Issue - meetings

That the framework for developing enhanced collaborative working and federations between schools be noted.

The Chief Officer (Education and Youth) introduced a report to update on the progress made with developing collaborative working and federations between schools.  He provided background information and advised that the Authority had responsibility to review and modernise all school provision to ensure it was providing the best possible opportunities for learners to achieve their full potential.  He commented that although schools were no longer in “competition” with each other they had not yet reached the point where collaborative working arrangements were as embedded as they could be.

Jane Edwards gave an overview of her experience of collaborative working and federations between schools under the English system.  During discussion she responded to the queries and concerns raised by Members around Local Authority involvement and school governance arrangements.  The Chairman expressed concern that a move towards federation could negate the need to make decisions around the viability of some schools.

Councillor Nigel Steele-Mortimer spoke in support of the concept of informal federation or collaboration and emphasised the valuable role that schools held within their local communities and the need to retain rural provision where possible.

During discussion the Chief Officer, Mr. Griffiths and Ms. Edwards responded to the queries and concerns raised by members around recruitment of headteachers and workload.  The Chief Officer commented on the need to foster a broader curriculum and referred to examples of shared posts and shared expertise between schools in Flintshire.

Mrs. Rita Price expressed concern that there was insufficient research into the long term effect of school federations.  She referred  to the financial implications, citing the cost of senior staff as an example,  and expressed the view that forming a federation may not be cost effective.  She also said that Welsh medium and Voluntary Aided schools could be disadvantaged as they could not create a single Governing Body.

RESOLVED:

That the framework for developing enhanced collaborative working and federations between schools be noted.