URL: https://democratic.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4057

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to seek approval for the new 0-25 Years Learning Improvement Strategy: Excellence, Equity and Culture. Seeking approval for the new strategy as the key document setting the strategic direction of education partners and the Education and Learning Section and for 2025-30.

Content: RESOLVED that   i.       the draft 0-25 Years Learning Improvement Strategy 2026-2031 is approved for public consultation for a period of 10 weeks.   ii.      the final strategy is received for approval following consultation. i.       The new strategy aims to replace the previous document, ‘Learning Improvement Strategy - Unlocking Opportunities for all Children 2019-22’, which was extended due to the impact of Covid. This strategy is intended as a statement of intent for the education sector within Bracknell Forest, emphasising the importance of working in partnership. A key focus of the strategy is to prioritise pupils who currently present as vulnerable, as well as those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The strategy is also closely aligned with national developments, including the proposed priorities within the government’s forthcoming Education White Paper, expected to be released later this year, and the publication of the new Ofsted Inspection Framework, released in September 2025.   ii.     Public consultation of the co-produced strategy will ensure residents of Bracknell Forest, and stakeholders from the education sector, have an opportunity to understand the proposed approach to improving outcomes for children and young people, including those who currently present as vulnerable, and those with SEND. Residents and stakeholders will be able to provide feedback which will be taken into consideration when drafting the final strategy for publication, and refining the associated draft action plan. i.       The main themes set out within the draft strategy were initially formed as a result of a co-production exercise with all staff from within Education and Learning, and underwent extensive consultation with key partners. Consultation has been undertaken with the Parent Carer Forum, Bracknell Forest Headteachers, SENDCos, and governors, and partners from Public Health, and from other service areas within the People Directorate and Economic Development and Regeneration. Feedback from the consultation has been incorporated into the draft.   ii.     The consultation activity has included an initial workshop to which all officers within Education and Learning were invited, to reflect on their work with schools, and shape the initial priorities. Further consultation was then undertaken on the draft priorities and key actions via the following methods:   ·       Headteacher workshop at the Headteacher Briefing on the 7th November 2024. ·       Discussion with the People Directorate Department Management Team and Heads of Service on 6th November 2024 to ensure alignment across the directorate, and ensure joint working. ·       SENDCo workshop at the SENDCo Forum 20th November 2024. ·       Online consultation session with school governors on 21st November 2024. ·       A face to face workshop with school governors on 3rd December 2024. ·       Four live consultation workshops with the Parent Carer Forum, each lasting two hours. Two conducted online, and two face to face. Numbers attending these sessions were small (typically 4-5 people), but this allowed a detailed exploration of the proposed strategy. ·       The opportunity to provide further feedback via a Microsoft Form survey was offered to all of the groups noted above. ·       Feedback provided by Council departments from outside of the People Directorate via email, e.g. Public Health and Regeneration and Economic Development.   iii.    The main priorities outlined in the strategy received substantial support from all consulted stakeholders. Similarly, the proposed actions were also highly endorsed. The consultation feedback proved effective in refining certain actions and addressing minor gaps and duplications. Feedback received has been incorporated into the final strategy. Consequently, no significant alternatives were considered. None

Date of Decision: November 4, 2025