Agenda item

This report provides a summary of the Local Authority’s statutory duties and its approach to securing the rights of every child and young person in Bath and North East Somerset to educational excellence.

The Head of Education Improvement introduced this item to the Panel. She informed them that a key aspect of the drive for education excellence in Bath and North East Somerset was the establishment of the Education Excellence Board (EEB). She said that all primary schools including academies are members of the Education Excellence Board.

She added that the Strategic Forum of the EEB is a representative group of all of the key partners, including Headteachers from each cluster, the Diocese of Clifton, the Diocese of Bath & Wells, The Teaching School, National and Local Leaders of Education and the Local Authority.  She stated that the work of the Strategic Forum has a clear focus on achieving education excellence for all children as set out in their Terms of Reference.

Councillor Michael Evans asked if secondary schools were to be included on the Education Excellence Board.

The Head of Education Improvement replied that the Board was set up for primary schools as they are maintained by the Local Authority in the main. She added that talks are likely to take place with secondary schools about a similar project.

Councillor Michael Evans commented that he felt that the tone of recommendation 2.1 was too positive and proposed that it is amended to:

The vast majority of children and young people in Bath and North East Somerset are currently attending a school that is at least ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’; the performance of children and young people overall are amongst the best by UK standards.  There is a determination and commitment by all the key partners to achieve education excellence for all children and young people irrespective of their starting points or social circumstances.

The People & Communities Strategic Director commented that he felt that the Government should stop changing the goalposts in terms of examinations as they recently decided to change the GCSE curriculum mid cycle. He added that he would welcome a Royal Commission to look into the education system and for it to be left alone in the main for ten years.

Councillor Dine Romero, Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children & Youth said that she was concerned about the message that would be sent to our schools if the amendments by Councillor Evans were approved.

Councillor Liz Hardman said that she felt that the recommendations should remain as printed.

The Chair commented that she felt that there was no need to change the recommendations.

The Panel RESOLVED to agree that:

i)  The vast majority of children and young people in Bath and North East Somerset are currently attending a school that is at least good or outstanding; the performance of children and young people overall are amongst the best in the country.  There is a determination and commitment by all the key partners to achieve education excellence for all children and young people irrespective of their starting points or social circumstances.

ii)  The draft School Improvement and Achievement Policy is brought to the next Panel meeting as part of the consultation process on the Local Authority’s approach to school improvement.