Agenda item

The Cabinet resolved to support that Slough Borough Council continue as Host Local Authority within the Shared Service agreement.

The Cabinet was informed of the role, function and governance arrangements for the Raising Participation Partnership (RPP) and the implications of the legal agreement between Slough Borough Council, as Host Authority, and the other three Shared Service Local Authorities, being Reading, West Berkshire and Wokingham.  The RPP had been established in 2010, with the intention of recognising the travel-to-learn patterns of young people, with 90% of students from year 11 continuing their post-16 education and training within the sub region.  In April 2010, in accordance with the Apprenticeships, Skills , Children & Learning Act 2009, the responsibility for commissioning education and training for young people (defined as 16-19 or 16-25 if subject to a Learning Difficulty Assessment) was transferred to Local Authorities.  In addition the 2008 Education and Skills Act had placed a new duty on all young people to participate in education until their 18^th Birthday.

Officers advised that the RPP worked in partnership with key stakeholders including schools and academies, further education colleges and independent learning providers as well regional and national government including the Education Funding Agency (EFA).

The Cabinet voiced support for the proposals and emphasised the importance of developing activities for young people within the borough.

Resolved: - That Slough Borough Council continue as Host Local Authority within the Shared Service agreement.