Agenda item - The Review of Post 16 (School-based) provision in Brighton &Hove

Report of the Executive Director, Families, Children & Learning (copy attached)

Contact Officer: Rachel Carter                   Tel: 01273 294921

Ward(s) Affected: All

40.1    The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director Families, Children and Learning regarding the Review of Post 16 based provision in Brighton & Hove. The report was introduced by the Head of Skills and Employment (Families, Children and Learning).

40.2    In response to a question from Councillor Page, the Head of Skills and Employment (Families, Children and Learning) confirmed that schools had been engaged throughout the process and had welcomed the Post 16 Data Pack.

40.3    In response to a question from Councillor Miller, the Executive Director Families, Children and Learning said that the Council had carried out the review and shared the results with schools, but it would be for the governing bodies of schools to make any final decisions.

40.4    In response to a question from Mr Jones, the Head of Skills and Employment (Families, Children and Learning said that schools were addressing the gap in attainment for those in receipt of Free School Meals through initiatives such as providing extra tuition for those struggling with core subjects such as Maths and English.

40.5    In response to a question from Councillor Russell-Moyle the Head of Skills and Employment (Families, Children and Learning), confirmed that schools and academies understood the need for collaboration and that there was a real commitment amongst them to work together.

40.6    The Chair said that the next step would be for officers to convene meetings with the schools, and invited a representative from each of the parties take part in those meetings. The Chair confirmed that a progress report would be brought to a future meeting of the Committee.

40.7    RESOLVED:

            That the Committee noted:

(1)  The governing bodies of schools and academies consider the future financial viability of their sixth form provision

(2)  Where the long term financial circumstances of a sixth form was likely to be challenging, then each school or academy should have a plan to address those challenges. Strategies might include realistic plans for securing greater numbers via collaboration with aspects of provision with other institutions, or possible merger with another provide to achieve scale of provision.

(3)  Governing bodies and schools review their specialisms to meet the needs of their learners, especially the more vulnerable young people.

(4)  Schools and academies continue to build stronger relationships with local employers to ensure students have the skills need for future employment.