Contact: Clive Erricker, 02392 441459, email: [email protected]

1 Summary

This report sets out a proposal for a new project to address social cohesion in Hampshire and in partnership with regional authorities. The purpose of this report is to seek Executive Member's approval to consult with stakeholders in Hampshire and neighbouring authorities and to construct a strategy for addressing social cohesion in relation to community diversity and conditions for effective learning of pupils in schools

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Executive Member for Education agrees to the initiation of this project to address social cohesion in Hampshire and:


· as part of a strategic approach to addressing social cohesion (section 5 in this paper) a consultation exercise with school, Faith Groups, SACREs and neighbouring LEAs be undertaken focusing on their role in working with Hampshire County Council to address social cohesion, based upon the philosophy and aims in the Agreed Syllabus Living Difference.


· the coordinator of the strategy for social cohesion report to Hampshire County Youth Council, SACRE, Children's Services and the Executive Member on progress made in the strategy.


· an evaluation of the impact of the strategy to be provided two years after its inception and that this be taken to government forums and headteacher's conferences.

2 Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Hampshire County Council priority:

"Making Hampshire safer and more secure for all" - by encouraging better and more informed relations between communities and institutions..............

"Maximising well-being" - by addressing common purpose amongst communities in Hampshire and its children ................

"Enhancing our quality of place" - through providing support for the positive recognition of minority communities and religious groups .................

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

(Being healthy; Staying safe; Enjoying and achieving; Making a positive contribution; Economic well-being) by ensuring that social cohesion is addressed in Hampshire and its neighbouring communities...................

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 The parameters of the project including only Hampshire

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

4.1 None.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -

5.1 None.

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent -

6.1 Only if item is a `key' decision and misses agenda despatch.

Approved by: Date:

........................................

Councillor David Kirk

Executive Member for Education