Source · Select Committees · Education Committee

Recommendation 25

25 Accepted

Consult fully with regional organisations on RCC boundaries and ensure local authority flexibility.

Conclusion
If and when any further Regional Care Co-operatives are developed, the Department for Education must consult fully with relevant individuals and organisations in the region, particularly as to the areas covered by the proposed RCC. In cases where there is significant overlap in work between the areas within an RCC and the surrounding areas, the Department must ensure that there is appropriate flexibility for local authorities to work across boundaries to ensure that RCCs are delivering as effectively as possible. (Recommendation, Paragraph 60)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, agreeing that further RCCs should be informed by local context and strong engagement, committing to a collaborative, flexible, and iterative approach based on evaluation and feedback to ensure RCCs meet diverse local needs.
Government Response Accepted
HM Government Accepted
The Government agrees that the development of further Regional Care Co-operatives (RCCs) should be informed by a full understanding of the local context and strong engagement with local authorities and other stakeholders. Our approach to market management will ensure that any future RCCs are developed in a collaborative way that respects local decision-making and ensures they meet the diverse needs of children across the country. We are committed to an agile and iterative approach, learning from early adopters and adapting our strategy based on rigorous evaluation and continuous feedback from the sector. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill provides the framework for this flexible approach, supporting the establishment of RCCs where they are most effective.