The initiative seeks to engage parents and carers from Hackney’s diverse communities to help shape an educational landscape that is fair, inclusive, and focused on the needs of children
Hackney Council is inviting families to have their say on the future of education in the borough as part of a new strategy aimed at setting priorities for the next three years. The initiative seeks to engage parents and carers from Hackney’s diverse communities to help shape an educational landscape that is fair, inclusive, and focused on the needs of children.
To ensure meaningful participation, the Council is launching early engagement activities this term, inviting parents to express their interest by completing a short form by 30 March. The goal is to develop a comprehensive education strategy that not only maintains high standards but also adapts to the evolving needs of students, families, and schools. The Council is committed to a collaborative approach, working alongside families, educators, and community partners to craft long-term solutions that optimise available resources.
Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Young People and Children’s Social Care, Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating: “Hackney has incredible schools, and we want to do more to help them all shine and show the great work they do. We have seen vast improvement in the quality of education in Hackney – but there is still much to do. Our challenge now is to ensure that we maintain the quality education that our children deserve, while offering the necessary support to meet all our children’s needs.
“At the heart of our new strategy is the ambition to find the best possible ways to use our resources to help our families and children thrive, and offer our talented staff the support and tools they need to serve their communities. Once finalised, the strategy will outline the ways in which we plan to prioritise our limited resources so that we can offer the best possible start in life for our children.
“We encourage parents and carers to join us to find out more about our plans, and have their say in shaping our strategy for the future of Hackney’s education.”
The strategy will centre on key priorities, including providing targeted support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The focus will be on early intervention and inclusion, ensuring children who struggle to access mainstream education due to exclusion, illness, or other factors receive the assistance they need.
Another priority is fostering a sustainable and financially viable education system. Schools, early years settings, and educational providers will be encouraged to collaborate, share best practices, and pool resources in area-based partnerships tailored to local needs. Additionally, the strategy will aim to help all children achieve their aspirations by addressing barriers that disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities. This will involve working closely with families to bridge educational gaps and create equal opportunities for success.
The need for a new education strategy arises from several complex challenges facing Hackney. The borough has experienced a sharp decline in student numbers, with some communities particularly affected. Simultaneously, there has been a significant rise in the number of pupils with complex SEND requirements. Hackney is also grappling with high exclusion rates in secondary schools, financial constraints, and a growing struggle to recruit and retain qualified staff due to the increasing cost of living.
Parents and carers eager to contribute to this discussion are encouraged to complete the interest form by 30 March. The Council is also preparing a series of engagement events aimed at gathering insights from all stakeholders, including schools, community organisations, families, and young people. Feedback from these sessions will inform the final draft of the education strategy, which is set to be published later this year.
