutiny reviews had shown that more support for Headteachers and newly qualified teachers was required and noted that in the last 5 years there had been 40% new Headteachers with some new to the Borough.  Support for new Headteachers was provided through Central Government funding but they are also provided with a first year mentor and training course that was Doncaster based.  Partners in learning also assist new Headteachers with Governance support.

It was noted that Doncaster had three national accredited Headteachers who were available to support other schools and it was the Council’s intention to ensure the number continued to expand.

Equalities – It was noted that education outcomes for children and young people in Doncaster would continue to be supported equally whether they be white working class boys or from minority ethnic groups, which was supported by the White Paper.

Interface between Headteachers and the Children’s Trust –It was acknowledged that Headteachers were very active in highlighting issues of concern to the Authority or partner organisations and the Panel was assured that there were many local collaboratives where the Children’s Trust were partners, for example, the Children’s Safeguarding Board where information could be shared.  It was noted however, that the relationship between schools and the Children’s Trust needed to grow bearing in mind the lack of resource now available in local authorities.  There were improvements being made but further work was required.

Recruitment and Retention – Recruitment and retention of high quality teaching staff was proving to be more difficult and early fall out from the profession was causing concern.  It was stressed that Doncaster would have to try new methods of attraction, like other local authorities.

RESOLVED:  That the report be received and discussion noted.