Agenda item

This report provides an update on progress and next steps for developing a Learning Strategy

Contact: Jo-Anne Sanders, Service Director-Learning and Early Support

The Panel received a report setting out an update about the development of the Kirklees Council Learning Strategy and the proposed approach and timeline.

It was reported that the council and its partners are ambitious that many more children and young people across Kirklees achieve more success. Analysis indicates that the children and young people most likely not to achieve at the highest levels are those that suffer some form of disadvantage. A successful and thriving education and skills system across Kirklees will drive both social and economic development through a reduction in public sector spend on remedial health care and crime whilst promoting inward investment. Above all it will improve the life chances of children, young people and communities making Kirklees a better place to live, work and visit for everyone.

The report set out details of the many organisations that have a vested interest in the achievement of children, young people and communities the local authority. It was highlighted that the Education and Learning Partnership Board, is uniquely positioned in that it has a holistic ambition for every child, every young person and every community in Kirklees. With that in mind it also is unique in that it is the one strategic leadership organisation that has a statutory responsibility to all its people.

Jo-Anne Sanders explained that at a local level Kirklees Council is also unique in having both a comprehensive and a holistic overview of population outcomes (economic, environmental, social, health and educational) which provides both a mandate and a responsibility for the Local Authority, working in partnership, to lead a cohesive strategy for education.

The report outlined proposals for a co-produced strategy to address the following key points:

• Building upon the existing strengths and expertise in Kirklees
• Addressing the issues that face the children, young people and communities of Kirklees
• Bring together the entire community of Kirklees
• Enable the LA to clarify and fulfil its role and meet both its moral and statutory duties
• Learn from best practice both within the district and elsewhere
• Develop policy and strategy that is informed by the voice of children, young people and

• Communities
• Science: the evidence from both research and data

With regard to the proposed approach, the report outlined a draft development timetable.

Questions and comments were invited from the Panel and the following issues were raised:

• Members highlighted the importance of developing resilience and self-esteem in Kirklees children in addition to academic success.
• Members welcomed the planned holistic approach and living nature of the proposed strategy to develop and work with schools and colleges across the district
• In response to a question concerning evaluation and monitoring, Jo-Anne Sanders explained that a measurable action plan will sit alongside the strategy. The Chair highlighted the role of the Scrutiny Panel in monitoring outcomes from the Learning Strategy when it is introduced.
• Councillor Pinnock highlighted the importance of ensuring that the strategy acts as a bridge to build skills for local young people to meet the needs for future local employment in Kirklees.
• Members identified that happiness, kindness and valuing diversity were all key to the development of a successful learning strategy.

                 RESOLVED-

1. That the report be noted.

2. That future reports be submitted to this Panel as the draft Strategy develops.