Agenda item

This report sets out the progress made within the areas covered by the Portfolio for Educational Attainment and Improvement, which fall within the remit of this Committee

Discussion:

The Committee considered the report from the Portfolio Holder for Educational Attainment and Improvement which covered the period from September 2016 – March 2017, and in the case of education services, covered results from the 2015/16 school year and activity during that year and the first half of the current school year.

Members then raised the following comments and questions:

Medway Governors Association (MGA) – in response to a question asking for clarification on why MGA had recently folded, the Portfolio Holder commented that he did not know the detail behind MGA’s dissolution, but that governors play a vital role in driving school improvement and the Council was committed to supporting the engagement of existing and new governors wherever possible.

Moral purpose – in response to a question asking for clarification on the term ‘moral purpose’ within the context of Medway schools, the Portfolio Holder suggested that the term referred to schools fulfilling a broader role in the lives of children and local communities by providing holistic services including pastoral and educational support activities outside of the classroom such as breakfast clubs, after school activities, and additional support for parents where required. The Portfolio Holder gave the example of a Primary School in Gillingham which provided such support.

Impact of Spring 2017 Budget on educational attainment – in response to a question about the potential impact of the Government’s Budget announcements earlier that week, on educational attainment in Medway, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that he welcomed new funding announced in the Budget for Free Schools and Grammar Schools which would help drive social mobility.

Support provided to schools wishing to become academies – in response to a question on the best route for schools to take who wished to convert to academy status, the Portfolio Holder commented that comprehensive training and support was available to schools who were looking to become academies, including advice on forming or joining an academy trust. 

Key Stage 2 outcomes – in response to a question about action taken to ensure good results across Medway schools at Key Stage 2, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that much was being done in primary schools to develop core literacy and numeracy skills, with targeted support available to particular groups who had historically underperformed in certain areas, e.g. encouraging reading skills among boys.

Educational Safeguarding – in response to a question about educational safeguarding audits and the recruitment of an Educational Safeguarding Officer in Medway, the Portfolio Holder said he would provide the Committee with a written response.

Medway Test for non-Medway children - in response to a question about testing of non-Medway children, more specifically if there was a more cost-effective way of testing them opposed to setting up test centres on a Saturday, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that he would provide the Committee with a written response.

Free School Funding – in response to a question asking for clarification on provision of current free school funding, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that £500m funding was currently available in ‘Wave 12’ and that 13 organisations had applied for this funding in Medway. To his knowledge, 10 applicants had been successful and more information on the successful bids would be available in due course. 

Decision:

The Portfolio Holder for Educational Attainment and Improvement was thanked for his attendance.