Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Val Smith (Councillor John Christie substituting), Mrs Liz Smith, Mr Ian Jones (represented by Ms Diane Wilson) and Mrs Carole Thomson (represented by Mr Stan Taylor).

Councillor Melinda Tilley also sent her apologies, as she usually attends as an observer.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 14 November 2013 (ESC4) and to receive information arising from them.

The Minutes of the meeting on the 14 November 2013 were approved and signed by the Chairman.

The Committee had before them the report of Sue Bainbridge, Schools and Learning Manager.  Mrs Bainbridge informed Committee that Oxfordshire, at 77%, were above the national average figure of 66% representing students who are entered for 2 GCSE Science papers.  There was a wide variation in the number of students entered for GSCE Science from school to school.  The number of students entered from The Oxford Academy had been affected by the ability to recruit science teachers.

The Committee were informed that where there had been a significant decrease in the numbers of students entered for GCSE Science papers, alternative subject options were being pursued by students at some schools, such as BTEC and Engineering qualifications.

The proportion of students attaining at least 2 GCSE Science grades A*-C’s has varied in the past, with the figure dipping slightly last year to 70% in Oxfordshire, below the national average of 72%.  Again, the Committee heard there was wide variation in this figure on a school by school basis.

Despite students sitting the English Baccalaureate (EBac) and other vocational courses, Committee heard that too many students were under-performing, with 6 schools in the County achieving grades significantly below the national average.  There was a need to understand why students are underperforming.

It was noted that the percentage of A and B grade passes achieved in Oxfordshire, notably in GCSE Chemistry, is higher than the national average.  However, passes at grades B and C are below the national average.

When asked, Ms Bainbridge advised that it was not clear if schools were super-serving high achieving children, or simply seeking good maths and English results.  It was also unclear which examination boards’ schools were using.  This is an issue that needed looking at in detail, in order to obtain a better understanding of the issues surrounding the data on this issue.

Although top-tier students were doing well, and those attaining lower grades were improving, data indicated that work may need to be concentrated on the middle section of students.  Head Teachers groups had invited officers to attend their meetings as supporters.  Officers were very aware of the need to support schools and academies regularly, as well as helping to develop links between local schools and the Universities.  A new science partnership had been developed where experts in science subjects are able to share best practices.

Members noted in discussion that schools achieving top grades also appeared to have high attendance levels and a staunch approach to discipline in their schools.  However, it was noted that in some schools the percentage of children entered in exams, compared to the percentage of non-achievement was astounding.  A new emphasis on education was needed and the strengthening of links with the Universities was to be encouraged.  It was noted, however, that more interest could achieved in dealing with businesses direct.

The Committee expressed their view that work was needed on those students achieving mid-level grades.  These students were more likely to contribute to the local area, being recruited  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3/14

10.30am

Frances Craven, Deputy Director Education and Early Intervention, and Sue Bainbridge, Schools & Learning Manager, to present how Pupil Premium is being used to raise attainment (ESC7).

This report provides an overview of information provided to schools and academies about the use of Pupil Premium.  It identifies a number of approaches used to ensure that the pupil premium supports improved outcomes for vulnerable children and young people in order to meet those expectations set out in the Education Strategy to provide early intervention and high quality approaches to teaching and learning.

The report will be supported by a presentation from representatives of Cheney School, Oxford and Caldecott Primary School, Abingdon, attending to discuss how the pupil premium is used and how they can share best practice.

The Committee had before them a report on the Use of Pupil Premium in Oxfordshire Schools.

The Committee were pleased to welcome Mr Paul James, Head Teacher at The Cherwell School, Oxford, who gave a stimulating presentation on the Pupil Premium, its surrounding issues and the implications of both on his school.

The Committee congratulated Mr James and found his approach to be both impressive and enlightening.  They were interested to hear he viewed the school community as a whole, building from the bottom up and the top down and how:-

·        the school approached learning and development issues for both staff and pupils, in order that targets are met;

·        the school strived to do simple things well;

·        data is analysed and used within the school, as a basis for intervention with pupils as and when necessary;

·        parents are encouraged on an individual basis to engage with the school, and thus support pupils in their learning;

·        a shift of attitude has been encouraged, in order that pupils take responsibility for their work, receive support from the school through holiday revision courses, are supported extra-curricular activities and

·        pupils are held to account, in order that they actually deliver what is asked and expected of them.

11.30am

Frances Craven, Deputy Director Education and Early Intervention, and Sue Bainbridge, Schools & Learning Manager, to present the Ofsted Categories and the interventions available (ESC8).

