A report presented by James Backhouse, Assistant Director for Education set out a Summary of Standards 2022 and gave information about provisional pupil outcomes. A detailed analysis for the pupil outcomes at the age of 5 (Good level of development), age of 6 (Phonics assessment) the age of 7 (Key Stage 1 SATs) and at the age of 11 (Key Stage 2 SATs) were set out within the report and was appended

Members were informed how comparisons had been made with the results nationally wherever possible, however, many of the national results had not been published yet. Members were then advised how the statistical first releases are published in October 2022 and the report will be amended accordingly and shared with Members

The report provided a detailed analysis of pupil outcomes and gave a first indication of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education of young people.  embers heard how the standards report and educational outcomes will be linked to the refresh of the priorities in relation to the school improvement strategy and the re-banding of schools across Wirral to identify needing support.

Of particular note to address some of the concerns identified within the report , Members heard how the Local Authority had secured the services of a nationally renowned expert on  early years development who will visit schools and early years settings.

It was reported that there has been a decline in children reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths assessments by 12.1% and this is in line with the national gap and experts have been sought to address this. It was then reported that only half of young people are at the expected standard in year 6 before they begin their transition to secondary school and resources would be concentrated to combat this.

Members were then advised how a further key focus has been surrounding mathematics as children obtaining the expected standard had declined significantly against national trend and intensive work is being undertaken with schools

In response to a question by a Member it was reported how methods and approaches of delivering the teaching of mathematics would be reviewed in line with the remit of the national curriculum. In response to a further query it was explained how children who are electively home educated are likely to not have undertaken the assessments referred to within the report and therefore their progress wouldn’t be included in the figures provided.

Resolved -  That

(1)  the report be noted; and

(2)  the services’ planned refresh of the school improvement strategy based on the outcome outlined be supported.