Agenda item

Education Annual Report

Meeting of Children's Services Scrutiny Committee, Tuesday, 26th June, 2018 7.00 pm (Item 11.)

Minutes:

Mark Taylor, Director of Learning and Schools, introduced the report that summarised education performance in 2017.

The following main points were noted in the discussion:

· Officers were concerned that Black Caribbean and White Working Class pupils were not achieving the same level of educational attainment as their peers. Officers had previously thought that such inequalities would reduce once all schools in the borough were good or outstanding, however this had not happened, and it was a concern that these issues persisted. It was commented that other boroughs did not have attainment gaps to the same extent, and further work was needed to support Black Caribbean and White Working Class pupils and reduce inequalities.

· Officers were concerned that Islington had higher rates of persistent absence and exclusion than the Inner London average. It was intended to have formal structured discussions with head teachers around these issues, as the council wanted schools to make significant and quick progress in these areas.

· Further exclusions data would be available in late July. It was hoped that this would indicate a reduction in exclusions.

· Officers were pleased with progress on Education Health and Care Plans for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

· A member expressed disappointment that the School’s Equalities Conference scheduled for 28 June had been cancelled due to poor attendance. Officers shared this disappointment and the matter had been raised with head teachers, however, it was also acknowledged that holding such a conference immediately before the summer break may not have been appropriate. Even though the conference had been cancelled, officers would be raising equalities issues with head teachers before the summer break, with a view to detailed work taking place in September.

· The Committee queried if Islington schools had after-school clubs or activities focused on improving the attainment of Black Caribbean and White Working Class pupils. In response, it was advised that provision varied from school to school, and schools may need to review the provision they offer. A member noted that a targeted initiative called the Shine Academy was previously held for young black boys and it was suggested that such initiatives may be successful.

· In response to a question, it was advised that officers would be holding clear and structured meetings with head teachers and governors to discuss exclusions. Officers would share their questions in advance of the session to allow schools to prepare. It was noted that excluded pupils often experienced disadvantage, and may be experiencing poverty and issues with their social, emotional and mental health.

· Officers commented on the need to reinforce the importance of attendance among some parents.

· The Committee requested that further exclusions and attendance data be reported to members when it becomes available.

· The Committee suggested that the council could learn from other boroughs that do not experience the same equalities issues, and rates of exclusion and persistent absence. In response, it was advised that officers regularly networked with colleagues across Inner London, however also looked to learn from schools in the borough that did not experience the same issues to the same extent.

· It was suggested that supplementary schools could have a role in supporting equalities in attainment.

· The Committee commented on the importance of giving young people opportunities and role models, and in helping them access further education and employment.

· The Committee requested that detailed comparative data on attainment and exclusions be included in a future report.

· Anthony Doudle, Head of School Improvement (Primary) provided an overview of his work with five primary schools to implement trauma informed practices. It was reported that four primary schools had successfully incorporated trauma informed practices, and reported that this had a positive impact on their work.

· In response to a question from a member of the public, it was advised that take-up of funded early years places for two-year olds was high compared to the rest of London, but low compared to the rest of the country. At present 68% of parents took up the offer, however work was underway to increase this further.

· A member of the public asked a question on establishing ‘Forest School’ approaches in Islington. In response, it was noted that some schools already held Forest School or ‘Garden Classroom’ sessions. Work was underway to develop such schemes further.