PAPER D3
Purpose:
for Decision
REPORT
TO EXECUTIVE
Date: 28 JULY 2004
Title: LEA OFSTED ACTION PLAN
REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER CHILDREN’S
SERVICES
IMPLEMENTATION
DATE : 9 AUGUST 2004
PURPOSE
1. To approve an action plan in response
to the 2003 OFSTED inspection of the Local Education Authority. The Action Plan is available on the
Council’s website.
RULE 15 ACCESSTO INFORMATION PROCEDURE RULES
This decision has not appeared on
the forward plan due to the complexity of the task of drafting the action plan
and the need to widely consult leading to uncertainty about when the draft
would be finished and ready for approval. The decision cannot wait until the
publication of the next forward plan due to the need to comply with the
timetable referred to below.
BACKGROUND
2.
OFSTED
undertook an inspection of the council’s functions as Local Education Authority
in September 2003 under s38 Education Act 1997. The report was published in
January 2004.
3.
It is a
statutory requirement that all Local Education Authorities prepare and present
to OFSTED an action plan within seventy working days of the publication of a
section 38 inspection report.
4.
This action
plan must demonstrate the Local Education Authority’s response to all
recommendations contained within the section 38 report.
5.
The action
plan must have subsequent OFSTED approval.
STRATEGIC CONTEXT
6.
Without approval of the action plan the Council is in
breach of the section 38 inspection regulations. This puts at risk any future
section 38 inspection judgement and the CPA assessment for education.
CONSULTATION
7.
Consultation has taken place with Members and the
Portfolio Holder Children’s Services and the Chair of the Select Committee for
Education and Community Development. The OFSTED section 38 inspection report
has been considered by the Select Committee.
8.
Further discussion has taken place with OFSTED and the
DfES on the appropriateness of the actions.
FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS
9.
The financial costs related to this decision are set out
within the action plan. All costs, beyond those associated with Corporate
Strategy, the future development of the Directorate of Children’s Services and
any outcomes from the consultation of the school system, are contained within
the Directorate of Education and Community Development budget.
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
10. Approval of the action plan is a statutory requirement under
the s38 Education Act 1997. and
associated Regulations.
OPTIONS
11.
Two options exist:
a)
Approve the action plan.
b) Require
further Officer work on the action plan.
EVALUATION/RISK MANAGEMENT
12.
Option (a) ensures that the Council fully meets its
statutory requirements in respect to section 38 inspections of Local Education
Authorities under the Education Act 1997.
13.
Option (b) would require an extension of the action
plan preparation period from OFSTED. It is currently Officers best professional
judgement that the action plan, as submitted meets the recommendation
requirements of the inspection report.
RECOMMENDATIONS
14.
That the action plan be approved by the Executive.
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BACKGROUND PAPERS
15.
OFSTED section 38 reports of January 2004.
16.
OFSTED 14-19 Area Review report of March 2004.
17.
DfES approved The Education Development Plan (EDP)
2002/07.
Contact
Point: Keith Simmonds – Senior Inspector
Tel: 01983 823405
E-mail: [email protected]
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DAVID PETTITT
Strategic Director for Children’s Services
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JILL WAREHAM
Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services
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