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The States' Presiding Officer has given his approval for the details of Education's 'pause and review' and the future of the current Committee to be decided at the earliest opportunity - meaning there'll be another debate on it next week.
ESC originally requested that its policy letter be added to the debate starting 18 March under Rule 18, which is used for urgent proposition, however that was rejected as the Bailiff Sir Richard Collas was not satisfied that it met the necessary criteria.
Sir Richard has, however, approved its addition to the Billet under Rule 2 (4), which is more commonly used, so the debate next week will go ahead as hoped.
ESC President Matt Fallaize said his committee needs clarity over the scope of the review as soon as possible.
The policy letter also asks the States whether it wishes the current committee to stay on - if not, Deputy Fallaize said it is vital that a new committee is elected at the soonest possible opportunity to avoid wasting time.
"Following the recent decision to pause the development of the secondary education model agreed previously, the Committee believes it requires the express authority of the States to lead the early stages of the review directed by the States and to continue to lead the many other aspects of the Committee’s responsibilities," he said.
Pictured: Deputy Fallaize said his committee needs the endorsement of the States to remain in post following last week's decision.
"Therefore, the Committee is submitting a proposition asking the States to endorse its continuation in office. Should the States not wish to do so, it would be advantageous to elect a new Committee expeditiously.
"As importantly, providing the necessary clarity now will allow the review of education models to be appropriately focused and increase the prospects of it resulting in the next States finally being able not only to determine the future structure but to complete the task of introducing it.
"This in the best interests of children, parents and schools. It will also inform the Committee’s engagement with key stakeholders, such as the teaching profession, during the review."
The Committee is "confident" is well placed to oversee the initial phase of the review, which is likely to be more technical in nature and be led by officers rather than politically.
Pictured top: Sir Richard Collas over the States Chamber.
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