Agenda item

The Brent Education Commission report, Ambitious for All: a shared responsibility, was endorsed by elected members in June 2014.  This report updates members on progress against the priorities identified by the Commission and presents evidence of the commission’s impact, through the significant improvement in Brent’s inspection outcomes, standards and achievement, and the improved outcomes for most groups of pupils including the disadvantaged group which is supported by the Pupil Premium Grant.

Councillor Moher (Lead member for Children and Young People), Gail Tolley (Strategic Director, Children and Young People), John Galligan (Head of School Effectiveness) and Karen Giles (Head, Barham Primary School) were present for this item.

Gail Tolley introduced Karen Giles as Head of Barham Primary School and also a School Effectiveness Lead Professional. Gail Tolley set the context by pointing out that all schools were self-managed and a significant proportion of them were now self-governed.  Over the years education funding for local authorities had reduced as it was allocated directly to schools.

John Galligan submitted a PowerPoint presentation which outlined the percentage of all Brent schools judged good or outstanding over a three year period and attainment levels at key stage 2 and 4.  He added that there had not been many recent school inspections so it was difficult to demonstrate the continued trend towards achieving higher targets.

Members acknowledged the strong improvement in some areas which was a credit to the schools and teachers concerned.  However, the poorer performance in the secondary sector was noted, specifically by black Caribbean boys. John Galligan stated that progress on improving attainment levels was good but needed to be stronger in order to get up to and beyond the London average. 

Discussion took place around the new requirements for reporting at key stage 1 and 2 levels and the introduction of a new curriculum that was more demanding.  John Galligan explained that the lack of information concerning testing meant that secondary schools had not been able to fully prepare for the new requirements.  In recognising the demands being placed on schools, Gail Tolley stated that work was being undertaken to develop aspiring headteachers and that Brent was aiming to be at the forefront of this work.  The Brent Schools Partnership had undertaken work on trying to address the issue of teacher retention/recruitment which was recognised as a national problem and one on which further work was required.  Addressing questions on the national funding formula, Gail Tolley explained that a government consultation was being undertaken but her understanding was that there was recognition of the higher costs in London and that the scheme would not seek to achieve equalisation but would seek an allocation based on need.  She added that she also anticipated that there would be a significant period of phasing in of any changes.

In response to questions regarding the number of school exclusions, Gail Tolley explained that this was a responsibility of the Inclusion and Alternative Education service.  It was requested that a report on the number and breakdown of exclusions be circulated to all members of the committee. 

In answer to questions concerning the performance of Academies and Free Schools, Gail Tolley pointed out that it was the Government’s stated aim that all schools should become academies and this would lead to responsibility for school performance being taken away from local authorities.  However, in her position she remained responsible for the wellbeing of all children and young people and she considered that this included their schooling.  It would therefore be a matter of developing strong professional relationships with schools in order to fulfil this responsibility.

In answer to a point being made that there was not much mention of the role of the parent within the report, Gail Tolley accepted that the key role parents had during pre-school and early years should be acknowledged.  Karen Giles added that the views and contributions of parents was part of the OFSTED framework.

A member of the committee felt more comparative data with neighbouring boroughs should be provided and expressed the view that in some communities it was customary for children to receive supplementary education thereby driving up performance.  The point was also made that the situation regarding the performance of black boys was a long standing one.  The request was made for statistics on how many Brent children went on to one of the Russell Group universities, broken down by ethnic groups. 

Requests for information/questions:

·         Details of exclusions from schools in Brent.  

·         Statistics on how many Brent children go on to one of the Russell Group universities, if possible broken down by ethnic groups.   

RESOLVED:

that the report and comments made at the meeting be noted.