Decision details

The report was presented by Bob Stott, Director for Universal and Early Support Services, and Jonathan Hewitt, Head of Quality and Continuous Improvement, both from the Directorate for Children and Young People. It explained that there was a wide range of partnerships between schools in Lancashire which were invaluable in helping schools to improve the quality of education they provided and these partnerships were constantly evolving to meet new challenges and opportunities.

The report outlined the purpose and range of school partnership arrangements across Lancashire. It also set out the local authority's strategies to promote partnership working between schools.

Members were reassured by all the arrangements in place. Officers confirmed that work was currently ongoing with the LASGB (Lancashire Association for School Governing Bodies) to build on an already strong relationship and to provide a website which shared good practice.

It was recognised that a target driven model could inhibit partnerships between schools, especially those who might be competing for the same children.

Transition from primary to secondary school had been recognised as a key issue and that there needed to be a shared understanding about expectations. Pastoral care was very strong, but transition around the curriculum less so.

Resolved: That,

  i.  Officers be thanked for their succinct and informative report;

  ii.  The importance of partnership working and the ongoing good work in this connection be recognised; and

  iii.  The importance of peer to peer support for school governors be recognised and work to improve support for governors be welcomed.