Agenda item

The Chief Officer for Children and Young People presented the Annual Report, the purpose being to inform Council of the progress that the education system has made in the past twelve months since the last report. This reporting period includes the examination period that ended in August 2017.

Following the presentation comments were welcomed.

Officers recognised the importance of reviewing the catchment policy.

Indicators are being developed around Flying Start and Families First which are better at identifying progression among those young people.  Flying Start colleagues work closely with schools with early identification of children part of the programme, enabling school support to continue to work with those families.

The Chair of the CYP Select Committee welcomed the report and commended the achievements, but recognised the areas for improvement, namely families challenged economically, and disadvantaged or looked after children.  He added there is a need for a detailed study at Free School Meals performance, where there is a consistent pattern over time, where Monmouthshire is one of the worst performers in Wales.  The Chief Officer agreed that the performance gap at Key Stage 4 is too wide, and there is a need to gain understanding of what happens between KS3 and KS4.

The Leader of the Opposition thanked the Chief Officer for the report and said we should be particularly proud of KS3 statistics, and this would be a test as they move into KS4.  He required more reassurance on the levels around FSM.  He raised concerns regarding the wellbeing of staff, and how that is measured, stating that circa 77 teaching assistant posts have been lost over the last 3 or 4 years, resulting in pressures with 1 to 1 service with disadvantaged children.  He also highlighted caution around the social justice area. 

The Chief Officer explained that in terms of the wellbeing of staff, meetings with headteachers were held on an ongoing basis.  A wellbeing event held recently highlighted the importance of this area.  He added that FSM is a key area of focus especially at KS4. 

Officers were urged to recognise the importance of diagnosis of dyslexia and dyspraxia, as it was suggested that state schools were allowing these pupils to fall through the net.  Clarification was sought on the policy for identifying and supporting those with dyslexia, and detail of statistics.  The Officer agreed to provide a written response.

The Officer recognised challenges highlighted regarding the Gilwern School admissions policy and recognised the importance of attending a local school.  The dynamics of the policy would be addressed.

Members highlighted the importance of physical education particularly in light of childhood obesity.  We heard of the success and effects of the Sport Leadership Programme.  We recognised the benefits of outdoor activities.

Changes in the inspection framework were noted.

Concerns were raised regarding the lack of development of a 21^st Century School in Chepstow, and reassurance was sought around retaining the children of Chepstow.  The Chief Officer assured that Chepstow School remains on the programme, and the commitment remains that it will be ready at the start of band C to have the investment.

In response to a question it was predicted that 12 schools would be in deficit at the end of the year.  It was acknowledged a 3^rd of schools across the County were in deficit.

The importance of equipping young people with the skills to move into the work place was agreed.  Talks were held with secondary schools to agree better collaboration post 16 to ensure a better, broader offer.  Also conversations with Coleg Gwent were held on access to vocational learning.

The Leader highlighted the need to consider future school organisation and planning for future school places in both primary and secondary schools.  He expected acute pressure in primary schools across the south of the region.  He encouraged the Cabinet Member and Chief Officer to give that considerable thought. 

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People welcomed the constructive debate. He emphasised the importance of protecting the more vulnerable students in our county and the risk of complacency.  He agreed it was important to stretch every child to reach their full potential.  He expressed the thanks of Council to the teaching staff across Monmouthshire, and added he has seen fantastic examples of education across the schools.  He reiterated the commitment to renew all secondary schools, stating Abergavenny would be next, followed by Chepstow.

Upon being put to the vote Council resolved to accept the Chief Officer Annual Report.