To receive a verbal presentation.

A presentation by the Lead Commissioner for Schools informed Members of the Wirral Schools Strategy. It was reported that the Chief Executive had requested a strategic view of the education offer/provision. Members heard that at this stage, all school leaders had been given the opportunity to complete an online questionnaire in July 2016 and that a steering group is to be set up by the end of September to determine strategy priorities. A strategy went out for consultation in January 2017.

Members were advised that in response to the consultation, a total of 58 schools had responded (40 Primary, 11 secondary and 7 special schools). Responses had been broken down by locality (Birkenhead 34.5%, Wallasey 27.3%, and South and West Wirral 38%). Major priorities identified were for pupils to achieve well and improve outcomes. Main barriers to pupils doing well in school were identified as

a)  As issues in the home (56.3%);

b)  Low expectations from family (47.9%); and

c)  Mental health issues of parents (39.6%)

Pupil groups identified as a priority for improvement were explained alongside support to improve teaching and learning. Members heard how the best way to support vulnerable pupils were early intervention/ family support (55.5%) were highlighted as the best way to support vulnerable adults. Services that were felt could make the biggest impact were: parenting support, education psychology, speech and language therapy and advice and support from the early help team.

Members then heard how barriers to progress for children looked after were ranked as:

a)  Mental health issues of pupils;

b)  Change of placement;

c)  Low aspirations of foster carers;and

d)  Contact visits

The Lead Commissioner for Schools explained Aims of the strategy to the Committee and described what she anticipated success to look like. Aims were identified as follows into three broad priorities:

·  Ensure all of Wirral’s children and young people attend schools which are judged as ‘good’ or better by Ofsted.

·  Raise the aspiration of children and young people with a particular focus on Wirral’s most vulnerable pupils, so they are ready to learn, resilient to change and have the skills and confidence to lead successful lives.

·  Ensure all Wirral’s children and young people are educated in the school which is right for them and best meets their needs.

Members heard how some examples of how success would be measured were as follows:

·  Every family will have the opportunity to send their child to a good or outstanding local school, full-time education, or college.

·  Mainstream schools will be equipped to support more children and young people with additional educational, mental health or physical health needs.

·  More pupils in Wirral will achieve a good level at GCSE in English and mathematics.

·  Every young person will leave school with nationally recognised qualifications and a clear destination to continue their development through an apprenticeship, further study or employment.

·  Every young person is ready for work .

Members were then informed that in order to successfully implement the strategy responsibility lay upon School and School Leaders, School to School Partnership Board, Locality Boards and the Local Authority in order to achieve the three broad priorities (as identified above).

Resolved – That the Lead Commissioner for Schools be thanked for her presentation