RESOLVED

That Cabinet

1.          considers the evidence, including the financial analysis, responses to the public consultation and the equalities analysis

2.          reconfirms their commitment to offering adult education services in the borough and their continued rejection of the previously outlined option 6 to cease offering these services.

3.          approves the recommendation to move Adult Education to a Commissioning model (option 4) for the reasons outlined in 3.9 and based on the financial analysis provided in 2.1 That this is based on a commissioning strategy that seeks to provide courses in a diversity of locations around the borough and to make arrangements with providers that provide a supportive and nurturing environment for learners.

4.          endorses the equalities action plan (appendix H)

5.          adopts a series of core principles to underpin future commissioning of this service, in addition to a phased commissioning timetable (as set out in paragraph 3.14)

The Cabinet Member for Education presented the report, which provided the finding of the review and of the consultation, into alternative ways of delivering the adult education within the Borough, as requested by Cabinet on 10th November 2014. It was noted that the report evaluates the 6 proposed options in light of financial/value for money considerations, evidence form the consultation with residents, and other relevant factors, to provide a recommended option for delivery.

The Cabinet Member then detailed why the recommendation, of option 4 that Merton becomes a commissioner of Adult Education Services, was the most deliverable option, both in financial terms, ensuring the continuation of adult learning, and still providing the Council with the ability to steer the provision and the spread of services and venues to help us bridge the gap between the east and west of the borough. He highlighted the 13 Commissioning principles, which would underpin all the future commissioning, as set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet

1.          considers the evidence, including the financial analysis, responses to the public consultation and the equalities analysis

2.          reconfirms their commitment to offering adult education services in the borough and their continued rejection of the previously outlined option 6 to cease offering these services.

3.          approves the recommendation to move Adult Education to a Commissioning model (option 4) for the reasons outlined in 3.9 and based on the financial analysis provided in 2.1, that this is based on a commissioning strategy that seeks to provide courses in a diversity of locations around the borough and to make arrangements with providers that provide a supportive and nurturing environment for learners.

4.          endorses the equalities action plan (appendix H)

5.          adopts a series of core principles to underpin future commissioning of this service, in addition to a phased commissioning timetable (as set out in paragraph 3.14)