Issue - meetings

This report asks Cabinet to note the updates on the Warwickshire Education Strategy and endorse the recommendations to refresh it based on feedback received from stakeholders setting a refined course for the remaining three years of the five-year strategy.

In introducing this report, Councillor Colin Hayfield drew members’ attention to paragraphs 1.4 and 1.5. These highlight the importance of the SEND programme and early years.

Councillor Kondakor expressed concern over the lack of progress in terms of attainment at schools in Nuneaton and Bedworth.

Councillor Roodhouse welcomed that the strategy focused on SEND and early years. However, the key would be to translate the strategy into action on the ground. This is particularly the case at present with the Covid-19 pandemic. Close scrutiny of performance will be required with greater visibility of this being provided by the dashboard.

In response to Councillor Kondakor, Cabinet was informed that the Challenge Board had been set up in Nuneaton to improve the performance of schools there. To Councillor Roodhouse, Councillor Hayfield replied that a task and finish group was being set up to review SEND provision.

A vote was held.

Resolved:

That Cabinet notes the updates on the Warwickshire Education (WE) Strategy and endorses the recommendations to refresh it as set out in Appendices 3 and 4.