Agenda item

To submit a report by the Head of Learning in relation to the above.

Submitted – the joint report by the Head of Learning and Scrutiny Officer in relation to the above.

The Head of Learning reported that the School Progress Review Group was established on the 21st November, 2012 by the Education and Leisure Scrutiny Committee following recommendations made by Estyn on the quality of Education Service for children and young people on Anglesey. The aim of the group is to assist the Education Service in improving the performance of schools on the Island, by increasing and developing local accountability for school performance and enhancing local members’ knowledge about key performance drivers and challenges that face schools on Ynys Môn. With the establishment of a new Scrutiny Committee structure during May 2013 it was agreed that Members of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee and the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee would continue with the work of the School Review Group.

She reported that the Senior School Standards and Inclusion Manager provides guidance to the Panel about which schools should be invited to appear before them. A list of the schools which appeared before the Panel during 2015 was noted within the report. The Head teacher, Chairperson of Governors and the relevant GwE (Regional School Improvement Service) Challenge Adviser are invited to attend the Panel meeting to discuss attainment standards, inclusion issues, attendance and the management of resources which includes financial and management aspects. The smaller the school the more likely its performance will be variable, and this can vary significantly from year to year and affect its overall categorisation within the national model. A minority of schools experience difficulties in maintaining consistency of staffing levels due to maternity and special leave obligations, and its effects are more evident in the smaller schools.

Following the appointment of a new officer to the post of Senior School Standards and Inclusion Manager, a number of schools will be invited to appear before the Panel between January 2016 and December 2016.

Councillor K.P. Hughes said that as the Portfolio Holder (Education) his aim is to raise the standards of education on Anglesey. A number of schools on the Island have improved and the work of the School Review Group has produced evidence of improvement within the service.

The Committee considered the report and raised the following main issues :-

•     Questions were raised if there were difficulties in the recruitment Head teachers on Anglesey and whether adequate ‘production line’ of teachers are available and wish to be considered as Head teachers. The Head of Learning responded that difficulties are experienced to recruit Head teachers which is mainly attributed to the pressure associated with the post and sometimes the Head teacher might have to also be teaching in front of a classroom for 90% of the time;

·           Questions raised regarding schools learning and incorporating good practices from schools that are performing well. The Head of Learning responded that incorporating good practices and sharing experiences between schools is parmount i.e. a school performing well with pupils in ‘writing skills’ is able to incorporate the support of GwE, to develop support for schools.

RESOLVED to note the report in respect of the on-going work of the School Progress Review Group.

ACTION : To receive an update report on an yearly basis to the Scrutiny Committee.