Members are asked to consider whether they have any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or any other relevant interest in connection with any item(s) on this agenda and, if so, to declare them and state the nature of the interest.

Councillor Wendy Clements declared a Non Pecuniary interest by virtue of her employment in an early years setting.

Mrs Nicola Smith declared a Non Pecuniary interest by virtue of her son attending St George’s Primary School.

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting held on 4 December, 2013.

The Strategic Director Transformation and Resources submitted the minutes of the meeting held on 4 December, 2013.

Resolved – That the minutes be received.

Sue Talbot, Strategic Service Manager, gave an overview of Ofsted inspections since November 2013 and responded to members questions.

Members received a pack of published results relating to New Brighton Primary School, Castleway Primary School, Sandbrook Primary School, Fender Primary School; Moreton Christ Church Cof E Primary School; Thingwall Primary School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Birkenhead, St George’s Primary School, Hoylake Holy Trinity CofE Primary School, Holy Cross Catholic Primary School and The Mosslands School.  It was reported that 87% Primary Schools had received good or better outcome, 64% of Secondary Schools had received a good or better outcome and 92% special/alternative provision schools had received a good or better outcome.

Sue Talbot further outlined the current position regarding the schools that had been inspected since September 2013 up to February 28 2014 and highlighted  the changes to the Ofsted procedures noting that the framework had been revised 4 times in September, common themes for downgraded schools, schools in special measures update, HMI monitoring visits and schools requiring improvement.  Members were also provided with details of schools that had received an Ofsted inspection showing positive, negative or maintained outcomes since their previous inspection.

Resolved – That;

1)  Sue Talbot be thanked for the report.

2)  the report be noted.

Presentation – Paul Smith 14 - 19 Strategy Manager

Paul Smith, 14-19 Strategy Manager, presented a report to the Sub Committee on Post - 16 Standards and responded to members questions.  The report outlined Post – 16 Transition and gave details of post 16 Performance Headlines. including Headline Performance Measures, Average QCA points per pupil – A Level and equivalent provision (Schools, Academies and Birkenhead Sixth Form College), Average QCA points per entry – A Level and equivalent provision (Schools, Academies and Birkenhead Sixth Form College),2013 Full Level 3 A- Level Grade Boundary Analysis, Non A Level Full Level 3 Curriculum Performance, Apprenticeship success rates for young people aged 16-18 and highlighted the key challenges for 2014/2015.

Resolved – That

1)  Paul Smith be thanked for the report.

2)  the report be noted.

Presentation – Paul Smith 14 - 19 Strategy Manager

Vivian Stafford, Strategic Service Manager, presented a report on Raising of the participation age 16-18 NEET and participation.  The report outlined Headline NEET – young people aged 16 to 18 (National Indicator 117), Headline Participation – young people 16 to 18 and the 2012/13 post - 16 Learning Landscape and key NEET interventions.  Information packs including a review of Wirral young people NEET September 2013 to August 2013 were also circulated to members of the Committee.

Resolved – That

1)  Vivian Stafford be thanked for the report.

2)  the report be noted.

The Attainment Sub Committee considered ‘Back to school – Ways for scrutiny to influence local education and support school leaders to improve results’. a publication produced via a collaboration between the Local Government Association (LGA) and Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS).

Members noted that in Blackpool the Scrutiny Committee had appointed a Review Panel to undertake scrutiny of education matters that included the consideration of school performance information and Ofsted Inspection Reports. The Review Panel met approximately six times per year and considered up to four schools at each meeting.

Resolved – That the Joint CFPS and LGA Report ‘Back to School’ be included in the work programme for future consideration by the Attainment Sub Committee in the next municipal year.

Resolved - That detailed consideration of the Attainment Sub Committee’s work programme be considered in the new municipal year.

Resolved – That with the agreement of the Party Spokespersons and subject to the new Committee cycle, the date of next meeting of the Attainment Sub Committee be arranged in the new municipal year.

It being the last meeting of the municipal year Councillor Wendy Clements thanked everyone for their hard work and attendance at the Attainment Sub Committees.

Councillor Moira McLachlan, on behalf of the Committee, also thanked the Chair for her work on the Sub Committee.