Council and democracy

Interim Strategic Lead on School Improvement, Learning and Skills Officer explained that raising achievement in all areas of education remains a key priority and that the Council had seen considerable success in the last four years as attainment and progress had risen significantly, particularly in the primary sector. Further strategies had been put in place as a result of the recommendations from the Education Commission Report, the impact of which had been to place the local authority in a strong position when in comparison with other statistical neighbour local authorities.  At primary level Thurrock had rapidly improved being just below the national average for good and outstanding schools nationally.  Secondary schools remained well above the national average for good and outstanding schools. The Committee was enlightened that the data was still provisional, although an updated report would be submitted to the Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee at a later stage.

The Committee were informed that the key stage two data results were incorrect as a school was missed off during the calculation; Officers informed the Committee that this would be corrected in December. Reverend Barlow queried whether the missing data would increase or decrease the results; the Interim Strategic Lead on School Improvement, Learning and Skills Officer estimated that the missing data would increase the results.

The Chair questioned what the Council was undertaking for those students that did not receive a strong early year’s education. The Director or Children’s Services explained that this was aworking progress and informed the Committee that the pupil premium children aged five achieved better results in 2015 than all children in 2014. 

The Interim Strategic Lead on School Improvement, Learning and Skills Officer highlighted that the Council had not received all GCSE results for 2015 due to remarks. The Committee were informed that this was an issue nationally, but assured members that a report regarding this would return to the Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee later in the municipal year.

The Director of Children’s Services predicted that Thurrock Councils GCSE’s results would be lower than national average for the year 2015. The Committee was informed that there were factors within Thurrock schools regarding the Maths Edexcel and English IGCSE exams papers which are taken by many schools in the borough, but not by many nationally.

Councillor Little felt that a strong governing body was a contributing factor when looking to enhance schools academic achievements. The Interim Strategic Lead on School Improvement, Learning and Skills Officer informed the Committee that a team of Officers currently pursued vacancies for school governors and organised regular training sessions.

Councillor Gamester asked for clarification regarding the key stage two trend data graph that did not increase during 2013 and 2015. The Interim Strategic Lead on School Improvement, Learning and Skills Officer explained that the graph was an area for improvement, and that one of the priorities was to maximum the potential of able children. The Committee were informed that the assessment arrangements were changing and that levels were now being assessed in words, it was added that this would prove difficult when predicting the 2016 school results.

Councillor Gupta questioned what input the Officers had on Schools and Academies when working to enhance results. The Director of Children’s Services explained that the Council had a duty to ensure good provision when schools were underperforming, it was added that academies had previously submitted self-evaluations which gave the Council a strong dialogue.

Councillor Little questioned how schools results varied between looked after children and non-looked after children. Members were informed that twenty-eight children sat GSCE exams and three achieved 5 A*-C grades, The Director of Children’s Services assured the Committee that this was an area for improvement but asked Members to consider that some of the students were unaccompanied asylum seekers whom did not speak English. The Committee were informed that the Council currently ensure the following when working with looked after children;

·         That the amount of school transfers were minimal

·         Private tuition

·         Educating foster parents on the importance of education.

·         Post 16 education and career paths.

The Director of Children’s Social Care informed the Committee that there would be a briefing in December which would give an update on all school’s improvements.

Resolved:

1.    That the Overview & Scrutiny Committee notes the provisional outcomes of the summer 2015 tests and examinations and commends pupils, schools and parents/carers on their achievements.

2.    That the Committee recognises how the Education Commission recommendations and existing strategies have been best deployed to raise achievement and consider how these will raise still further across all key stages, especially at Key Stage 2.

3.    This report should be considered in conjunction with the Pupil Premium report to Overview and Scrutiny Committee.