Issue - meetings

a)    That the outcomes of the public consultation on the Belonging in Education Strategy 2026-2029 be noted;

b)    That the final Belonging in Education Strategy 2026-2029, as set out in Appendix A of the report, be approved.

(KEY DECISION)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Children and Family Services which presented the outcome of a six week public consultation on the Belonging in Education Strategy 2026-2029 along with the final Strategy.  A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 8’ is filed with these minutes.

Mr. Pugsley CC noted that the Strategy set out a clear and ambitious vision that every child and young person in Leicestershire should be seen, heard, valued and supported within their educational setting.  The Strategy had been developed collaboratively and the consultation had demonstrated strong support for its four priorities.  Mr. Pugsley CC also stated that the Strategy provided a shared framework for schools, services and partners to work together to improve outcomes, and he was particularly pleased that the consultation feedback had led to an even stronger focus on inclusion, co-production with children and families, and clarity around delivery and accountability.

Mr. P. Harrison CC also commented that the Strategy reflected the consultation feedback, especially the need to strengthen SEND support, and that it recognised that belonging was vital to children’s wellbeing.  He said that the Strategy demonstrated the Council’s commitment to an inclusive education system, where every child could belong, achieve and thrive.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the outcomes of the public consultation on the Belonging in Education Strategy 2026-2029 be noted;

b)    That the final Belonging in Education Strategy 2026-2029, as set out in Appendix A of the report, be approved.

(KEY DECISION)

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The Strategy establishes a robust strategic framework designed to align all related policies, practices, and education improvement initiatives.  It articulates clear aims and objectives for educational leaders and the broader Children’s Partnership across Leicestershire to enhance outcomes for all children and young people.  This Strategy has been developed collaboratively with stakeholders since the beginning of the academic year, with much of the strategic direction and themes also reflected in the recently published White Paper, ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’.

The consultation findings demonstrate broad support for the strategic priorities, alongside clear feedback on the need for greater clarity on delivery, strengthened inclusion for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and a stronger emphasis on the voice of children, young people and families.  The final Strategy has been updated to reflect these findings.