Mark Parkinson presented his annual report from the Enjoy and Achieve outcome group.  Mark noted there was good progress at each key stage, with room for further improvement at KS1 and KS5.

Mark added that although the Narrowing the Gap (NTG) measures for KS4 is above 30%, the overall performance at KS4 is top quartile nationally, ranking Wirral the 18^th LA in England.  Mark added that the challenge to raise attainment for children with FSM is multiple and complex issue which needs a multi-partnership approach.  He added that the KS4 5 A*-C (English and maths) is a keystone in children then progressing to better outcomes further on in life.

Speech and language therapists are working with schools as an advice and consultancy service in school.  This service effectively triages concerns about speech plus language issues.

The MEAS and music service have been revised.

David Armstrong added that the NTG area was highlighted at post 16 in the OFSTED letter.  Mark noted at KS4 the “100 club” worked with 100 FSM children who were at risk of not achieving KS4 5 A*-C (including English and maths).  Additional funding and support was targeted to these children.  The gap narrowed by a further 1% above what was expected.  The “100 club” project will be revised and repeated.

Kathryn Podmore asked if a similar project was being used for KS5.  Mark noted that work with KS5 is in place.  The “100 club” type project is being considered at KS5 however, there is much less resources to implement this.

Mark noted that the SEN Greenpaper will be a priority area over the coming months.

Key challenges ahead include:-

  -  Implementation of Education Bill

  -  Ensure EQ continues to meet needs.

  -  Impact of budgets challenges.

  -  Narrowing the Gap.

  -  Consider impact/implementations of Munro Review.

Key risks include:-

  -  Implication of reduction in staff.

  -  Implications of Academies.

  -  ICT infrastructure and support

David Armstrong noted the number of primary children at risk of permanent exclusion from school has increased.  Mark noted that a managed moves policy was in place in secondary schools where schools undertake preventative work to support children before escalation to a move or exclusion. This process is under development in the Primary sector. Julia Hassall added that these children are often referred by primary schools for behavioural issues to CAF and TAC meetings.

Mark noted that three case studies are available in the report for colleagues to read these include Step into Leisure, Discovery CLC, Education Quality and an SEN case study.

SWAT Analysis

  Strengths:  Improvements at EY and FS

  Improved KS2, KS4 and Post 16

  Weakness:  Registration at Children’s Centres

  Free School Meal Gap at KS4

  Behavioural issues emerging

  Opportunities:  SEN Green Paper

  Education Act

  Threats:  Budget constraints

  Capacity

  Economic climate

  Implications of increased Academies

Councillor McLachlan thanked Mark and his team for all their work in this area.  Councillor McLachlan asked that a referral pathway for behavioural issues is developed between CTB partners and that “behaviour” is brought back to a future meeting.

Resolved:  The board note the report.