NOTES OF A MEETING OF THE EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN TASK GROUP HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON WEDNESDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 2002 COMMENCING AT 3.00 PM

Present : Mr J Howe (In the Chair), Mrs B Clough

Apologies : Mr A J Mellor, Mr K Pearson

Portfolio Holder : Mrs J L Wareham

Officers : Mr D Pettitt, Mr K Simmonds, Mr P Thistlewood

1. Review of the EDP Cycle and the Remit of the Task Group

Members were reminded that the Task group had been established to monitor and evaluate the Council’s performance in delivering the activities contained in the Education Development Plan.

The DfES had given the Plan unconditional approval and the Council was therefore only required to update school and LEA targets for Key Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 and ensure that priorities and activities reflect any local, regional or national changes.

It would be impossible for the Task Group to monitor all the areas of activity and it was suggested that key areas be identified by members. This would then enable relevant partners involved in that subject to attend the meeting of the Task Group to assist in its deliberations.

The EDP was not an annual document and was for the period May 2002 to March 2007. The Select Committee would be kept advised on an annual basis of key changes. The Task Group would need to meet in September, December/January and March to accord with the monitoring and evaluation provisions contained in the Plan.

2. Evaluation of Progress to Date of the EDP Priorities

A general evaluation was given of the progress made in each of the priority areas contained in the EDP. Members noted the success being achieved with Early Years and the Foundation Key Stage. The re-organisation of special educational needs was also proceeding to target and work was ongoing with the 14-19 curriculum coherence. There was some concern expressed by schools as to progress towards meeting 2004 targets.

The Task Group was informed of the 2002 provisional results for Key Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the Island and comparisons with 2001 and the statutory performance targets. The main area of concern related to the continue weakness in writing skills, particularly boys, at Key Stage 2. This was having a detrimental impact on the results not only for English at Key Stage 3 and 4 but also Science.

The effect of the Island’s three tier system on results was discussed and it was noted that these had been compared with other relevant authorities. There were difficulties encountered with comparisons between Island data and that on the mainland, and also on an annual basis, whereby significant variations could occur involving very small numbers due to the size of the Island’s statistical base.

The Task Group considered that the next meting should concentrate on the problems being encountered with meeting the Key Stage targets for English and in particular what action was required to improve writing standards. It would be beneficial to invite appropriate Heads and consultants to assist in these discussions.

3. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

This would be on Tuesday, 14 January 2003 commencing at 3.00pm. The venue, possibly Thompson House, was to be confirmed.