Agenda item

The Panel received a report on work taking place to support the education of vulnerable groups in the borough.  Robin Crofts, Lead for Education at Cambridge Education, presented the report and was supported by Ketan Gandhi (Head of Young People’s Services), Maryanne Woodland (Educational Psychologist), and Tony Browne (Head of School Services) at the meeting.

The Panel discussed the support for young people not in education, employment and training and noted that Slough’s figures were generally on par with the national average.  There was a lot of work taking place to improve the understanding of this particular cohort and projections of future numbers to ensure the sustainability of the agenda being developed.  There were three priorities: early identification of those at risk; management of expectations; and creation of the right pathways to ensure the right opportunities were offered.

Those students qualifying for Free School Meals (FSM) had seen an improvement in attainment levels over the past four years, closing the gap at Key Stage 2.  In discussing Looked After children, Members noted that there was still a considerable gap between their attainment and that of the rest of the school age population.  The Panel was keen to ensure that the momentum for those qualifying for FSM continued, and that for Looked After Children stability of placement and improvements in broader health outcomes were achieved in order to improve educational attainment.  In particular, Members were keen to ensure that the Pupil Premium would be correctly used to assist with this.

Resolved – to note the report.