50.
MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 9 February 2004 be confirmed.
51.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
No interests were declared at this stage.
52.
SCHOOL
PERFORMANCE 2003
The Chairman welcomed Mrs Laura Fairhurst,
Headteacher of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School; Mrs Ursula Hutchinson,
Headteacher of Bishop Lovett C of E Middle School and Mr John Bradshaw,
Headteacher of Sandown High School to the meeting.
The Select Committee received a powerpoint
presentation by Mr K Simmonds, Senior Inspector, in relation to School
Standards for 2003. He outlined the statistics for each key stage and
comparisons with previous years on a national and neighbour basis. Whilst it was recognised that the Island’s
socio-economic background was one of some disadvantage the standard of
performance was overall unsatisfactory. The Council’s Education Development
Plan had been judged as effective by Ofsted. Schools were responsible for
standards.
The main elements for each Key Stage were :-
Key Stage 1 – satisfactory performance sustained but
there had been a decline in reading, writing and mathematics from the above
national average position. Of note was the number of pupils only achieving
level 2c.
Key Stage 2 – Lack of any improvement with poor
performances in english, mathematics and science. Pupils were capable of
achievement but did not perform to expectations. Comparisons with six other
authorities with three phase system highlighted poor performance in english and
mathematics on the Island.
Key Stage 3 – Third most improved LEA. Performance
in english, mathematics and science significantly improved. Comparable
performance with other three phase authorities.
Key Stage 4 – No improvement in attainment level of
5 A*-C and decline in 5 A*-G. Well below statistics for other three phase
authorities. Many pupils not achieving grade C or above in English, mathematics
or science.
Post 16 – Performance in vocational courses good.
Wide variation within schools of boy/girl performance.
The Headteachers referred to ongoing developments
with cluster working and the identification of best practice. It was accepted
that the results were not satisfactory. Many students were doing well and each
school was aware of those who were under-performing as each pupil had their own
attainment targets.
In debating the issues the following matters were
raised :-
·
Standards
of behaviour appeared to have no bearing on levels of attainment;
·
The
speech and listening skills of pupils staring school had an effect on their
ability to provide good written work;
·
Section
10 inspections by Ofsted of individual schools had not highlighted standards as
a major issue;
·
The
same teaching staff will be dealing with the Key Stages irrespective of the
educational system;
·
Individual
School Development Plans took into account the LEA’s Education Development
Plan;
·
If
standards were not improved by the time of the next Ofsted Inspection then the
LEA will be deemed as a failing authority;
·
The
LEA Inspection Team was recognised by Ofsted as being of the appropriate size;
·
Schools
were being asked to supply details of the number of pupils identified as having
special educational needs, particularly in Middle Schools, under School Action
and School Action Plus;
·
School
Governing Bodies were engaged in challenging Headteachers on performance.
·
Cluster
working would assist in identifying and delivering strategies aimed at
improvement in the levels of performance.
·
No
funding available to provide any additional central resources to help support
schools.
The Portfolio Holder indicated that it was intended
that the Executive would shortly be considering a report on the Island’s
education system initially aimed at 14
– 19 provision. Any review arising from this would have an
impact on the whole system. The Select
Committee believed that on the information provided there was evidence to
suggest that the three phase system required review to ascertain whether this
was the sole reason for the poor performance levels or there were a range of
other factors that were contributing to this.
RESOLVED :
(a) THAT
additional information be provided to show the number fo children
underachieving and failing to reach a level c at all key stages;
(b) THAT
the Select Committee, with the involvement of appropriate stakeholders, monitor
the effectiveness of the Education Development Plan to determine if it can
deliver improved school performance;
(c) THAT
in noting that the Executive will be considering a report on the Island’s
Education System, at its meeting on 21 April 2004, the Select Committee hopes
that it will be allowed to take an active part in any consultation process.
(d) THAT
the Select Committee investigate the feasibility of working with Governors to
share experiences on how to make their scrutiny as robust and challenging as it
should be.
53.
QUARTERLY
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT REPORT 3
Members considered the report of the Head of Corporate Policy and
Communications relating to performance management of services within the remit
of the Select Committee.
A number of the educational issues contained in the report had
already been discussed as part of the item on school performance. With regard
to Community Development members expressed concern as to the operational
deficit of over £50,000 at Shanklin Theatre. The Portfolio Holder indicated that
steps were being taken to minimise this. It was also reported that income at
Dinosaur Isle was anticipated to be £35,000 lower than anticipated, mainly due
to lower visitor numbers.
In noting that the number of physical visits per 1,000 population
to public library premises were lower than the previous quarter it was expected
that the target for the year would be met. The Select Committee considered that
the ability to renew, or reserve, books could be undertaken by telephone or the
internet and this could have an effect on visits. Details of the purpose to
visits would be beneficial to help identify which service was being accessed.
Similar data for mobile libraries should also be provided.
The Portfolio Holder was also questioned on the ability for the
Council to continue to hold public records if the appropriate licence was not
renewed. No funding had been included in the 2004-05 budget for a feasibility
study to be carried out on the creation of new storage facilities. Alternatives
were being investigated by officers.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report
be noted.
CHAIRMAN