Agenda item - A Review of 'Poverty Proofing the School Day' Programme

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

RESOLVED – That the Committee note the work of schools in this area and the positive response from many school leaders to “Poverty Proofing the School Day.”

64.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Children, Young People and Skills outlining the implementation of “Poverty Proofing the School Day” which had been implemented across the City and which went on to outline follow up actions which were to be put into place as follow up action.

64.2    Young people who had been involved in the project at Longhill School gave a brief presentation to the Committee highlighting the work they had been involved in and outlining the value which it had had for them.

64.3    It was noted that take-up of the project had been positive and gave testament to the concern and commitment Brighton and Hove School Leaders had for pupil and student wellbeing, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Sharing examples of good practice had been a key outcome from the project and means by which that would be carried forward were referred to. A self-evaluation tool was being developed which would enable schools to keep their current practices under review.

64.4    Councillor Marsh commended the work which had been carried out stating that she had visited a school in her ward recently and had been impressed by the work which had been undertaken. Councillor Cattell noted that this had been a very successful project and that it was pleasing to note the valuable work and input provided by the pupils themselves.

64.5    Councillors West and Peltzer Dunn concurred with the comments made by Councillors Cattell and Marsh  and considered that it was important for Members to continue to receive periodic updates on this issue and to provide input.

65.6    RESOLVED – That the Committee note the work of schools in this area and the positive response from many school leaders to “Poverty Proofing the School Day.”