Decision details

Report of the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Learning detailing the specific support to be provided in joint working with the Isle of Wight. 

Having complied with paragraph 15 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules:

(i)  To agree to the development of a working relationship with the Isle of Wight Council to provide school improvement and related education functions for an initial period covering the academic year 2011/12.

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services and Learning following consultation with the Acting Head of Legal and Democratic Services to do anything necessary to support, plan and implement the collaborative working arrangements.

1. This report is submitted for consideration as a General Exception under paragraph 15 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules in Part 4 of the City Council’s Constitution, notice having been given to the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and the Public.  In order to progress the joint working arrangements, a decision is required as soon as possible and before the publication of the next forward plan.
2. Both the Isle of Wight and Southampton City councils are seeking greater efficiencies in their delivery.  Through this joint working relationship, both authorities will be able to rationalise delivery whilst maintaining a focus on statutory duties and outcomes for children, young people and families.
3. The Isle of Wight Council has a number of statutory responsibilities which it is currently relying upon contractors to fulfil.  This limits continuity or confidence amongst the school community.  A traded services arrangement with Southampton City Council would provide immediate access to a broader range of expertise than the council currently is able to secure.  It would give some Southampton City Council staff the opportunity to work on a broader scale and will ease the sharing of expertise across the head teacher groups in both local authorities. 

Not to work in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council to deliver school improvement and related services.  This would reduce the ability of both authorities to gain efficiencies in the management and delivery of services.