New report claims strategic role of local government vital for improving schools performance in poor areas

October 20, 2003

A new report published today by independent think-tank, the New Local Government Network (NLGN) champions the strategic role played by local government in integrating social inclusion and education and identifies key areas where there is a need to deliver comprehensive support for schools, pupils and their families.

The report’s author – policy analyst, Liz Allen, says:

    “Despite a steady improvement in academic achievement overall, Britain still has one of the greatest class divides in education in the industrialised world. More than in any other country, it is social class that determines the educational success of a child growing up today. Tackling the problem requires that schools and local authorities work hand in hand. It doesn’t mean the end of school self-management, but it does demand that both schools and local authorities recognise their interdependence”.

Drawing together original fieldwork and case study material from the strategic plans and inspection reports of six UK local authorities – Gateshead, Leeds, Lewisham, Luton, Sheffield and Suffolk – Schools Beyond the Classroom: managing collaboration for social inclusion reveals how initiatives in each case illustrate collaborative working that addresses the wider role of schools in their local communities.

The NLGN report incorporates the views and experiences of key players. It shows that simply ‘tinkering with structures’ to bring about step-change to tackle the widening disparities that mar the UK education system is not enough:

    “The local political dimension, the ever-changing dynamic between the elected authority and local citizens, and the ways in which this relationship is able both to stimulate and encapsulate the aspirations of local communities, is a critical component of any renewal agenda”.

Liz Allen’s research has been welcomed by Schools Minister, David Miliband MP, who will launch Schools Beyond the Classroom this evening – Monday 20 October – at an event in central London and who writes in a foreword to the report:

    “This report shows how local authorities that combine strong community leadership and strategic planning with a sharp focus on service standards can add value to the work of schools by bringing together education and social inclusion in coherent and practical ways. I look forward to its lessons and inspirations helping children in those communities realise their potential”.

Meanwhile, Mike Blackburn, Head of BT Education and Local Government – which has supported the report’s publication and is working closely with one of the featured authorities as part of ‘The Leeds Learning Network’ – has commented on the findings:

    “The NLGN report shows the strides that LEAs and schools are taking in making learning ‘beyond the classroom’ a reality. By connecting learning communities, ICT can enable everyone to enjoy access and knowledge. That in turn provides benefits that go beyond education. The report is a powerful example of how ICT can – with a strong lead from schools, LEAs and partners – help to transform the education landscape”.

All media enquiries, including details of the launch event, to Ian Parker at NLGN on 020 7357 0116

Notes:
1. The New Local Government Network (NLGN) is an independent think-tank, seeking to transform public services, revitalise local political leadership and empower local communities. www.nlgn.org.uk

2. Liz Allen is an Independent Education Policy Ana2yst specialising in current developments in education and local government reforms. She is also a Trustee of NLGN.

3. BT provides innovative, practical solutions that help public sector organisations transform the delivery of pubic services and make it easier for citizens to access these. BT is working with people from across the public sector to help shape and implement policy, inform new thinking, share good practice, test ideas, manage change and deliver practical solutions – ranging from innovative pilots to major projects. BT aims to become the market leader in the creation and delivery of solutions which transform government business, enabling citizens to have easy access to fast and effective public services through ICT.

4.Schools Beyond the Classroom: managing collaboration for social inclusion by Liz Allen and published by NLGN is available from York Publishing Services (price £20 plus £1.25 p+p). Tel: 01904 431213. Fax: 01904 430868. E-mail: orders@yps-publishing.co.uk


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