Reading and Wokingham in talks to merge school improvement teams

The proposals are being discussed as part of wider negotiations between six directors of children’s services who are exploring the possibility of sharing various services and staff in local authorities across Berkshire.

Reading and Wokingham’s school improvement teams already work together closely, but the two councils believe a shared service is the best way to preserve access to support for every local school, in light of cuts to council funding and the expansion of the academies programme.

The councils will shortly begin consulting on the plans. Head teachers and chairs of governors from schools in both boroughs – including academies and free schools – will be asked for their views, as well as staff, unions and members of the wider community.

Rob Stanton, Wokingham’s lead member for education, said local school improvement services have been key to raising and maintaining high school standards in the area.

"I think this proposal is a very sensible next step that will allow us to strengthen further the improvement services that we currently offer to schools in both boroughs," he said.

John Ennis, Reading’s lead member for education and children’s services, added: "Recent changes in funding and the fact schools are becoming academies mean that we need to look carefully at how we can best deliver the school improvement services.

"I would urge as many head teachers and governors as possible to give us their feedback and I look forward to more detailed proposals coming forward at a later stage."