Select committee to discuss challenge of falling pupil rolls

The council proposes to work in the 46 planning areas across Norfolk, engage with leaders in those areas to review the current landscape. Some of the conversations will look at formal structures such as federations and trusts, that can support resilience. Options include joining trusts or federations, increasing income, amalgamating and reviewing catchment areas. The council will provide data and evidence to help support leaders in finding solutions.

Alongside the work on school sustainability, the report details the council's suggested role as a champion for all children, convener of the system, supporter of collaboration, provider of infrastructure and intelligence leader.

It wants to support schools and academies to be self-improving and self-sustaining, bringing leaders together to develop the right local responses to support children's education.

Currently, the council is working to strengthen collaboration between schools, with a particular focus on raising attainment at Key Stage 2.

Cllr Brian Long, Chairman of the Committee, said: "This is an important report that highlights several key challenges being faced across the education system in Norfolk.

"We are already beginning to see the impact of falling rolls in some parts of the county and it is essential that we discuss this area as a committee and are able to make comments to Cabinet that can help shape the strategy.

"We know that any changes to schools can be met with a mix of emotions, which is why the proposal is to work with headteachers and academy trusts to find solutions that work for each area. Our priority, as a council, has to be to ensure that children in Norfolk get the very best education."

The Children, Families and Community Select Committee will meet on July 11 at 10am at County Hall. The papers are available to view on the Children, Families and Community Select Committee page.