Contact: John Coughlan, ext 6400, e-mail: [email protected]

John Clarke, 6459, e-mail: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

1. That Cabinet recognises the additional statutory duties imposed on the County Council by the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and acknowledges the likely future resource and service implications for the Children's Services Department highlighted in the report.

2 Reason

2.1 The Act sets out important new duties for the County Council which will require changes to current practice in some areas with consequential resource implications.

2.2 This decision supports the following Hampshire County Council priority:

"Maximising well-being" - the Act supports the corporate strategy by requiring local authorities and governing bodies to promote high standards in the fulfilment of every child's potential and, in particular, by ensuring that pupils from disadvantaged families are given greater educational opportunities.

2.3 The decision supports the following Aims of the Children Act:

Being healthy; Staying safe; Enjoying and achieving; Making a positive contribution - by enhancing pupil access to schools, offering wider curriculum choices at Key Stage 4 and improving the quality of school food.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 The Act sets out a range of additional statutory responsibilities for local authorities and governing bodies. It is likely that detailed proposals on implementation will include a range of options in some areas.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1 None.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:
Councillor T. K. Thornber, C.B.E. - Chairman