Issue - meetings

[Report of the Deputy Chief Executive. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council.] This report sets out the Council’s initial response to the Haringey STEM Commission recommendations.

The Leader introduced the STEM [Science Technology, Engineering, Maths] commission’s report and recommendations which was an outstanding and comprehensive piece of work which set out how the local authority can lead schools, and education providers to work on increasing the opportunities for young people to have access to STEM related jobs which were likely to remain part of a growing London economy.

The Leader referred to the action plan responding to the recommendations of the review. The actions would involve partnership working across a number of different areas and the plan set out the individuals who will co-ordinate this work.

In response to Councillor Engert’s questions, it was noted that: the contributors to the STEM commission report had worked with the Council on a voluntary basis and the annual cost for the action plan would be met within existing resources. The Leader would provide Councillor Engert with a written update on the actual set up cost of this project.

RESOLVED

1.    To welcome the Haringey STEM Commission’s Report and their recommendations, which was attached as Appendix B;

2.    To agree the Commission’s recommendations and the Council’s Action Plan in response set out in Appendix A;

3.    To agree the internal governance arrangement as set out in paragraphs 6.12 and 6.13 of this report to monitor progress with delivery against the recommendations; and

4.    To agree that there be a further report to Cabinet in September 2017, setting out progress against the Action Plan.

Reasons for decision

The recommendations of the Haringey STEM Commission set out how a modern, ambitious local authority should support and lead our education system by strengthening schools’ leadership and teaching, building partnerships that can drive improvement, and acting as a champion for parents and children.

This was a challenge that the Council must respond to. In order to do so, the report sets out an action plan at Appendix A detailing how we will respond to each of the Commission’s recommendations. This includes working closely with schools and other education providers. In order to achieve the desired outcomes, school leaders will also need to prioritise STEM in their strategic and financial planning.

Alternative options considered

The alternative option in this scenario would be not to bring a report to Cabinet. However, given the level of stakeholder engagement and partnership that has been involved in the work of the Commission itself – and that will be required to deliver on the actions – it was felt that the Council should be transparent and open, setting out publicly how the Council can play a leading role in implementing the recommendations.