persistent underperformance of our vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people
high and rising demand for services compared to other local authorities
exclusion rates have increased and are too high
alternative provision needs to be in place to meet the growing demand for services and increasing complex needs
too many of our looked after children are in placements and schools out of county
a rising population means that we need enough school places in the right locations, with transport available for those who need it
the National Funding Formula is squeezing many of our school’s budgets in real terms. We have a high proportion of small rural schools, which are increasingly vulnerable to budget changes
our Post 16 education and training offer needs to develop to help address the local growth agenda and meet the range of skills required across the county