Issue - meetings

To consider the latest trends, priorities and pressures in terms of departmental performance as reported in the QSR for the first quarter of 2016/17 (April to June 2016) relating to Children, Young People and Learning, giving particular attention to outcomes of Ofsted school inspections, an update on the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub and headline examination results.

Panel members are asked to give advance notice to the Overview and Scrutiny Team of any questions relating to the QSR where possible.

The Panel considered the latest trends, priorities and pressures in terms of departmental performance for the first quarter of 2016/17 (April to June 2016). 

The report highlighted significant improvement during the quarter across the 4 strategic themes.  Of the 32 actions, 30 were on target to be achieved by their completion date with notable progress from the previous quarter identified across the following themes:

Value for Money - Spending was within budget and original approved savings was on target to be met. This was ahead of the schedule of 31 March 2017.

People have the life skills and education opportunities they need to thrive – The percentage of primary and secondary schools rated good/better by OFSTED had exceeded the current expected targets, currently set at 80% and 67% respectively.   Benchmark data was not included in the report as results had to be reported in line with government guidelines.  All eligible early years settings had also received good/better ratings.

The vacancy rate for teachers was showing a reduction in vacancy rate from 17% (January) to 8% as at 30 April 2016 which indicated a positive review of the incentives as a contributory factor:

·                     Newly Qualified Teachers (NQT) - 12 recruitment fairs, 31 applications were received – 6 successful appointments.

·                     Secondary School Direct partnership secured 27 trainees for September. Sixteen primary School Direct trainees for September 2016 across 12 schools. 

Members commented that these were very positive results but queried if any of the recruited trainees had not taken up their post in September.  They would be furnished with an answer.

In relation to education provision, a Local Authority pupil premium Champion had attended all schools to increase awareness with intensive input to targeted schools. Additionally, 3 mainstream schools were currently being supported to become ‘autism friendly’ – Garth Hill College, Birch Hill Primary and Whitegrove Primary.

People live active and health lifestyles - The Ofsted action plan had now been incorporated into the Quality Improvement plan. The new formula-funded contract for the Adult Education budget had been announced and was on target to be implemented by September 2017 which should enhance service delivery and outcomes in this respect.

Strong, safe, supportive and reliant communities - the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub was now live as of 16 May 2016 and early indications showed this multi-agency model was effective. All children receiving a service from Children’s Social Care were entitled to an advocate and a new postcard had been created with input from young people to help promote the service to support capturing young people’s views. The Signs of Safety model training was underway with identified Practice Leads and social workers accessing the 2 day training. This model was adopted within all child protection case conferences with positive feedback received. The number of foster carers recruited had exceeded the current target. There were a number of community outreach initiatives in progress and a Transitions Coordinator within the youth service (now fully integrated with Early Help Services) ensured timely engagement with targeted young people  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19