Agenda and minutes

There were no Disclosable Pecuniary Interests.

a)  To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th January, 2017

b)  Matters Arising

The minutes of the meeting held on 12^th January, 2017 were approved.

Presentation of Sherbourne Fields School

Councillor Mutton welcomed the young people of Sherbourne Fields to the meeting and Members of the Board introduced themselves.  The students presented two video clips about pupils’ views at Sherbourne Fields.

The young people asked questions of the Scrutiny Board and Cabinet Member for Education and Skills about the following:

·  school transport changes and independent travel training

·  work placements

·  the stability of Sherbourne Field School

The Board discussed the following issues with the young people:

·  access and mobility

·  the value of travel training

·  school learning

·  work experience in libraries

·  schools for students with a disability

RESOLVED that

1)  The Scrutiny Board would write to pupils and staff at Sherbourne Fields to thank them for their contributions to the meeting.

2)  officers investigate the availability of council work experience opportunities.

Briefing Note of the Director for Children’s Services

Further to Minute 50/16 the Scrutiny Board noted a joint briefing note which detailed progress on the Children’s Services Improvement Plan, reported to the Children’s Services Improvement Board on 25^th January, 2017 based on data from December, 2016.  The next Improvement Board would be held on 8^th March, 2017.

The progress report included information on short term priorities for improvements and the action plan was attached.  The three main priority areas were quality of practice, workforce development and partnership working.  Also appended to the progress report was a performance overview.

The Scrutiny Board questioned the Cabinet Member and officers on the following:

·  Communication

·  Timeframe for improvement

·  Early identification of need

·  Performance

·  Return Home Interviews

·  Reduced financial support

·  Social worker salary

·  Foster carer numbers

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Board requested:

1)  The e-newsletter be sent to SB2 members including co-opted members

2)  The report be updated to include a note about the number of Return Home Interviews that have been refused by the young people

3)  A report be included in next month’s supervision report to the Board about performance management of middle managers

4)  A briefing note be provided on the number of children currently placed with foster carers and the number of children currently in residential care 

Report of the Director of Education, Adult Education and Libraries

The Scrutiny Board considered a briefing note and presentation of the Director of Education, Adult Education and Libraries which updated members on Coventry’s educational performance. 

The Board considered the published validated data for Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP), Phonics and Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 4 and 16-19 attainment.  The Board also considered the ofsted profile and headline achievement data for vulnerable groups including, children looked after, pupil premium (disadvantaged) free school meals, special educational needs, English as an additional language, and ethnicity groups.

The presentation highlighted the following :

·  The Vision

·  Education Partnerships

·  Transformation Programme

·  Review of Successes and priorities

·  Changes in Primary Assessment

·  Early Years and Primary

·  Key Stage 4 and 16-18

·  Changes in Accountability

·  Coasting definitions

The Board questioned the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills and officers on aspects of the reports including:

·  Challenge and support for schools

·  The effects of changes

·  Recruitment of teachers

The Scrutiny Board were delighted with the improvements made in Coventry Primary Schools.  95.4% of pupils were now attending a good or outstanding Primary school compared to 42% in August 2012.

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Board request

1)  Officers communicate the amazing improvements in Coventry primary school Ofsted results

2)  Officers provide data about individual secondary school results

Briefing Note of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator

The Scrutiny Board noted the briefing note of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator regarding outstanding actions requested by the Board.

RESOLVED that the officers responsible for outstanding issues be contacted.

Briefing Note of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator

The Scrutiny Board noted the work programme.

Any other items of business which the Chair decides to take as matters of urgency because of the special circumstances involved.

Congratulations to the Adult Education Service Tutor

The Scrutiny Board would like to send their congratulations to the Adult Education Service Tutor who had been nominated by a learner for a sign language award and was a national finalist at the signature annual BSL awards.