Agenda and minutes

- to receive minutes

Resolved:-  That the minutes of a meeting of Rotherham Cultural Consortium held on 8^th December, 2004 be received.

- to inform of Key Stage 2 attainment in Rotherham Primary Schools in 2004

Consideration was given to a report of the Strategic Leader School Improvement containing details of assessment results for Summer 2004 Key Stage 2 attainment in Rotherham primary schools.

The 2004 Key Stage 2 Level 4+ results present a very positive profile of improvements for Rotherham compared to those reported nationally.  The greatest majority of improvements at this level exceeded those nationally and prompted a letter of congratulations from David Milliband, School Standards Minister.

Level 5+ results presented a mixed picture of performance both locally and nationally with English, reading and writing in Rotherham maintaining the same standards as 2003.  No declines at this level were noted in Rotherham, compared to a 3% national decline in reading.  Improvements in mathematics were in line with the national trend while the 4% improvement in science exceeded that nationally by 2%.  The gap between Rotherham’s performance and the national averages is most significant in English at this higher level with a 6% difference, while science is closest with a difference of 2% compared to a 4% difference in 2003.

2004 L4+ English and writing results reached the highest outcome for Rotherham to date as did L5+ mathematics and science.

The report outlined the action being taken to improve results and gave an indication of the number of schools with results below the DfES Floor Target of 65% Level 4+ attainment for primary schools.  In 2004 the proportion of schools below this critical measure has been reduced from 2003 in english and mathematics.  This reduction must continue and forms a specific focus for 2004/05 planned intervention in primary schools.

The report set out a table showing 1998-2003 Key Stage 2 comparisons.

Discussion took place on the following issues:-

-                       Comparisons between Rotherham and National statistics

-                       Comparisons between neighbouring Authorities

-                       Strategies and initiatives within schools to improve areas of weakness in development

It was noted that a very positive report by HMI Inspectors over the Autumn term had acknowledged the commitment of Rotherham LEA in supporting those schools on the Intensive Support Programme (ISP) on Key Stage 2 results.

Resolved:-  (1) That the report be received.

(2) That the improvements in Key Stage 2, most particularly at L4+, be noted.

(3) That all schools continue to be encouraged to improve their results, but particularly those not meeting the DfES Floor Target of 65%.

(4) That a further report be submitted to a future meeting on the content of specific work being undertaken with those schools not meeting the DfES Floor Target of 65%.

- to inform Members of the outcome of the Ofsted inspection of those schools inspected during the Autumn and Summer Terms

Consideration was given to a report of the Strategic Leader School Improvement, the contents of which highlight the outcome of the Ofsted inspection of those schools inspected during the Summer and Autumn Terms 2004.

The report drew attention to effective schools and of any school that was identified as having concerns.

Since they were last inspected two of the schools have made very good improvement, four have made good improvement and in the other six improvement was satisfactory.

The overall effectiveness of every school inspected was either satisfactory or better with nine being good overall and one very good.  Standards of pupil achievement and teaching and learning were judged as good in ten schools and satisfactory in the other three.  Leadership and management overall were judged as very good in two schools, good in eight schools and satisfactory in three.  In eight of the thirteen schools, the very good leadership of the head teacher was cited as a strength of the school.  Value for money was good or better in ten schools and satisfactory in the other three.  In all but one school pupils’ attitudes and behaviour were good and in over half of these it was very good.

The following schools had been inspected:

-                       Greasbrough J & I School

-                       St. Bede’s RC Primary

-                       SitwellInfant School

-                       Woodsetts J & I School

-                       Thorpe HesleyInfant School

-                       Hospital Teaching and Home Tuition Service

-                       Brampton CortonwoodInfant School

-                       Newman SpecialSchool

-                       Brinsworth Howarth J & I School

-                       BramleySunnyside Infant School

-                       Aston Fence J & I School

-                       Aston ComprehensiveSchool

-                       BrinsworthManor Infant School

One pleasing aspect of the work was the breadth and balance of the curriculum which was being promoted both locally and nationally. 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the reports be received.

(2)                 That those schools with very good and good provision be congratulated on the outcome of their OFSTED inspection.

(3)                 That schools with identified weaknesses be encouraged to improve further the quality of their educational provision as rapidly as possible.

(4)  That the Acting Strategic Leader Inclusion be asked to submit a report to a future meeting on the Hospital Teaching and Home Tuition Service with regard to the specific context of an identified area for improvement in respect of this service.

Consideration was given to a report of the Strategic Leader Resources and Information which gave a summary of the number of complaints received by Education, Culture and Leisure within the period April 2004 to September 2004 with comparative analysis by category and 2003 data.  This report does not include school complaints.

Appendix A provides details of individual complaints received, whether or not they were upheld and subsequent action taken.

Within the period April 2004 to September 2004 there has been a total of thirty official complaints received by the Programme Area, twenty of which have been upheld.

The meeting discussed the content of work currently taking place corporately to define the difference between a complaint, comment or a Request for Service,

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be received.

(2)  That a further report be submitted in six months’ time.

Consideration was given to a report of the Acting Strategic Leader Resources and Information which contained details of the level of School Balances as at the end of March 2004 and how the level of balances compares with previous years, and how the 63 Rotherham Schools with surplus balances in excess of 5% at the end of 2003/2004 intend to use these balances.

The number of schools with surplus balances in excess of 5% has reduced from 86 as at the end of 2002/03 to 63 as at the end of 2003/04.

Appendices 1 to 3 showed the amounts and movement in School Balances.

Appendix 4 showed how the schools with surplus balances in excess of 5% have advised they plan to utilise these balances.

It should be noted that combined balances (delegated budget plus money invested in ‘declared savings’) of £4,643,120 as at the end of 2003/04, reduced by £178,746 (3.7%) from £4,821,866 school balances at the end of 2002/03.

Concern was raised at the end of 2002/03 that Primary school balances were considered high – these reduced by almost 23% by the end of 2003/04 to a more appropriate level.

Concern was raised at the end of 2002/03 that Secondary school balances were considered too low – these increased to a more appropriate level by the end of 2003/04.

Concern was raised that at the end of 2002/03 Special school balances were also high.  These balances further increased by over 56% by the end of 2003/04.

(1)          That the levels and planned use of balances be noted.

(2)               That the Schools Finance Team work closely with those schools needing support to develop their financial management skills.

(3)  That a further report be submitted to a future meeting on the outturn position for 2004/05 in June.

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 8 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (information relating to expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Authority under a particular contract).

The Cabinet Member opened three tenders for the following scheme:-

-                       Extension and refurbishment at Longendale Outdoor Education Centre

Resolved:-  That the Head of Property Services evaluate and accept the appropriate tender in accordance with delegated powers.

(Exempt under Paragraph 8 of the Act – item contains financial information).