Agenda and minutes

The minutes of a previous meeting held on 11^th April, 2006 were agreed as a correct record.

- to receive the report, and note and endorse the recommendations contained within it

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Service – Learning on the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 test results for 2005 and how they compared to the national average, and to the results of statistical neighbours in previous years.

In 2005 the Council had invested £120,000 to support improvement in all Key Stages but specifically in Key Stage 1.  The 2005 Key Stage 1 results had demonstrated some positive improvements above those made nationally at Level 2, most particularly in Reading.  The previously reported declines have been reversed and the gap between Rotherham’s attainment profile and the national average has been narrowed by 1% in English and 2% in Maths.  The difference between Rotherham’s average attainment and that nationally remained most significant in Reading.

The Foundation Stage Profile outcomes illustrated low capability on entry to Key Stage 1, with particular weaknesses in the strands of Communication, Language and Literacy and Writing.

In reading and writing, the difference in performance between girls and boys remained a significant issue both locally and nationally.

The meeting discussed the continuing work being undertaken to improve Key Stage I results which emphasised the need to promote positive attitudes to learning in helping children to be able to engage.  This work involved the following initiatives:-

-                       the Authority’s Moderation Programme

-                       Surestart and Early Years

-                       Portage and Children’s Development Centre

In raising attainment on entry to Key Stage 1, the need to concentrate on Family Learning had been recognised.

Following an assessment undertaken on reading, a report on best and effective practice had been circulated to all schools.  It was felt this had shown as being a positive indicator on the impact on reading results, and Level 2 reading results in Rotherham were above the National average.  There had been a National decline on Level 3 reading but this Authority’s decline was 1% below the National figure.

Writing had improved in all Levels in Rotherham, which was above the National trend.

Results in Mathematics had been more in line with the National improvement trend.

Level 2 Science results had been in line with National trends and at Level 3, whilst there had been a National decline, this Authority had improved by 1%.

In relation to differences in performance by gender, results had demonstrated that boys’ attainment was lower than girls at Key Stage 1.  However, gender issues would continue to be addressed in teaching practices.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the improvements in Key Stage 1, most particularly when compared to the improvements made nationally, be noted.

(2)         That the need to encourage all schools to continue to improve their results, and strive to reflect outcomes, at least in line with national averages, be supported.

(3)  That the Council’s drive to improve the attainment of boys be endorsed.

- to receive the report, and note and endorse the recommendations contained within it

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Service – Learning on the details of the Key Stage 2 test results for 2005 and how they compared to the national average, and to the results of statistical neighbours in previous years.

Key Stage 2 results had shown a further year of good improvements, contributing to an overall profile more in line with the national averages.  Through the National Primary Strategy the Council was working to impact on further improving results by focusing different levels of support and intervention to different schools dependent upon need.  The School Improvement Consultant team had been strengthened and the group of Consultant Headteachers had been increased and would be working with schools with the greatest capacity and/or need to improve their results.

The additional national programme of intensifying support (ISP) continued to be implemented in a group of ten schools that had results below the DfES floor targets of 65%.  This level of support would be required to enable Rotherham schools to respond to the challenging targets agreed with the DfES for 2006 in English (83% L4+) and mathematics (83% L4+).

Gender differences at level 4 and above were now slightly below those reported nationally in English, mathematics and science.

The gap had narrowed significantly in the differences at Level 4 between the National average and Rotherham statistics, and Rotherham was now closely in line with National average figures.

Although improvements were being made at Level 5, the gap remained wider and work was taking place to address under-performance between Levels 3 and 5.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the further improvements in Key Stage 2, most particularly when compared to those made nationally, be noted.

(2)         That the need to encourage all schools to continue to improve their results, and strive to reflect outcomes, at least in line with national averages, be supported.

(3)  That the Council’s drive to reduce the number of schools below the DfES floor target of 65%, to improve boys’ attainment and to increase the number of schools that demonstrate Contextual Value Added, at least in line with the national average, be supported.

- to note the report

Further to Minute No. 78 of a meeting of the Cabinet Member, Lifelong Learning, Culture and Leisure held on 13^th September, 2005, consideration was given to a report of the Manager, Libraries, Museums and Arts on progress with building work, Rolling out the Archives project.

The building work, which had been undertaken as part of the Rolling out the Archives project, had necessitated the temporary unavailability of archival documents for 2½ months;  however, the Archives & Local Studies Service searchroom and enquiry services had remained open as usual during this period.

The building work had been completed on schedule and there had been no complaints from customers regarding the temporary unavailability of documents for use.

It was noted that a report would be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet in relation to the funding of this project, the majority of the work having been carried out with match-funding from Heritage Lottery Funding, and the Authority’s Capital Programme budget.

Resolved:-  That the report be noted.

- to receive and note the report

This item was withdrawn.

- to note the further improvements in Key Stage 3, encourage all schools to continue to improve their results, and endorse the Council’s drive to work on key issues

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Service – Learning on the Key Stage 3 test results for 2005 and how they compared to the national average, and to the results of statistical neighbours in previous years.

Schools were required to assess the attainment of all pupils in the National Curriculum subjects at the end of each key stage at ages 7 (KS 1) 11 (KS 2) and 14 (KS 3).  Statutory assessment included statutory tests in the core subjects (English, mathematics and science) together with teacher assessment in all subjects.

Key Stage 3 results had shown a further year of good improvements, contributing to an overall profile more in line with the national averages.  Through the National Secondary Strategy the Council was working actively to improve results further by focusing levels of support and intervention to different schools, dependent upon need.

Gender differences at level 5 and above, particularly in English, were a concern and action was being taken to understand why the differences occurred and what could be done to reduce the gap.

However, there had been a marked improvement of 10% in the percentage of boys achieving level 5+ in English in Rotherham, compared with 2004.  The difference of the average of statistical neighbours and nationally being 13%.

Due to increased data per pupil the current focus was in relation to showing sustained improvement and there was more emphasis on Key Stage 3 work.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the further improvements in Key Stage 3, most particularly when compared to those made nationally, be noted.

(2)         That the need for all schools to continue to improve their results, and strive to reflect outcomes, at least in line with national averages, be encouraged.

(3)  That the Council’s drive to reduce the number of schools below the DfES floor target of 65%, to improve boys’ attainment, particularly in English, and to increase the number of schools that demonstrate Contextual Value Added, at least in line with the national average, be endorsed.