Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the previous scrutiny review on Exam Results.

RECEIVED the report as introduced by Libby Blake – Director of Children’s Services – and Avi Becker – Business Intelligence Manager – on the analyses of school results at the end of the Foundation stage, Key Stages 1, 2, 4 and Post 16 for 2011.

NOTED the following points of discussion:

·        Councillor Ejiofor commented that although there were many ‘good news stories’, the report was 121 pages long and it would be useful to have a few ‘headline’ stories.

·        Concerns were raised over the number of schools ‘falling beneath the floor’ and requested information on which schools were affected and what strategies were in place to combat this.  It would be useful for Ward Councillors to be informed if these schools were in their wards.  It was agreed that this information would be provided to relevant Ward Councillors.  (Action 122.1) Councillor Ejiofor

·        Councillor Ejiofor referred to the difference in attainment for black children and asked whether this was across the whole Borough or in specific areas.  This had been raised when discussing the last report, but no information had been provided.  It was agreed that this analysis would be provided.  (Action 122.2) Councillor Ejiofor

·        Information was requested on ‘Link Officers’.  (Action 122.3) Councillor Waters

·        The East-West gap has been of concern in the past, with schools in the West of the borough achieving more 5 GCSE A-C passes than schools in the East of the borough.  The gap has been closing over the past few years, although further support was required to close the gap further.

·        The topic of Scrutiny Panels being introduced was raised and it was suggested that the achievements of Looked After Children could be looked at in more detail, as could the impact of school improvements on a local area.

RESOLVED that the report be noted and the actions above be reported back to Committee Members.