Issue - meetings

This report provides an analysis and summary of the performance of key groups of pupils in Bath and North East Somerset in 2015 in the Early Years and Foundation Stage (EYFS), Key Stages 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 4 and Post 16.

The Chair commented that a good set of results had been achieved but that she had concerns over the results for disadvantaged children. She asked what aspects of deprivation most influence educational attainment and how are relevant Council services or partners currently working together to address inequality.

The Head of Education Improvement replied that there are 7 components of the Indices of Multiple Deprivation - Income, Employment, Education, Health, Crime, Housing and Environment. She added that within these areas there are sub-factors, such as the ‘income deprivation affecting children index’ (IDACI – published at the school level in RAISE online for schools and OfSTED). She said that previous research had established a link between this and the educational performance of children although such a relationship is affected by the interaction of a large range of other factors that are not all measured through the indices detailed above. However, this is an imperfect measure, and for ease of administration the proxy indicator of deprivation that is used to allocate funding is whether a child has been in receipt of free school meals in the last six years.

She stated that the ‘Disadvantaged’ group had now been widened to include these pupils as well as children in care and those who have been adopted from care.

She said that they work with officers within Health, Social Care, the Virtual School and other agencies to address this matter.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked for further information on how they hoped to achieve their identified priorities.

The Head of Education Improvement replied that schools with the biggest gaps prior to Year 2 and Year 6 are targeted and would receive three visits across the academic year. She added that all Academies had been written to asking for their predictions and what work they plan to do.

She stated that advisers have funded and promoted Achievement for All in both primary and secondary schools, and this is beginning to have a positive impact in narrowing the gaps.  She added that a number of headteachers and a member of the School Improvement and Achievement Service are training as Achievement for All coaches to make this more accessible to reduce costs.

Councillor Liz Hardman said that she was worried that Academies were failing disadvantaged pupils.

The Head of Education Improvement replied that Secondary Academies do engage well on the whole with the Council and that the Council’s role remains to champion on behalf of all children. She added that the Council would contact Ofsted or the Regional Schools Commissioner if required.

Andrew Tarrant commented that it was quite a scary time for school leaders as they were being guided in a direction (i.e. academisation) with no choice in the matter. He added that he had always appreciated the work of the Local Authority.

Councillor Matt Cochrane asked how are disadvantaged children supported to continue in further and higher education.

The Head of Education Improvement replied that this information is not currently available. The destinations data for pupils who  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65