District Engagement: Shaping the Future of Locality Working across Oxfordshire

Dear colleagues,

In November, we are holding a series of district-based engagement sessions to bring together school leaders, SENCOs and governors from across Oxfordshire to help to develop our locality cluster approach which is an important framework for wider work to strengthen inclusion and improve outcomes for children and young people. These meetings will take place at venues within our five districts:

Cherwell – 4 November
Vale – 5 November
West Oxfordshire – 6 November
Oxford City – 12 November
South Oxfordshire – 13 November

You will shortly receive a sign-up form. Please note that, rather than asking for full day attendance, we have designed the programme around specific audiences:

Morning session: Headteachers or Deputy Headteachers
Afternoon session): SENDCOs
Late afternoon/evening session: Chairs of Governors OR SEND governors

Please note that we can only accommodate one attendee per school for each session

The meetings will provide an opportunity to:

Begin to explore the district-level education quality, inclusion and SEND data that the LA holds.
Understand current and emerging sufficiency pressures and share local priorities.
Hear more about the proposed locality cluster approach and how it could support schools, settings and communities.
Share your perspectives, experiences and ideas to help shape the future design of locality clusters in Oxfordshire.

The events will combine presentations, discussion and workshop activities. We want to ensure that the future cluster model builds on the strengths already present across our schools and communities and reflects the views of those who know their local areas best - you!

The feedback gathered through these sessions will play an important role in informing the next phase of development and ongoing discussion through our education partnership (OEP) and wider SEND reform governance arrangements.

Further details, including venue information and the final agenda, will be included with your invitation and shared nearer the time.

I do hope you will be able to join me in person at these meetings and look forward to your contributions to these important conversations.

Kind regards,

Laurie Baker
Deputy Director, Education & Inclusion
Oxfordshire County Council