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Last Updated: 19/12/2024 12:28:11
Full Council agrees to the implementation of the Cluster Working Review for Education
Monday, 03 June 2013 08:59
Following a rigorous and in depth debate, Full Council agreed today (Thursday 30th May) to commencing with a three year implementation programme for partnership Headteachers within our small schools across the region.
In response to a number of issue and challenges faced within Dumfries and Galloway, our Council agreed to carry out a review of cluster working between our schools. The main aim of the review was to ensure that the new Curriculum for Excellence can offer the best possible outcomes for all young people, consistently across each and every one our schools. We also needed to make the best use of our resources and plan for the future sustainability of our small schools against a backdrop of declining rolls and difficulties around recruitment.
In November 2012, the Education Committee agreed to change the future management arrangement for small schools in Dumfries and Galloway. This meant that there would be a phasing in of partner headships and a phasing out of the role of class committed Headteachers within Dumfries and Galloway.
Today, Councillors voted through an amendment to adopt the recommendations of the Education Committee, subject to minor amendments highlighted in italics as follows:-
- note the consideration given to the questions raised over school rolls to be included and the strategic educational case made by the Performance and Quality Strategy Sub Group in relation to schools with pupil rolls of between 100 and 150; and the potential associated costs, phasing timetable and budget implications;
- agree that all non-denominational schools with a pupil roll of 150 or fewer remain part of the Cluster Working Review;
- agree for schools with a pupil roll of 150 or fewer, to the implementation of partnerships and consequent introduction of non-class committed Headteachers; - agree that this implementation be carried out on a phased basis over a period of three years from June 2013 – June 2016, considering Point 4 and appendix 1 to the report; - note that after the Cluster Working Review is fully implemented, and all matching/redeployment has been carried out, future Headteacher recruitment processes will fully involve parents as at present;
- note that Education Staff will engage with the LNCT to ensure parental involvement in appointments to Principal Teacher with Cluster arrangements, recognising the remaining concerns at some schools and agree to continue discussions to resolve these concerns and that the Education Committee will receive a report on how parents will be involved in principal teacher appointments within cluster schools;
- agree that six monthly monitoring reports be brought back to Education Committee detailing school rolls, partnership workings, progress with implementation and information about ongoing dialogue with Parent Councils;
- acknowledge the strategic implications of the Cluster Review and agree that the recommendations outlined above are remitted, as recommendations of the Education Committee, to the Full Council at its meeting on 30 May 2013.
Depute Leader Brian Collins commented: "Our Council today made an immensely important strategic decision which will allow the Education department to help secure the future sustainability of all of our small schools and ensure the best possible outcomes for our children across the region."
ENDS
Full Council agrees to the implementation of the
In response to a number of issue and challenges faced within Dumfries and Galloway, our Council agreed to carry out a review of cluster working between our schools. The main aim of the review was to ensure that the new Curriculum for Excellence can offer the best possible outcomes for all young people, consistently across each and every one our schools. We also needed to make the best use of our resources and plan for the future sustainability of our small schools against a backdrop of declining rolls and difficulties around recruitment.
In November 2012, the Education Committee agreed to change the future management arrangement for small schools in Dumfries and Galloway. This meant that there would be a phasing in of partner headships and a phasing out of the role of class committed Headteachers within Dumfries and Galloway.
Today, Councillors voted through an amendment to adopt the recommendations of the Education Committee, subject to minor amendments highlighted in italics as follows:-
- note the consideration given to the questions raised over school rolls to be included and the strategic educational case made by the Performance and Quality Strategy Sub Group in relation to schools with pupil rolls of between 100 and 150; and the potential associated costs, phasing timetable and budget implications;
- agree that all non-denominational schools with a pupil roll of 150 or fewer remain part of the Cluster Working Review;
- agree for schools with a pupil roll of 150 or fewer, to the implementation of partnerships and consequent introduction of non-class committed Headteachers; - agree that this implementation be carried out on a phased basis over a period of three years from June 2013 – June 2016, considering Point 4 and appendix 1 to the report; - note that after the Cluster Working Review is fully implemented, and all matching/redeployment has been carried out, future Headteacher recruitment processes will fully involve parents as at present;
- note that Education Staff will engage with the LNCT to ensure parental involvement in appointments to Principal Teacher with Cluster arrangements, recognising the remaining concerns at some schools and agree to continue discussions to resolve these concerns and that the Education Committee will receive a report on how parents will be involved in principal teacher appointments within cluster schools;
- agree that six monthly monitoring reports be brought back to Education Committee detailing school rolls, partnership workings, progress with implementation and information about ongoing dialogue with Parent Councils;
- acknowledge the strategic implications of the Cluster Review and agree that the recommendations outlined above are remitted, as recommendations of the Education Committee, to the Full Council at its meeting on 30 May 2013.
Depute Leader Brian Collins commented: "Our Council today made an immensely important strategic decision which will allow the Education department to help secure the future sustainability of all of our small schools and ensure the best possible outcomes for our children across the region."
ENDS
Full Council agrees to the implementation of the
Page last updated: 20/05/2022
