Archived decisions

EDUCATION POLICY STATEMENT

On 29 October the Cabinet considered and agreed a policy statement entitled "Maximising well-being through education" that will be adopted as the County Council's policy for education; a copy is attached as Appendix 2. It provides a clear statement of the County Council's policy for education and takes account of recent legislative changes namely the Children Act 2004 and the Education and Inspections Act 2006, and the reorganisation of the former education and social services departments into the Children's Services Department.

A consultation draft policy document has been widely consulted on and many key partners responded including headteachers and governing bodies, the Learning and Skills Council and a number of local strategic partnerships. The consultation document was favourably received with unanimous support for the broad thrust of the policy with many welcoming the clear lead being taken by the County Council in setting out its vision and objectives for education.

The decision taken by the Cabinet:

    · reinforces to schools and other education providers the importance of education in enabling citizens to feel safe and secure

    · promotes 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

    · makes explicit the County Council's commitment to excellence with responsibilities shared between learners, parents, educational providers and other public and voluntary organisations

    · supports all five aims of the Children Act (being healthy; staying safe; enjoying and achieving; making a positive contribution; economic well-being) as the policy promotes eight principles that reflect these aims and emphasises the County Council's commitment to working in partnership with all stakeholders to ensure that these are reflected in educational practice throughout Hampshire.

The policy will be reviewed in October 2010.

T. K. THORNBER, C.B.E.,
Leader.