URL: https://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=7981

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content:             The Cabinet considered the report of the Interim Executive Director (Children’s Services) which set out a proposed Cabinet response to the recommendations put forward by the Children’s Services Scrutiny Committee as a result of its Task and Finish Scrutiny Review of Education Services.   Councillor D Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services thanked Members of the Scrutiny Committee for the thorough and constructive way in which the review had been undertaken as the Committee had taken a genuine cradle to career view of education in Knowsley, engaging directly with schools, colleges, partners, children and young people.   Councillor Lonergan highlighted that the review recognised the many strengths across the Council’s education system and also the commitment of staff, strong leadership in schools and colleges, and the collaborative culture that supported school improvement across the Borough. Councillor Lonergan indicated that the review did not shy away from the challenges the Council faced and it highlighted areas where the Council could support the most vulnerable children, improving attendance, strengthening transitions, and ensuring young people could access the right post-16 pathways.   Councillor Lonergan highlighted that many of the actions identified would be delivered through existing partnerships and resources, while others would involve further modelling and analysis to inform future decisions. In this respect, this work would directly shape the new Education Strategy for Knowsley that would intend to launch in September 2026 and would be subject to full consultation and continued scrutiny involvement.   Councillor Lonergan reported that the Council could not ignore the importance of education and with partners, the Council were always looking at how to break down barriers to opportunity, ensuring all children in Knowsley fulfil their potential. In this respect, Councillor Lonergan commended the report and its recommendations.               RESOLVED – That:-   (i)         all of the recommendations arising from the Scrutiny Review be agreed;   (ii)        the Cabinet’s response as proposed at Appendix A to this report be agreed and published; and,   (iii)       that reviews of progress in implementing the recommendations should be reported to the Children’s Services Cabinet Member as follows:-   (a)        After six months, to consider progress in implementation of the agreed actions and,   (b)        After twelve months, to review the impact of the agreed actions.  

Date of Decision: January 21, 2026