Agenda item

Candy Holder, Head of Pupil Services presented the report which provided a 12 month update following the recommendations made by the committee’s scrutiny review report into Permanent and Fixed Term Exclusions from School.

The following main points were made in the discussion:

·         Fixed period exclusion from Islington secondary schools had reduced by 40% and from primary schools by 25% over a 12 month period. Permanent exclusion from secondary school had reduced by 10% and had remained at the same level (i.e. 4 permanent exclusions) for primary schools.

·         There had been good progress made against all the recommendations in the scrutiny report and work was continuing to make further improvements.

·         A member of the public queried how much the decrease in exclusions was due to a cultural change in particular schools and how sustainable further reductions would be in the future. The officer stated that work had taken place with schools where there was over representation and as a result, exclusions had reduced dramatically. Work was now taking place with another school which had about a third of the permanent exclusions this year. There was an ambition not to have any exclusions by doing early intervention work, trying to predict problems, using data and working with the mental health workers in schools. Some events leading to an exclusion were extreme or unpredictable, however, often low level disruption proceeded the issue that led to the exclusion. There was cooperation and goodwill from schools in working with Children’s Services to prevent exclusions.

·         A member asked whether there were specific measures in place to deal with 40% weapons related exclusions in secondary schools. The officer stated that there was a crime strategy and weapons prevention work was undertaken. Young people were exposed to the consequences of the use of weapons. The Ben Kinsella programme took place in schools and the Integrated Gangs Team and targeted youth workers worked with young people. Schools took the issue of weapons seriously.

·         A member of the public asked whether the schools the council had worked with to reduce exclusions could be named and was advised that they could not be due to the small numbers involved. However she stated that targeted work had taken place and an improvement plan was in place. Work included offering advice at the point of inclusion, working quickly to get pupils back into school and working with parents. This work had continued virtually during lockdown. Currently there were no exclusions due to lockdown.

·         The Chair stated that some governors were unaware of the committee’s report. The officer advised that there was a focus on the action that the council wanted governors to take. Attendance at meetings had increased significantly since meetings had been held virtually. Unfortunately the scheduled exclusions course was unable to take place as there had only been two people register their interest. There was a recruitment drive taking place for governors and council staff would be encouraged to apply. There was an aim to have a more representative group of governors. A governor steering group was also being established and this was more representative.

Candy Holder was thanked for her report.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.