Issue - meetings

Considered – A Report by the Corporate Director – Children and Young People’s Service briefing the Executive on the Schools White Paper and seek approval for the proposed response.

In the absence of County Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, County Councillor Janet Sanderson introduced the report confirming the ambition to move towards a fully Multi-Academy Trust-led system by 2030 through the growth of strong Trusts and the establishment of new Trusts, including those established by Local Authorities, which was previously not allowed.

It was noted that by way of a trail blazer approach, the DfE was now seeking a small number of Local Authorities to work with to develop new Multi-Academy Trusts.

Stuart Carlton, Corporate Director – Children and Young People’s Service provided an overview of report, including the background to the new approach, what the role of a Local Authority will become, and the next steps in the process.

Stuart Carlton confirmed the planned reforms would bring two test and learn opportunities and Members agreed it would be good to participate in them both. 

Therefore, having noted the contents of the Schools White Paper and the approaching deadline for submitting expressions of interest to participate i.e. end of July 2022, it was

Resolved – That the County Council engage with the DfE and other stakeholders in developing a coordinated strategy towards full academisation in line with the ambition of the Schools White Paper.