Issue - meetings

Karen Borthwick, Assistant Director of Education and Skills, presented an overview of the educational outcomes of children and young people in primary and secondary schools for the academic year ending in the summer of 2015.

Pupil outcomes in Rotherham had increased year on year in many areas.  Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 outcomes were still below the national average for a number of Indicators, however, the gap to the national average had reduced significantly.  Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 4 outcomes had exceeded the national average for a number of years.

The report set out further information under the headings of:-

-          Early Years Foundation Profile – Gender, Free School Meals

-          Early Years: Key Priorities

-          Key Stage 1 – Phonics, Gender, Pupil Premium. Assessments

-          Key Stage 2

-          Key Stage 4

Discussion ensued with the following issues raised/clarified:-

·           It would be possible to ascertain the benefits (if any) of children receiving free school meals with regard to their performance in examinations due to the children in Key Stage 1 currently receiving the meals.  There was no current evidence to support this issue

·           Rotherham mirrored the national patterns of different performance for boys and girls (with girls outperforming boys). The report was generic and covered the whole of the Borough of which there were some areas of outstanding performance.  The challenge that all schools faced was ensuring that both genders achieved well and were excited by learning. Schools were aware of the issues and had action plans in place.  There was evidence of where specific action had taken place improvements had been made

·           The responsibility for careers education and the guidance element of the curriculum rested very much with the school.  It was important that the school developed appropriate information and guidance for young people, raising their aspirations and making it clear about the pathways into apprenticeships, vocational work or onto further learning and employment.  The Local Authority was very much focussed on developing enterprise and also linkages with employers.  It worked as part of the Sheffield City Region developing links between schools and employers with the aim that all schools would have a link to an employer

There had been a good response across the whole City Region but specifically in Rotherham with some of the first schools picking up that opportunity where the school would be linked with an employer so that employer could engage with the school in terms of the education offer and information, advice and guidance.  It also gave a real insight into the Labour Market Information about the growing opportunities for young people within the labour market.  Special schools had also taken up the opportunity and this was starting to influence some of the employers about their attitude to working with and offering employment opportunities to children with SEND

·           The Local Authority was aiming to ensure that schools had an opportunity to meet with employers on a fairly regular basis to share information about the emerging curriculum and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 135

To note the report and ensure the Cabinet is fully informed of the latest education outcomes.

Report of the Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services

Cabinet Member – Councillor Watson

Commissioner:-  Newsam (in advisory role)

Resolved:-  That the contents of the report and latest education outcomes be noted.

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Ian Thomas, Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services, which provided an overview of the educational outcomes of children and young people in primary and secondary schools for the academic year ending in the summer of 2015.

Historically Rotherham had progressed well with Early Years performance on an upward trajectory since 2009 for ages 2 to 5.

An area of concern was the primary progress between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and attainment between Key Stage 2 with necessary actions being put in place, including an Improvement Board chaired by the Chief Executive.

Key Stage 4 outcomes have exceeded the national average for a number of years, which was good performance for Rotherham.

Compared to other state schools Rotherham had slipped below the national average, but this was due to a change in how progress was measured.

It was also suggested that this report be considered by the Improving Lives Selection Commission and for this to be included as part of their work programme.

Resolved:-  That the contents of the report and latest education outcomes be noted.