The Director of Children’s Services submitted a standards report on the levels of attainment for children in Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

For Early Years Foundation Stage it was reported thatthe percentage of children achieving a good level of development had increased by 16% to 63%. Free school meal pupils attainment had increased by 18.8%, so narrowing the gap.The number of Children Looked After had increased from last year. The percentage of children attaining a good level of development had decreased from 2013. Of the children set targets to achieve a good level of development 4 out of 6 had been successful.

For Key Stage 1 it was reported that the percentage of pupils achieving Level 2+ in speaking & listening, writing and mathematics had increased. Free school meal pupils’ attainment had increased in all areas so narrowing the free school meal gap. The percentage of Children Looked After achieving Level 2+ in speaking & listening, reading, writing and maths had increased.

For Key Stage 2 the percentage of pupils achieving Level 4+ in reading, writing and mathematics had increased. Free school meal pupils’ attainment had increased at a greater rate than non free school meal pupils so narrowing the gap. The percentage of Children Looked After achieving reading and writing had increased, however attainment in mathematics had decreased.

It was reported that the data stocktake for attainment at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 took place in August each year. The data at this time was unvalidated and as such considered to be provisional. A data sharing protocol had been agreed across the 23 North West local authorities so that comparisons could be made, strengths celebrated and collaboration where there were similar areas for development across local authorities.

Where national data for 2014 was available it had been provided in the tables to make benchmark comparisons. Where 2014 data would not be unavailable until statistical releases in November and December 2014, national data for 2013 had been used.

The Children & Young People’s Plan 2013 – 2016 priorities translated into two key areas;-

·  Close the attainment gap between pupils in receipt of free school meals and other pupils

·  Increase the attainment for children who are looked after

Results showed a dramatic increase from 2013. Currently the results ranked Wirral 3^rd out of 23 North West local authorities with attainment being above the national average.

Members were provided with results for EYFS, KS1 and KS2 as an overview by Constituency, by a comparison of Free School Meals (FSM) and Non Free School Meal Pupils, a comparison of Attainment of Boys and Girls, Black Minority Ethnic (BME) & English as an additional Language (EAL), Children Looked After and Floor Targets. Areas for development were highlighted.

In response to questions from Members Sue Talbot commented that a small team of early intervention managers were looking at what issues each school has.  The team has gone into schools and looked at provision and had visited over 20 different schools.  Members also expressed concern as to how schools would claim Pupil Premium now that all KS1 pupils were to be given free lunches at schools. Sue Talbot responded that schools would be proactive and Headteachers would encourage families to complete the relevant forms in order to increase the schools’ budgets.

Resolved – That the report be noted.