Purpose

The School Library Service is a fully traded service that is offered to schools in Tameside. Due to falling buy in, the service was redesigned in 2021 to reduce costs. Since then, despite the best efforts of all concerned, the buy in from schools has continued to decline for many reasons even though the service is valued by schools. This report considers the option to cease to offer the service and for staff to be redeployed.

Decision

That it be DETERMINED that:

1. Tameside Council no longer offer a traded School Library Service from 1 February 2024  and
2. a consultation with Library Service staff begins with a review to redeploying the effected staff.

Reasons for the decision

The School Library Service is a fully traded service that is offered to schools in Tameside.  Due to falling buy in, the service was redesigned in 2021 to reduce costs.  Since then, despite the best efforts of all concerned, the buy in from schools has continued to decline for many reasons even though the service is valued by schools. This report considers the option to cease to offer the service and for staff to be redeployed.