Good progress made by council in education
Birmingham City Council has made good progress in its education improvement plan, according to a peer review.
Cllr Brigid Jones - Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
The Local Government Association’s review of the Birmingham Education and Schools Strategy and Improvement Plan will be presented to cabinet on Tuesday 26 January.
The review found that ‘stronger professional leadership is making a significant impact and that there is confidence that ‘the basics are being put in place for a strong and effective city-wide system of school improvement’.
The Birmingham Education Partnership (BEP), set up by the council to oversee school improvement, is considered the right vehicle for this and there are now ‘robust foundations for an education system that will transform the lives of children and young people’.
The review praised the leadership of the cabinet member and executive director and noted that the council’s relationship with schools is improving, with more responsive and personalised services.
The review also made a number of recommendations, including providing training for all members involved in scrutinising education, ensuring there is effective accountability for BEP and ensuring council staff visit settings where there are concerns and where action may be needed.
Councillor Brigid Jones, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I am really pleased to see this peer review which is honest and comprehensive and written by people with a huge amount of relevant experience.
“Schools in Birmingham are producing some great exam results, on a par with national achievements and often better than core cities and our statistical neighbours. However, our aim is to make all our schools good or outstanding.
“Our improvement plan sets out a vision where every child achieves his or her potential. To do this we must continue to collaboratively drive forward innovation and improvement so every child can access the best education and prosper in a safe environment.
“This peer review shows that we are heading in the right direction and I want to thank everyone who is working so hard so all our children and young people.”
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