Agenda item

To include:

·       Progress of implementing the Education and Inclusion Strategy

·       In year update on School Performance

Reports Attached

This item was split into two parts the education and inclusion strategy and the RISE report.

Councillor Smith introduced the Education and Inclusion Strategy, presenting the detailed report and delivery plan. Ben Dunne added that pressures around delivery only arise when there is no robust plan, noting that the strategy includes clear key performance indicators and that the Education Board will oversee a strong and detailed delivery plan. Each action has been mapped with measures of success, and every member of the education team holds responsibility for specific areas, creating a comprehensive and accountable framework.

Members were then invited to ask questions. Councillor Ryder asked whether training would extend beyond teaching staff to frontline and office staff. Ben Dunne confirmed that discussions with school settings would reinforce inclusive practice across all roles, ensuring the whole school culture supports inclusion, and committed to making sure this is reflected in the plan. Councillor FitzGerald welcomed the accessible structure of the plan and the clear ownership of actions, asking how the plan would ensure critical enablers are in place. Ben Dunne explained that the changing school landscape in Bury, particularly the role of academy trusts, presents challenges but also opportunities. Strengthening relationships with trusts and CEOs, alongside establishing strong senior leadership networks, will support shared best practice and collaborative improvement across sectors.

Councillor Smith emphasised that the Education Board will own the delivery plan, ensuring unified leadership and drive. Joanne Burns raised concerns regarding the loss of the former DLA service, asking which service now leads coordination and planning, and how pathways such as ECTS and NACIA will be made clear. Ben Dunne said one service area will take responsibility for inclusion and safeguarding, with a focus on sharing best practice to improve outcomes, including for EAL pupils. Joanne Burns also queried the early years pathway and whether there will be an early years educational psychologist linked with health services. Councillor Smith confirmed that there will be such a role, fully integrated with Health to support early years provision.

Councillor Smith provided a brief introduction to the RISE report. Damian Kay explained that the Department for Education’s renewed focus on improvement, signalled in correspondence earlier in the year, has strengthened the emphasis on the RISE offer. He highlighted that the local authority is actively promoting the standalone Maths and English elements of the programme. The English strand in particular is being targeted toward early years and phonics, while secondary schools are being supported to improve reading ages at Key Stage 3. From September, intensive work will begin to drive further improvements in reading outcomes, with the council confident that the offer will have significant impact. Damian confirmed that Bury maintains strong working relationships with schools, and although RISE was previously used only as targeted support, it is now being promoted more widely.

Joanne Burns asked whether the increasing number of SEND pupils in schools had influenced the capacity or effectiveness of RISE support. Damian acknowledged the point and noted that this will be considered within ongoing planning. Councillor Boles queried whether the offer was time?limited. Damian confirmed that the RISE programme typically operates on a March?to?March cycle and that discussions with the DfE are ongoing to maximise the support available, including links with the wider RISE service.

Councillor Smith added that the programme has existed in various forms for several years and aligns with the vision of creating a family of expert practitioners across schools. He noted that the approach may be strengthened further through future SEND policy developments. Joanne Burns asked whether RISE had links with attendance and behaviour hubs. Damian confirmed that it does.

It Was Agreed:

·       The updates be noted