Agenda item

The Service Lead, Schools introduced a report which provided an overview of education outcomes in the Local Authority (LA) and an analysis of trends of achievement for schools and groups of pupils in order to better inform strategic planning.

Members were reminded that the Slough School Effectiveness Strategy, updated in 2018/19 and refreshed in September 2019, set out the Council’s approach to school improvement and effectiveness. The emphasis had been on schools identifying their own strengths and areas for development in order to contribute to the school system.

A summary of the education outcomes in Slough 2018/19 were outlined, specifically:

·  The proportion of good and outstanding schools in Slough was 92%, which was above the national average of 86%.

·  Standards in key measures were above national average in EYFSP, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4.

·  Standards at Key Stage 5 were below the national average at post-16 for A-Level and for pupils attaining AAB in facilitating subjects.

·  In the Early Years Foundation Stage the LA ranked 33 against all other LAs for pupils achieving a good level of development which was an increase of 7 places from 40^th in 2018.

·  KS2 the LA was ranked 30^th against all other local authorities for pupils achieving the expected standards in reading, writing and maths combined which had increased 2 places from 32^nd in 2018.

·  At KS5 the LA was ranked 110^th out of 152 LA’s for average point score entry per A-Level  - a decline of 34 places from 76^th in 2018.

Outcomes in the LA continued to improve against national averages and the gap between most groups was generally smaller within Slough than compared against the national averages.

Referring specifically to the gap between high achievers at GCSE level and lower than expected A-Level results, Members were informed that a Working Group involving Secondary Headteachers and an Independent Consultant had been established to identify the causes of the downward trend.

A Member asked what impact the closure of schools had had on disadvantaged pupils and measures the LA had implemented to minimise these. It was noted that schools continued to support those pupils with Education and Health Care Plans and that they had remained open during the lockdown period to receive children of key workers.  Concern was expressed regarding the increase in the percentage of pupils qualifying for free school meals. It was explained that due to COVID and it’s wider impacts an increase in individuals in receipt of benefits was not unusual and that the issue would be kept under review by the LA.

Members raised a number of questions about issues arising from COVID including the impact on the admissions arrangements and queries relating to individual schools.  Panel members asked for information regarding what measures were being taken by schools to prepare for the return of pupils in September.  It was suggested that Members visit a number of schools after their return to gain a more direct understanding of the issues they faced in response to the pandemic and the variety of measures undertaken to allow the safe return of pupils.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Panel recognised the crucial role that schools had played in recently months in support children and the families of key workers in particular.  The report was noted and it was agreed that the Panel consider visits to schools in the Autumn term.

Resolved –

a)  That details of the report be report be noted.

b)  That the Panel place on record its recognition and appreciation to schools in their role in supporting the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic.

c)  That officers explore the possibility of Panel members visiting schools in the future to discuss the impact of COVID-19 and the recovery process.