Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Education, Work and Skills.

The report provides an overview of the new expectations on schools, Local Authorities, trusts, and governing boards examine the extent to which Stockport has made progress in line with the expectations as set out in the guidance and outline next steps.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to note the report.

Officer contact: Katie Cooper | 01614744160 | katie.cooper@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Education, Work and Skills submitted a report (copies of which were circulated) providing an overview of the new expectations on schools, Local Authorities, trusts, and governing boards examine the extent to which Stockport has made progress in line with the expectations as set out in the guidance and outline next steps.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members enquired about the ‘virtual school’ and the responsibility of ‘children with a social worker’. In response, it was commented that a grant had been awarded for extended duties for the ‘virtual school’ and the team were well placed to take on the extended duties.

·         Concern was expressed relating to school absences and mental health but welcomed the details in the report and the work being done.

·         Clarification was sought relating to ongoing training and guidance for the model to continue to succeed. It was noted that the tools are updated and it is monitored annually to ensure it is refreshed.

·         Additional resource has also been made available in schools to support mental health in schools.

·         It was stated that the education supervisions orders tool would be explored to support schools and parents and interventions but would be improved on in comparison to the national picture.

·         Members sought clarification on the disparity between effective partnerships for some schools and the learning being proposed in the report. In response it was noted that the core of the school model was working with the schools and it was continuing to be evolved.

·         Members enquired about the children from ‘out of borough’ who attended Stockport Schools and the data. In response, it was stated that this continues to be monitored and with key partners meeting the needs of those children. Data was also being reviewed, but Stockport was able to segregate the levels relating to children from out of borough attending Stockport schools and this information could be made available in the autumn.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Director of Education provide the data relating to children from ‘out of borough’ who attended Stockport Schools in the autumn.