To receive information relating to validated exam results including maintained schools and academies and KS5 .

The Director for Children's Services delivered a report and presentation which highlighted the need for analysis in order to support improved educational outcomes across the region, any necessary interventions within the home and acknowledging that low attainment in some instances was not attributed to education in isolation.

In light of the presentation and report Members discussed the following in summary:-

·           The need for young people to be educationally and vocationally resilient in the event of an economic downturn.

·           A need to work with parents and carers in order to identify vulnerable children at an early stage, recognising the link between differing home and school environments and acknowledging that poverty was only one aspect of low educational attainment.

·           The value of progress measures and ensuring a targeted approach.

·           The impact of structural changes to schools on educational outcomes, ensuring lessons learned were applied in order to appropriately prepare and support pupils for future transition.

·           Recognition of the positive impact of strong leadership, quality teaching, school governance, support and training and any barriers to achieving those outcomes.

·           The need to liaise with childminders and the early years service in order to support the access of appropriate funding streams and ensure children were school ready.

·           The barriers to appropriate special needs assessments and suitable support for parents.

·           The need to support vocational students in order to meet the regional skills gap and the needs of employers.

·           To determine the role of the Council in challenging individual schools in order to improve outcomes, whilst recognising the need for productive partnership working.

·           That the Scrutiny function be effectively and appropriately utilised when assessing reasons behind low attainment and coasting schools.

RECOMMENDED:-

·           To explore the impact of additional directorate resource in determining the role of the Council in supporting school improvements and to analyse data in relation to officer capacity at a future meeting.

·           That appropriate focus be given to technical level qualifications in order to meet employer need and the regional skills gap.

·           To explore the mechanisms whereby the Committee extend an invitation to schools and cluster chairs, explore successes and good practice and take the role of critical friend in order to support improved educational outcomes.

·           That clearer milestones and work streams be delivered at a future meeting, including cluster work with a focus on preventing permanent exclusions.