Give feedback on this pageDenbighshire County Council can confirm that a copy of the Action Plan produced in response to the findings of an Estyn inspection into three of the authority's education services has now been sent to Estyn and the Welsh Assembly Government.
The Plan highlights actions the Council intends to take in light of the Estyn report, published in September, looking closely at issues surrounding poor performance of schools, leadership and management at all levels within the Authority and use of resources.
The Plan states that over the next five years, the Council will:
· Improve pupils' attainment to above the Wales median in all key stages
· Improve pupils' attendance rates to above the all Wales average
· Reduce pupil exclusions from schools to below the Welsh average
· Improve leadership and management based on effective communication with stakeholders, especially councillors and schools, leading to improved performance at all levels
· Implement a robust performance management framework that informs all aspects of our work
· Ensure that all plans are monitored, evaluated and on track to deliver
· Implement a Communication and Consultation Strategy to ensure inclusive approach to education
· Review services carried out to refocus funding and resources on priorities
· Allocate additional funding, support for schools and increase internal capacity to meet our targets.
Denbighshire's Chief Executive, Ian Miller, said: 'The Plan includes a Statement of Intent approved by Denbighshire councillors last month which demonstrates the commitment from the Council to work in partnership with schools and key stakeholders to achieve significantly better outcomes for children and young people. Our aspiration is for all of our schools to offer a first class education service. We accept this requires radical change'.
“The Council has made school and educational improvement its top priority and it will rigorously implement the Estyn post inspection plan by working in partnership to monitor, challenge and support improved educational attainment.'
The Plan's commitments include allocation of additional minimum resources of £700k in 2008-09, with further proposals to be considered by councillors as part of the budget round between now and February. The commitment includes the second phase of £290k for increased funding for secondary schools in response to the Pricewaterhouse Coopers report on school funding in 2006.
No date has been announced about when the Council will receive feedback from the Welsh Assembly Government and Estyn.
A full copy of the Action Plan can be accessed on www.denbighshire.gov.uk