Agenda item

Councillor Smith provided a brief overview of the report, explaining that it brings together changes across schools and education, working closely with partners to create a more joined-up system.

Ben Dunne expanded on the Let’s Do It strategy, noting that it is embedded within the Education and Inclusion Strategy, with education at its core and a clear long-term vision. He highlighted that in 2019 only 11% of schools were academies, compared with 72% now, which presents both challenges and opportunities. He described positive engagement with school leaders and academy trust leaders and explained that the strategy is explicit about roles and responsibilities across primary and secondary education, transitions between settings, and accountability at every stage. The Education Board will have oversight of the strategy, covering different types of school settings. He added that the strategy was launched in November and remains at an early stage of delivery.

Councillor Haroon asked what measurable outcomes would be used to assess progress. Ben Dunne responded that inclusion sits at the heart of the strategy and is measurable, with a delivery plan due later in the term setting out how progress will be monitored using data and performance indicators.

Councillor Smith added that listening to young people is essential, particularly in relation to confidence, future opportunities and employment, and that the strategy aims to improve outcomes and aspirations. Members asked when the strategy would be brought back to Committee for evaluation. Ben Dunne confirmed that the delivery plan and the composition of the Education Board would be reported back.

Councillor Arif asked about potential challenges arising from a complex education system across shared areas. Ben Dunne responded that the Education Board is central to managing this complexity, ensuring representation from all settings, clarity of responsibility, and strong delivery planning.

Joanne Burns raised concerns about children and young people not feeling safe on public transport and the impact this has on education and attendance. Ben Dunne acknowledged that attendance is affected by a range of marginal factors, including transport and safe travel, and stressed the importance of working with the right partners to remove these barriers. Councillor Smith added that issues around safety on public transport, including interchanges, are being addressed through wider work with Transport for Greater Manchester. Joanne Burns highlighted particular concerns relating to tram travel.

Councillor Arif asked whether the strategy is inclusive of children who are electively home educated (EHE). Ben Dunne confirmed that EHE is included, noting that it is an elective choice for parents and that engagement with families is essential. He added that there is a sector-wide challenge around understanding why families choose EHE and how to ensure they still feel part of the Bury family of schools. Councillor Arif asked whether the offer to EHE pupils could be expanded to include more subjects. Councillor Smith responded that the strategy aims to ensure no young person misses out, balancing inclusion with aspiration, and requires partners to work together to address complex cases.

Joanne Burns asked whether the Committee could receive future updates on how the strategy is working and whether there is a clear structure going forward.

Councillor Boles raised questions about oversight of alternative provision and independent providers. Ben Dunne explained that there is a focus on understanding funding spend, strengthening oversight of independent provision, and ensuring appropriate governance mechanisms. He noted that there are quarterly inspections, work linked to EHCPs, and an Alternative Provision strategy currently being progressed to retain provision within the borough.

Councillor Boles asked what assurance could be given given the scale of change underway. Jeanette Richards responded that there are currently eight change programmes running across Children’s Services, making it essential to have a clear, outcome-focused plan and strong governance. She explained that family-first partnerships and public service reform are helping to align agencies around children and young people, with internal governance ensuring priorities are clear, interdependencies understood, and children’s priorities reflected within the Council’s corporate plan.

It was Agreed

·       The update be noted