An update on the work of the Education Challenge Board

I would love to report that the June meeting of the Education Challenge Board was characterised by bright sunshine and soaring temperatures. However, as we took shelter from the torrential rain, our disappointment with the weather was balanced by heartening progress with several aspects of our work.

Whilst Paul Senior was with us he encouraged us to look at distinct solutions for particular regions of Warwickshire and this approach continues to bear fruit in the development of a broadly based group working on a distinct strategy for Nuneaton. It has to make sense for education to work alongside a whole series of other agencies in order to develop solutions which ‘join up’ the services offered to local residents. We are very fortunate to have the expertise of Hayley Good to provide the educational input to the broad based discussions that are taking place.

I think it is also encouraging that other education-based groups such as the Office of the Regional School Commissioner are also taking part in the discussions. Our ultimate aim is to develop a set of ideas that impact upon schools but also many other aspects of community life. Like all solutions of this nature, they will take time to develop and have an impact. However, I think it is very encouraging that a serious attempt is being made to address long-standing issues by bringing together so many different groups across Warwickshire.

Many of us were inspired by the keynote presentation on Ethical Leadership delivered to our June Headteacher’s Conference by Carolyn Roberts. Echoes of that keynote appeared in our discussion with Marie Rooney on the development of Warwickshire’s strategy for Ethical Inclusion. As with many areas of ethical leadership, developments in this area take some courage and a willingness to take risks. However, it was very encouraging to hear about the progress that Marie and her colleagues have already made and the Board strongly welcomed the strategy that they were developing.

We are continuing to look at models of good practice elsewhere in the country and ways in which we can borrow ideas. Hence we looked at developments in Bradford and Berkshire and ways in which they could be adapted to our context. However, it is worth noting that the approach of Warwickshire educational leaders, in working together to find realistic solutions to complex problems, is increasingly being recognised as an example of good practice that others should seek to follow.

Peter Kent

Chair of the Education Challenge Board and headteacher, Lawrence Sheriff School