Agenda and minutes

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 9^th December, 2008 be received as a correct record.

Consideration was given to the contents of a report submitted which set out the performance of Rotherham pupils at the end of Key Stage 1, in 2008.

All schools must conduct a form of statutory assessment at the end of each Key Stage (at age 5, 7, 11, 14 and 16).  At the end of Key Stage 1 (age 7) children undertake a formal assessment, informed by Statutory Assessment Tasks (SATs) which, from 2005, have been reported as teacher assessment.

Historically, pupils enter Key Stage 1 with average scores below the national averages in all assessment scales as reported through the Foundation Stage profile.  The weakest element has continued to be in Communication Language and Literacy, most particularly in “Linking Sounds and Letters” and Writing.  Pupils’ capability in mathematics has shown an ongoing weakness in the “Calculation” strand.  These outcomes present a low base for pupils as they move into KS1.

The report set out:-

• Overall results for Key Stage 1
• Summary of KS1 Performance
• Actions Taken
• Priorities for Improvement
• Development Activities

A discussion ensued on the following issues:-

• National trends/context
• The importance that reading provides for children and effective strategies
• Pupil tracking systems within Rotherham schools
• Foundation stage learning and impact on Key Stage I outcomes
• Statistical information and emerging factors
• Language/communication skills
• Barriers/areas of greatest need
• Comparisons with statistical neighbours
• Current teaching practices
• Funding issues
• Family Learning/Imagination Library/Literacy Project
• Need for variable programmes
• Role of Partner Agencies
• 20% cohort Study

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

(2)         That the concerns related to the Key Stage 1 profile and the declines, when compared to the national trend, be noted.

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

(4)         That the drive to improve standards, particularly in Reading, throughout this key stage, together with the attainment of boys and other vulnerable and underachieving groups, be endorsed.

(5)  That the report be submitted to the Children and Young People’s Services Scrutiny Panel for consideration.

This item was deferred to the next meeting, when further information would be available from Government Office.

Tuesday, 10^th February, 2009 at 10.30 a.m.

Resolved:-  That the next meeting of the Cabinet Member for Lifelong Learning take place on Tuesday, 10^th February, 2009 at 10.30 a.m.