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.

Decision

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.

Reasons for the decision

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.

Alternative options considered

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.