Councils join forces on schools

A PARTNERSHIP approach to delivering school improvement services has been launched by Warrington and Halton Councils.
Previously individual local authorities worked to provide the services. Now funding that previously went to councils will go directly to schools – meaning they can commission their own support services directly.
In Warrington many schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted – and the support given by the council’s school improvement staff has helped make a difference.
The change in funding arrangements means that a joint venture company will be developed by a partnership between Warrington and Halton councils and a private sector company. A large number of companies have expressed interest in joining.
Pinaki Ghoshal, Warrington’s assistant director for children and young people’s services, said: “This is an innovative new approach to providing services. The two councils will work together to secure high quality staff who can continue to work with our schools.
“In addition, the new school improvement service should generate a moderate income that can be reinvested in services for children and young people. I am looking forward to the new model being put into practice and believe it will benefit everyone involved.”
Plans are for the new joint venture to be operating from September.