Agenda item

Context:

We received a report from the Head of Achievement and Attainment in order to provide Members of the Children and Young People Select Committee with the

National Categorisation Summary Report for Monmouthshire Schools 2016.

Key Issues:

In September 2014, the Welsh Government implemented a national categorisation model for all schools in Wales.  The purpose of the national categorisation system is to identify schools that are most in need of support, to ensure that support and resources are directed effectively to secure the improvements necessary so that all schools have the capacity to be self-improving and sustainable.

The categorisation process involves the following three ‘Steps’.

1.    Performance and Standards.

2.    Self-evaluation and capacity to self-improve in relation to leadership and teaching and learning.

3.    Categorisation and level of support, challenge and intervention.

The Welsh Government have worked with schools, local authorities, consortia and trades unions to further strengthen the national categorisation model. As a result revisions have been made to all three Steps for 2016.

The proportion of Monmouthshire schools placed in a Green or Yellow support category has improved by 13 percentage points compared to 2015. This means that over 70% of our schools are in now Green or Yellow, closing the gap between Monmouthshire, the region and the rest of Wales.

Primary and secondary school outcomes for Steps 1 and 2 shows an improving and upward trend.

Member Scrutiny:

Members expressed that it may be difficult for members of the public and parents to perceive the actual categories due to the high and low elements.  It was agreed that there was a need for a further explanation to provide people with further understanding.  It was suggested that the press should provide further information to inform that a ‘Red’ category could mean needing improvement in certain areas.  By simply stating the school is in a Red category could give a bad reputation and be demoralising for pupils and teachers.  The Head of Achievement and Attainment explained that they had approached a school in that position and were encouraged to hear that the school had taken steps to explain to parents the meaning of the category.  The Officer agreed that it was not helpful when a Red school was reported as being not a good school as this was not the case.  A Red school is a school that needs more support but unfortunately the press do not report it in that way.

A Member highlighted that the set targets and percentages of free school meals could significantly reduce the percentage, however there may only be one or two pupils.  This could be deemed unfair and have a significant detriment on the banding.  It was requested that for future reporting numbers, as well as percentages, be included to provide further light.  In response officers agreed that it was important to discuss numbers in schools and report on outcomes for free school meal pupils now include numbers.  Officers had attended a school to review progress against an Estyn visit and to challenge the school on outcomes for this year and the free school meals pupils were discussed at an individual level.  We heard there were 21 free school meal pupils across the secondary school, which was considered a low number and a positive, and something significant could be done for these pupils.  The aspirations were the same for all pupils in Monmouthshire. 

A Member of the Committee was impressed with 70% of Monmouthshire schools being in the Green or Yellow category, but questioned the 30% in the amber or red category, and what was being done for these schools.  The Head of Achievement and Achievement explained that any school not categorised Yellow or Green was a concern.  It was noted that all schools had times of change which could cause the need for additional support.  Within Monmouthshire the two Red schools were due to a change of leadership and a change of leadership and significant change to the governing body.  Officers explained that both schools were receiving intensive support.  Red schools received a high level of scrutiny, carried out half termly.  Eight schools in the Amber category had support plans in place.  Meetings were held with the schools regularly to determine where, and what levels of, progress had been made.  Officers reassured Members that some schools were at the threshold of moving from Amber to Yellow.

The Chair directed a question to the Cabinet Member to determine how the data reflected on the EAS, and if Monmouthshire was receiving value for money.  The Cabinet Member for Education explained that Monmouthshire did receive value for money from EAS.  Cabinet Members from the region would meet and look at what the EAS did for the whole region.  There were no specific areas of concern, and the one issue being addressed was the finances of one secondary school, but there was confidence in the action plan in place. 

In terms of assessing schools, we heard that the criteria was very tight and processes were moderated regionally.  Schools were able to disagree with the categorisation, and appeal.  National processes were much tougher.  The Chief Officer explained that a change of leadership does have an impact on categorisation and reassured Members that where there was a change of leadership, schools would receive more support.

It was suggested that in future the report should provide historic data, to enable Members to identify changes and trends.

Recommendations:

The report recommended that Children and Young People Select Committee receive the National Categorisation Summary Report for Monmouthshire Schools 2016 and that Members consider the information contained in the report including the current position of our schools and areas for improvement.

It was also recommended that the Committee use the report to scrutinise the performance of Monmouthshire schools and impact of the Educational

Achievement Service and challenge any underperformance.