Frances Craven, Deputy Director for Education and Early Intervention, confirmed to Committee that the report before them exhibited the different levels of activities expected of schools in line with the three different categories of:-

• good and outstanding,
• requiring improvement and
• special measures.

In discussion, Committee heard that the document had not been previously shared with The Schools Forum, although the documents appended to the report had been sent to schools and governors on several occasions.

There was discussion as to how the budget would be affected if Ofsted inspected several schools which were all moved to a different category at a similar time, needing more support from the Council in the process.  Sue Bainbridge confirmed that year on year data was analysed, providing the Council with an insight as to which cohorts of schools are likely to expect an inspection by Ofsted.  Funding can then be set aside for schools which may for example, have a weakness or be at risk of falling into the special measures category.  There is a pool of expertise from which officers are able to draw, channelling that knowledge into schools.  However the concern is whether or not there are enough funds available within this resource.  Officers predict as far as they can, where and if funding is needed, which may then mean curtailing other project work.

Councillor Langridge raised the issue of Wood Green School, which went from being classed as outstanding to in special measures.  He queried whether the Council had been at some fault in failing to spot the decline, but received an assurance that officers were now confident there is less risk of this situation being repeated due to new data analysis procedures.

RESOLVED:  to note the report.

12.20pm

Allyson Milward, Academies Manager to provide an update on outcomes of the Academies Programme in 2013, including information on which schools have converted, which schools are in the consultation stages and which schools have yet to convert (ESC9).

The Committee had before them the report of the Director for Children’s Services on the End of Year (2013), Academies Programme.  Allyson Milward, Academies Manager, informed the Committee that 2013 had seen a steady stream of conversions within Oxfordshire.  There was now a tendency for schools to convert in groups, but there had also been significant variations in conversion rates.

By April 2015, it is anticipated that 40-50% of existing schools will be academies, as well as the newly-formed academies specialising for children with specific educational needs i.e. children with autism.  Officers have built new relationships, learning to work with new academies in different ways.  It was reported that groups of schools converting at the same time were easier to deal with.

During discussion it was noted that there is a slower take-up from the primary sector, as they are unsure of the benefits offered by conversion to academy status.  There was a tendency for schools to become defensive as essential services i.e.  HR, legal and insurance provision, are withdrawn by the Council.  Schools appear to have more confidence buying in these services as part of a group.  It was observed that conversion to academy status was effectively driven by secondary schools in the county.  The average cost to the Council of a school converting was £10,000, although this was a crude figure.  There are three staff members who cover advice on HR, legal issues, finance and property issues.  Issues such as buildings transfers, although detailed, are now involving more standardised processes and procedures.

Concern was also raised that Carillion were carrying out assessments within schools for works required in order to provide Free School Meals.  Carillion would then later be the contractor carrying out those works.  It was noted that appropriate checks and measures were in place in order to minimise misuse in this process.  The Committee noted that there would be a written question to Council on this matter from Councillor Stratford.

In respect of paragraph 17 of the report, it was noted that the new academies would impact massively on Capital Funding in terms of places.  Tyndale Community Primary School would extract capacity from Oxford schools, whilst Heyford Park School had secondary capacity.  The Committee also heard that the MacIntyre Academy, for Autistic Children, plans to have places for 25 students, with 8-10 residential places.

Ms Milward confirmed that the Education Funding Agency (EFA) had written to the Council confirming the adjustments to Capital Funding, but there was essential work on-going with regards to this matter.  Councillor Waine requested that this letter be brought to the next meeting of the Committee, as there were major issues surrounding this and funding under Section 102.

The Committee also considered what could be done to encourage more bodies to sponsor schools, and heard that officers were working towards growing a pool of local sponsors.  Some applications were currently with the DfE, in relation to primary and secondary academies, and the Council had placed advertisements in Schools News for speakers as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6/14

12.30pm

The Committee are to receive an update on behalf of the Ofsted Framework Select Committee Working Group (ESC10).

12.40pm

The Committee are to receive an update on behalf of the Attainment Working Group (ESC11).

The Committee considered the recommendations of the Attainment Working Group, from their meeting on the 6^th February 2014.  It was noted with regards to paragraph 5 that the primary sector needed to be looked at, and the Committee supported the continuation of the Attainment Working Group.

12.50am

An opportunity for the Committee to discuss and prioritise future topics, potential approaches to its work and to discuss the schedule for future meetings (ESC12).