Agenda item

This report provides an update and summary analysis of the overall performance of key groups of pupils in 2016 across all key stages in Bath and North East Somerset.

The Senior School Improvement & Achievement Adviser introduced this report to the Panel. He explained that the outcomes for vulnerable pupils, particularly those who are eligible for Free School Meals and those with Special Educational Needs is well below both other pupils and similar pupils nationally for both attainment and progress at all key stages.

He added that action was needed to challenge schools about the effective use of pupil premium funding to raise the attainment and progress of disadvantaged pupils and those with SEN to at least in line with national.

He said that overall progress from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 for all pupils was below national for writing and mathematics. Boys’ progress in writing and girls’ progress in mathematics was low.

He stated that outcomes for pupils with Special Educational Needs in mainstream schools in Bath & North East Somerset are also low, and progress is generally lower than similar pupils nationally. Whilst pupils with EHCP plans in special schools are making better progress than similar pupils nationally, progress in mainstream secondary schools and in primary schools is low.

Councillor Matt Cochrane asked what the relationship was like between the Council and Academies with regard to the attainment and progress of disadvantaged pupils and those with SEN.

The Senior School Improvement & Achievement Adviser replied that the Council had a good relationship with most Academies and was offering them Pupil Premium reviews.

The Strategic Director for People & Communities added that the Council’s role should be seen as a facilitator.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if any Academies had purchased School Improvement services from the Council.

The Senior School Improvement & Achievement Adviser replied that some have and that the team has capacity to carry out Safeguarding Audits, Pupil Premium Reviews etc.

Councillor Sally Davis commented that it was important to have good staff retention levels in terms of School Improvement.

Councillor Alison Millar asked when a School or Academy would be asked to take part in a Pupil Premium Review.

The Senior School Improvement & Achievement Adviser replied that it may come as a recommendation following an Ofsted inspection or the Council may ask them to on reviewing results data.

Chris Batten asked what impact the exam changes in KS4 will have on pupils with SEN.

The Senior School Improvement & Achievement Adviser replied that it was too early to say but that it would be addressed at the meeting with Head Teachers due to take place tomorrow.

The Chair stated her concern that the gap between pupils on Free School Meals and those with Special Educational Needs and other pupils is not closing. She questioned if the matter should be discussed with the Regional Schools Commissioner.

The Strategic Director for People & Communities replied that the Regional Schools Commissioner was specifically responsible for the performance of Academies and that the Council has a responsibility relating to School performance across the whole system. 

The Chair asked if any outcomes following alternative provision were available.

The Senior School Improvement & Achievement Adviser replied that it was difficult to analyse the difference that alternative provision has made in terms of results.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services suggested a piece of work be carried out in conjunction with Norton Hill and Somervale to assess how they achieve their good results.

The Panel RESOLVED to recommend that;

i)  They endorse the proposal that officers invite a Senior HMI to attend the Strategic Director’s meeting with Head Teachers on 2 March to share Ofsted’s concerns about the performance of disadvantaged pupils across schools in Bath & North East Somerset and how this may influence Ofsted inspection judgments.

ii)  Where the gaps for disadvantaged pupils (those in receipt of FSM, looked after or adopted from care) in maintained schools are significantly larger than the national average, a pupil premium audit will be commissioned to review the use and impact of pupil premium funding to improve outcomes for eligible pupils. If the gap is larger in academy schools then officers will share concerns about the achievements of vulnerable groups with the Regional Schools Commissioner.

iii)  They actively support the engagement of disadvantaged primary school pupils in the Children’s University to raise the aspirations of pupils from low income family backgrounds.

iv)  Officers explore opportunities to strengthen the support for pupils with EHCPs in mainstream schools, so that these pupils benefits from attending good and outstanding schools.