Decision details

Following changes to Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Accreditation by the Government, this report will propose that delegated authority is given for the Kirklees and Calderdale SCITT to enter into a strategic partnership from August 2024.

Engagement Process

The Kirklees and Calderdale School Centred Initial Teaching Training team have engaged closely with the DFE regarding the options open to KCSCITT following the decision by the DFE not to reaccredit.

The DfE letter received stated ‘If you are an existing accredited provider, your current accredited status will expire at the end of August 2024, and you will be unable to continue delivering ITT leading to Qualified Teacher Status from September 2024 if you are not working with an accredited provider.’

The SCITT team shared the following options with the SCITT Strategic Board. For the KCSCITT to continue as Teacher Training provider from 2024 onwards the KCSCITT needs to establish a formal partnership with another accredited provider.

There are four options available for forming a formal partnership.

1)    A partnership with a large, national provider

2)    A partnership with a university

3)    A partnership with another SCITT that is not local

4)    A partnership with another ‘local’ SCITT

The SCITT Director completed a full Due Diligence process and reported the findings to the Strategic Board. A preferred partner has been identified through this robust process.

Consultation

The KCSCITT Strategic Board have been consulted and would wish to secure a partnership to allow recruitment of students for the academic year 2024 – 2025. The Director for Children’s Services has been informed of the options and portfolio holders briefed on the options.

Should Kirklees Council Cabinet agree to enter into a partnership with an accredited provider, engagement and consultation will take place regarding the duties and responsibilities of the remaining staff member, agreed finance to cover the delivery of the curriculum and all associated running costs of the provision

RESOLVED –

1)    That approval be given to the proposal for Kirklees and Calderdale School Centred Initial Teacher Training to delegate authority to enter into a partnership with an accredited initial teacher training provider (as set out at Option B).

2)    That authority be delegated to the Director of Children’s Services to sign the agreement and work with Kirklees and Calderdale School Centred Initial Teacher Training to finalise the arrangements with the identified accredited partner.