Issue - items at meetings - Brighton & Hove Closing the Gap in Educational Achievement for Vulnerable Groups 2013-2017

Report of the Executive Director, Children’s Services (copy attached)

RESOLVED – That theCommittee notes the Closing the Gap in Educational Achievement Strategy. This has been developed in partnership with a steering group of headteachers and LA staff and has been discussed and consulted on with schools.

28.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Children’s services setting out an analysis of the gaps in educational achievement in the city. Analysis showed that the achievement gap between pupils living in disadvantage widened from KS1 to KS2 and again from KS 2 to KS4. The data showed that this was a major area of concern and a key priority for the city

28.2    Correspondence received recently from her Majesty’s Chief Inspector had made it clear that although schools were being given increased levels of autonomy, Local Authorities had direct responsibility for the standards achieved in all of the schools in their area, including academies, including progress made by vulnerable groups of learners. Ofsted would be making judgements about the impact schools were making through use of the Pupil Premium on closing the gap in educational achievement for vulnerable groups. Ofsted were also placing an increased emphasis on the involvement of school governors in monitoring the progress of pupils, particularly those from vulnerable groups. There was a clear expectation that Governors would influence the decision making surrounding use of the Pupil Premium.

28.3    Councillor Wealls stated that he considered it was important to be more robust in emphasising the excellent value added contribution provided by a number of the city’s schools. It was important not to focus solely on GCSE results. He also welcomed the training which had been given to Members in relation to use of the Pupil Premium. Councillor Wealls also considered that it would also be helpful if information could be provided regarding young carers. It was explained that information was not necessarily held by schools unless individuals had identified themselves as such.

28.4    Rachel Travers, Amaze welcomed the continuing priority to use funding to close the attainment gap and to raise the attainment levels of young people from disadvantaged or vulnerable groups. There was an overlap between those in receipt of free school meals and who also had special educational needs. This group could be doubly disadvantaged and it was important therefore to bring forward targets as suggested. Once those children had been identified work could then be undertaken to work out the best strategies for them and to focus on the different ways in which the available resources could be used.

28.5    RESOLVED – That the Committee notes the Closing the Gap in Educational Achievement Strategy. This had been developed in partnership with a steering group of headteachers and Local Authority staff and had been discussed and consulted on with schools.