Minutes:
The Leader introduced the report the purpose of which is to ensure ongoing quality assurance of the work of the EAS through a variety of mechanisms. Furthermore, Cabinet will ensure that the Business Plan and accompanying Annex Document enables appropriate support and challenge for Newport schools.
The Business Plan clearly addresses the areas for improvement that have been identified within Newport’s Education Strategic Plans and which reflect the recommendations made by Estyn in their recent inspection of Education Services. More focused work has been undertaken to improve the outcomes of disadvantaged learners together with a focus on promoting attainment in the wider curriculum which will impact on the Capped Nine measure.
The Leader further confirmed there has been significant involvement of Cabinet Members in the development of the Business Plan through membership of the Regional Joint Executive Group (Cllr Giles) and the EAS Company Board (Cllr Jeavons). The Leader was satisfied to see that the activities to address Newport’s strategic priorities, particularly to develop senior and middle leadership in Key Stage four and to improve outcomes for Free School Meal learners, a key aspect of the Administration’s drive for improvement, are so clearly represented in the Business Plan.
The Leader was particularly pleased to note that pupil consultation has been an aspect in the development of the Business Plan. The Leader also congratulated Welsh Government for involving 16 and 17 year olds in the next Welsh Government Elections.
The Leader confirmed the Business Plan had also been taken through the Performance Scrutiny Committee and whilst the minutes of that meeting were not available prior to the meeting of Cabinet, the minutes had since been circulated to Cabinet to consider alongside the Business Plan, particularly the following comments and recommendations:
· The Committee’s overall conclusion upon the report was that standards and levels of teaching are maintained and progressed without the ability to use school level data;
· Following consideration of the evidence gathered through questioning the Officers upon the Draft EAS Business Plan 2019/20 the impression from the EAS and Education Department is that they have a greater confidence that they know the level schools are at now, using a collaborative approach between the EAS, Education Department and Schools and also the cluster approach to schools. There is also a greater understanding of the journey of the young person from primary to secondary;
· The Committee raised concerns about the transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3, which they felt was an area for improvement and requested that when completed Professor Walters’ research into the difference between teaching in Year 6 and Year 7 be issued to the Committee for information;
· The Committee raised concerns relating to the reduction in staffing in EAS is now 44% smaller than in 2012, which is shifting the reliance for support onto other schools in the network and peers rather than the EAS. Over-reliance upon other schools could impact upon them adversely;
· The Committee recommends that the EAS should have the confidence to push the Welsh Language forward in their Business Plan as a priority in accordance with the Welsh Language Charter.
The Committee formally requests the following from the Education Achievement Service to be circulated to Members of the Committee for information:
· The school categorisation matrix and supporting information;
· The Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Toolkit
· The research into cluster-based working by Manchester University, when completed;
· The EAS to provide an update seminar to the Committee upon the changes and progress made since July 2018, when the Committee received their first update on accountability and curriculum.
The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills was pleased to reiterate the Leader’s comments and confirm the EAS Business Plan appropriately reflects the strategic priorities for Newport Education Service and aligns with recent Newport Education Service’s Estyn recommendations to improve wider secondary school outcomes and, in particular, outcomes of learners eligible for Free School Meals. The Business Plan has been amended based on feedback provided during consultation with the Regional Joint Executive Group, pupils, head teachers and governors.
The Cabinet Member was also pleased that EAS had identified a further 2% financial efficiency which is being implemented on a regional footing.
The Cabinet Member also spoke about the Learning Network School model that has been implemented, otherwise known as the self-improving school system, is working well to develop and improve schools in need of support. That support is linked to a wide range of areas including improving whole school pedagogy, leadership skills, inclusion practices, attendance strategies or development with a specific curriculum area. Recognition was also given to the LEA for driving forward change.
Decision:
Cabinet approved the report.