Contact: Gerry Price, Area Director (Education & Inclusion), telephone 023 8081 6127, email [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

a) That the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education) recommends to Cabinet that the policy statement (attached as an Appendix to the main report) be adopted as the County Council's policy for education.

b) That this policy is reviewed in October 2010.

2 Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Hampshire County Council priority:

"Making Hampshire safer and more secure for all" - by reinforcing to schools and other education providers the importance of education in enabling citizens to feel safe and secure

"Maximising well-being" - by promoting the importance of a high quality education in enabling children and young people to achieve well and to be equipped with the values, knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to live life to the full.

"Enhancing our quality of place" - by making explicit the County Council's commitment to excellence with responsibilities shared between learners, parents, educational providers and other public and voluntary organisations.

2.2 The decision supports all five aims of the Children Act (Being healthy; Staying safe; Enjoying and achieving; Making a positive contribution; Economic well-being) since the proposed policy for education explicitly promotes eight principles that reflect these aims and makes explicit the County Council's commitment to working in partnership with all stakeholders to ensure that these are reflected in educational practice throughout Hampshire.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 To do nothing is not an option because this leaves the County Council vulnerable to the suggestion that it is failing in its responsibility to lead educational thinking and practice in Hampshire. Key partners have expressed a wish for a clear lead from the County Council in respect of its vision and objectives for education in the context of the Children Act 2004 and the Education and Inspections Act 2006.

3.2 A shorter statement limited to the vision and principles was considered but rejected because it would result in a policy that lacked clarity about how the County Council intended to lead partners in its implementation.

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 Not applicable.

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