The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has agreed to deliver its children’s services through a partnership with two other councils, following cabinet approval.
The council will begin the final process of forming the partnership with the community interest company called Achieving for Children (AfC).
AfC was formed by the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in April 2014, to help drive up standards and quality.
Following cabinet approval, the staff transfer will be completed by April 2017.
The Royal Borough will become an equal shareholder in AfC, retaining responsibility for children and young people in the borough under its statutory duties.
The council says the partnership will have a number of benefits, including greater resilience, improved service provision – and a greater potential for innovation through sharing of best practice.
There will also be opportunity for staff development, leading to a better-trained and more stable workforce across all three councils.
Cabinet Member for children’s services, Councillor Natasha Airey, said:
“It took us a lot of work to get to this stage and I’m proud to say we will be joining Achieving for Children next year.
“We must always do what is best for the children and young people in our borough, as well as our staff – and this partnership will offer a better service for both.
“Though there will be little difference in the way families interact with our children’s services, this exciting new venture will give us a chance drive up standards and offer our staff opportunities that were not previously possible.”
Managing director and director of adult, children and health services, Alison Alexander, added:
“This deal offers us the best opportunity to improve our children’s services for our young people and staff.
“By joining as equal partners of Achieving for Children, we will be able steer the way we deliver our services with the shared expertise of Kingston and Richmond – while retaining the local knowledge and relationships our teams have with the families in our borough.
“After carefully researching our options, we firmly believe this partnership offers an excellent opportunity for us to improve the way we deliver our services for all involved.”
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