Lead Member: Councillor Andy Hall, Portfolio Holder for Children & Education

Lead Officer: John Rowe, Head of Education Quality and Safeguarding (LANO)

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:  

1.     Considered and endorsed the final draft Shropshire Achieving and Thriving in Education Strategy 2026-29 attached as appendix A and recommended its adoption to Council in September.  

2.     Referred the impact of the strategy for regular review by the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee and for this committee to receive regular reports on its implementation. 

The Portfolio Holder for Children & Education presented the report which set out the Council’s approach to promoting educational achievement, attendance, inclusion, SEND provision and safeguarding across all education settings. Members noted that, despite the increasing number of academies operating independently of local authority control, the Council retains statutory responsibilities for educational standards, safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children.

Members were advised that the strategy aimed to provide a consistent county-wide framework for monitoring performance, identifying risks at an early stage and strengthening collaboration with schools, academy trusts and other partners. It was noted that the strategy aligns with the Council’s wider ambitions for children and young people and will be delivered within existing resources.

Members sought assurance regarding measurable outcomes, available resources and the Council’s ability to influence academy trusts. The Families First Partnership Strategic Lead  advised that progress would be monitored through established performance scorecards and scrutiny arrangements, with clear targets linked to national and local priorities. It was also noted that the strategy would strengthen oversight and accountability across the education system while supporting schools to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Members welcomed the strategy’s focus on improving educational attainment, attendance, inclusion and safeguarding, and recognised the importance of ensuring all children are supported to achieve their full potential.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:  

1.     Considered and endorsed the final draft Shropshire Achieving and Thriving in Education Strategy 2026-29 attached as appendix A and recommended its adoption to Council in September.  

2.     Referred the impact of the strategy for regular review by the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee and for this committee to receive regular reports on its implementation.