Agenda item

This task group has been requested by the Scrutiny Members in responses to borough priorities to improve attainment for disadvantaged pupils. This covering report focuses on the task group’s findings and recommendations. The purpose of the task group is to focus on analysing the current use of the Pupil Premium Grant, Understanding the attainment gaps, the outcomes which are being achieved in comparison with national performance and to promote best practice among Brent schools. 

(i)        that the task group report be noted;

(ii)       that approval be given to the 16 recommendations made by the task group.

The Cabinet welcomed Councillor Southwood to her first meeting as Lead Member, Environment.

Councillor Southwood introduced the Pupil Premium task group report in her capacity of Task Group Chair. She summarised the purpose of the task group which was to examine practice across the borough and establish if there were opportunities to get better value and improve attainment for disadvantaged pupils. The task group also looked at non-academic learning and that encouraged children to come to school and Councillor Southwood highlighted the task group recommendations which included an emphasis on the role of the Brent Schools Partnership as the main vehicle to share good practice. It was also recommended that the Corporate Parenting Committee’s Looked After Children’s report should be presented at Full Council. Councillor Southwood concluded by thanking the young people involved in the task group for their contribution.

The Strategic Director, Children and Young People advised that the Brent Schools Partnership would be meeting later in the week and had found the report very helpful. The Leader of the Council added that he had met with Access Project personnel recently who were keen to work with schools and help young people develop the skills that that match their employment aspirations.

The Cabinet thanked the task group members for their work.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the task group report be noted;

(ii)        that approval be given to the 16 recommendations made by the task group.