Decision details

CAB 12/18

Options Considered/Reasons for Decision

The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills presented the report, setting out the process of how schools were categorised in Wales, and the outcomes of categorisation for Newport schools.

The Cabinet Member noted the change to the categorisation system this year, removing the

data-driven judgement that places schools into a ‘standards group’, previous known as ‘Step 1’.  From now on, discussion around the school’s self -evaluation would be the central feature of the model going forward. A schools capacity to improve in relation to leadership, teaching and learning would be captured in Step 2 and 3 of the categorisation process.

Focussing upon Newport Schools, the Cabinet Member reported that Newport had a strong track record of success in the number of green schools within the local authority.  In 2016-17 Newport had the highest percentage of green primary schools in Wales (52%).  In 2017-18 this figure had improved to 57% which is 12% above the regional average. The percentage of green and yellow primary schools (combined) within the City was 93%. This was 5% higher than the regional average of 88%.

It was reported that Newport was the only local authority in the region to have two green secondary schools (St Joseph’s RC Comprehensive and Bassaleg Comprehensive School). The percentage of green and yellow secondary schools within Newport was 55%. This compared to the regional average of 41%.

The Cabinet Member noted that there were currently 5 red schools within the City. These schools required the highest level of support which should enable them to progress at satisfactory rate. A detailed support plan was in place for each of these schools. The progress of each red school was monitored regularly by the EAS, Chief Education Officer and Cabinet Member for Education and Skills.

At the time of the National Categorisation results being published, there were five amber schools in Newport. This had since reduced to four with the rapid improvements realised in Maes Ebbw Special School (which was now categorised as yellow).

In discussing the report, Cabinet Members were pleased to note the positive results for Newport.  Members commented upon the impact of negative media coverage around red and amber categorisations for schools, in particular the impact on the school community.

The Principal Challenge Adviser clarified that the colour assigned related to the number of days of support allocated to that school, and indicated a school needing support in a more formal and structured way.  It was noted that in allocating judgements, the EAS and local authority officers were keenly aware of the impact red and amber judgements could have on a school community in terms of potential negative perceptions.  The Chief Education Officer also highlighted that schools could be re-categorised during the year, and with the appropriate support, categorisations would often change and improve quickly. 

Decision:

To note the report. 

Consultation

EAS Assistant Director (Challenge Advisers); EAS Learning Intelligence;  Chief Education Officer, Deputy Chief Education Officer; Strategic Director – People; Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

Implemented By:  Chief Education Officer