Agenda item

To report on the further development of post 16 provision within the borough, including 6th form provision and the vocational offer, and progress with the implementation of the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review on Youth Transition

David Grant, School Improvement Adviser in the Children and Young People’s Service, reported on progress with the implementation of the recommendations of the Panel’s review on youth transition and the development of post 16 provision within the borough.

He reported that the Academy of Excellence in Tottenham was aiming to accept 175 admissions this year and 700 overall in the coming years and would be occupying the previous Tottenham UTC building.  Haringey 6^th Form College was enjoying improved academic results.  It provided a range of courses, including GCSE re-sits and vocational options. 

The Panel noted that the percentage of young people who went to university in 2016 in the Hornsey constituency was now 43%.  It was 29% in the Tottenham constituency but this was 50% higher than it had been 10 years ago.  There were no existing school 6^th forms in Tottenham but this was now changing with the new Harris Academy.  The largest provider in Tottenham was the Haringey 6^th Form College.  ADA, the National Digital Skills College had opened in September 2016 and, in addition, the London Academy of Excellence would open in September 2017. 55% of young people went outside the borough for their 6^th form education but they tended to perform less well than those who remained in-borough.  The out of borough provision that young people accessed was mainly determined by their reputation, peer groups and transport links. 

Mr Grant reported that there was unfilled capacity at the Haringey 6^th Form College.  There were currently 800 young people on roll but a further 400 could be accommodated. A lot of work had been undertaken by the new Principal to develop good links with schools.  The destinations of students and “added value” statistics were both good and standards were improving. However, there was an unwarranted negative perception of the Centre that was proving difficult to overcome. 

A Panel Member expressed concern in respect of behavioural issues in respect of students that had previously been encountered at the College.  Mr Abbey reported that 4 years ago the College had been rated as “requires improvement” by Ofsted.  In the last two years, improvements had taken place and it was now rated as “good”.  Despite the progress made, changing perceptions was challenging.  However, there was now a wider range of choices for post 16 in Tottenham than in previous years.  He agreed to bring the issues that had been raised in respect of Haringey 6^th Form College to the attention of the College’s trustees.

In answer to a question, Mr Grant reported that there was a wide range of provision available for children with special educational needs and disabilities, although facilities varied between colleges.  With a suitable health and education plan and support, it was possible for young people to study at all levels.

Vicky Clark, Assistant Director of Development and Growth, reported that the demographics of those who attended the recent careers fair at Alexandra Palace had not been specifically monitored as this would have not been practical.  However, it appeared that a larger proportion of attendees had come from the west of the borough and approximately a third had come from Tottenham.  There was a need to improve marketing and, in addition, consideration could be given to alternating venues to different locations across the borough. 

In respect of apprenticeships, she stated that the reputation of these had been poor but was now improving.  The Economic Development Team nevertheless needed to do more to promote them and work was taking place to achieve this. There were a lot of small businesses within the borough and apprenticeships could be more difficult for them to administer than larger organisations.  It was also important that schools promoted apprenticeships more effectively.  The Panel noted that a member of the Economic Development Team worked closely with schools and their careers advisers to ensure that suitable options were provided for young people.  Work also took place with the College of North East London.  There was also a particular need for young people to develop employability skills to enable them to stay in employment.  Case studies of the experiences of young people and employers were being developed and work was taking place with The Voice newspaper to promote these. 

Councillor Weston, the Cabinet Member for Children, reported that post 16 was a complex area and better co-ordination was required.  Young people were happy to travel and this included across the borough as well as outside.  Significant numbers of young people from the east of the borough attended provision in the west.  Councillor Ayisi, the Cabinet Member of Communities, reported that the issues in Haringey were not dissimilar to those experienced elsewhere.  Those young people who attended colleges tended to adjust better to university life.  There was a need to engage more effectively with employers in respect of apprenticeships and ensure that there was clarity on entry requirements.

AGREED

That the Director of Children’s Services be requested to bring the concerns expressed by the Panel Members in respect of historic behavioural issues at Haringey 6^th Form College to the attention of the College’s trustees.