Purpose

To approve the detailed framework explaining Council’s
vision for education improvement, education offer to Local
Authority Maintained schools

Content

RESOLVED
 
KEY DECISION
 
That the Executive:
 

a)     
Approved the Education Improvement Framework 2025–2028
as the Council’s strategic approach to education
improvement.

 

b)     
Endorsed the continued development of locality hubs to
support collaborative improvement.
 

c)   Delegated authority to the Executive
Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the
Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills, to
implement and monitor the framework.
 
 
Reason for Recommendations:
The Education Improvement Framework 2025–2028 is recommended
because:
 

•   It aligns with national
legislation and statutory guidance, including the Education Acts
and the DfE’s 2024 Support and Intervention in Schools
guidance.

•   It provides a structured,
transparent, and cost-effective approach to fulfilling the
Council’s duty to promote high educational
standards.

•   It supports the Council’s
Corporate Plan priorities, particularly in improving outcomes for
vulnerable learners and strengthening communities.

•   It builds on existing models of
collaboration and locality-based support, ensuring consistency with
previous decisions and practices.

•   It enables the Council to
proactively identify and address underperformance, safeguarding
risks, and leadership vulnerabilities in a timely and accountable
manner.
 
Alternative Options
Considered: The following alternatives were considered and
rejected:
 

•   Maintaining informal or ad hoc
support arrangements: This was deemed
insufficient
to meet statutory duties and lacked consistency, transparency and
accountability.

•   Outsourcing school improvement
functions to external providers: While potentially viable, this
option was rejected due to cost implications, reduced local
oversight, and the risk of fragmented support.

•   Developing a framework limited to
maintained schools only: This was considered too narrow and did not
reflect the mixed educational landscape of North Northamptonshire,
which includes academies, Multi Academy Trusts, and independent
settings.

•   The chosen framework offers the
most comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable approach to
education improvement across the region.