Decision details

That the new role of the Council as champions of the community and to continue to expect only the highest standards from Bromley schools be endorsed.

That the Education Covenant approved by Full Council on 21^st January 2013 be used to establish this new relationship with schools and that all governing bodies be asked to sign it following an appropriate period of consultation.

That a final review of services to schools be undertaken with a view to the Local Authority offering only services of the highest quality and which represent good value for money for the Council taxpayer, with a further report to Members in Autumn 2013.

That the Executive be asked to ratify these decisions at its meeting on 3^rd April 2013 and that the Full Council also be asked to ratify these decisions at its meeting on 1^st July 2013.

On 21^st January, 2013, Full Council agreed a new set of parameters for its work with schools, and this was reflected in the new business plan agreed by the Portfolio Holder for Education following the Education PDS Committee on 23^rd January 2013.

The essence of these two decisions was that schools should be encouraged to be independent of the Local Authority, with the Local Authority adopting the role of community champion on behalf of parents and their children, holding schools to account and ensuring an adequate supply of high quality school places.