Agenda item

Jon Abbey, Corporate Director of Children’s Services introduced the item. He stated that the documents were mindful of the manifesto commitments and young people would be at the centre. The documents would be brought back to the Committee in the Autumn.

Sarah Callaghan, Director of Learning and Culture gave a presentation on the draft Education Plan.

In the presentation and discussion, the following main points were made:

·       There were nine key pillars, each with an ambition statement and in the document there was contextual information about each one.

·       Key priorities would be delivered through collaboration.

·       The chair stated that it was important to ensure that outcomes were measurable as some of the ambitions were targets and aspirations rather than actions.

·       The council always aimed to work with all schools including Academies. This included in relation to attendance. Secondary headteachers were meeting each other and relationships were being improved.

·       In response to a member’s comments that there were some outstanding secondary schools in Islington but perceptions of parents could be improved, an officer stated that social media should be used more and every school should be challenged to be the best it could be. It was important to maximise information, advice and guidance to parents and promote equity and excellence. In relation to place planning, there was a need to ensure Islington schools were competitive and parents had choice. Good relationships were being built with schools. The chair stated that historical perceptions may no longer be accurate and it was important to help change the narrative and the way people spoke about Islington’s offer.

·       In response to a member’s question about innovation, an officer advised that innovation was the opportunity to build on strengths, drive educational excellence and have high aspirations for every young person regardless of their starting point.

Candy Holder, Head of Pupil Services gave a presentation on the draft SEN Strategy.

In the presentation and discussion the following main points were made:

·       The strategy built on work already achieved to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

·       The strategy was jointly developed with children and young people, parents and carers, schools and partners. It supported the inclusion of all children and young people in Islington.

·       The strategy outlined a programme of work for the next three years involving a wide range of services and providers, with schools and education settings being partners in ensuring transformation.

·       There were four main ambitions: 1) Fully inclusive education for all; 2) Right support in the right place at the right time for parents and carers; 3) Equity and excellent education provision; and 4) All young people are well prepared for adulthood.

·       Many of the recommendations in the committee’s SEND Transition review had informed the draft SEN Strategy.

·       The chair stated that the committee had struggled to hear from parents from ethnic minorities and those with English as an additional language so it was important their views were captured in the strategy work.

·       A member commented that members were often in schools and could champion the good work taking place.

·       In response to a member’s question about activities for SEND children in the school holidays, the officer stated that the budget for short breaks for those with the most severe and complex needs was strongly protected and there would be a full offer over the summer holidays.

·       In response to a member’s question that some parents were not aware of the summer holiday activities offer, the officer advised that if parents searched for the SEND Local Offer on a search engine, they would find detailed and comprehensive information. Work was taking part with Communications to promote this. It was important that when parents of children with SEND signed up for holiday activities, they advised providers about their child’s needs so that the providers could contact the council for support.

·       Joined up work was taking place with the five authorities in North Central London.

RESOLVED:

1) That the presentations be noted.

2) That the Education Plan and SEN Strategy be brought back to the Committee in the Autumn.