Agenda item

Leah Adams, Head of Early Years & School Effectiveness presented the report to the committee and confirmed that today’s report is a preliminary report; and extensive report is due to be presented to the committee at the meeting in April 2025.

The committee noted that work is continuing in relation to the levels of engagement across the county.  The team currently works effectively with thirty-three academies across Warwickshire.  It was noted that seven academies have 100% of their schools in Warwickshire; and all but one are secondary schools.

It was confirmed that from the 1^st September 2024, the overall effectiveness grade was removed and that meant that some schools in the county went without an OFSTED inspection.  This has led to the team reporting on a new measure; that is looking at the proportions of schools who have not received a sub-judgement and then tracking the schools who are under performing in relation to school outcomes.  This is a very comprehensive way of reporting to the committee how all the schools are doing. 

In relation to section three of the report, it was noted that work on the school effectiveness strategy has been paused because of changes that are due in respect of OFSTED and potential changes within the Department for Education.  The committee was pleased to note that although work on the strategy has been paused, the team is still working closely with stakeholders and academies to build and maintain close relationships.

In relation to the School Approach Team, Leah Adams confirmed that work is underway to move away from responding to a crisis; to trying to get to know the schools earlier, before any concerns are raised and therefore preventing crisis.  The team is working to join up with other agencies to get a better understanding of how the school works before they need extra support with attainment.  One thing that, as a local authority, council officers can do, is provide data and information that schools can use to improve performance.

In relation to section four of the report, it was confirmed that most of the Early Years settings in Warwickshire have been rated Good or Outstanding by OFSTED.  There is a wide range of diversity across the settings, and some significant challenges for our quality standards and safeguarding team to ensure that all children are being reached so this is positive news to report.  In addition, it was noted that there are early indications for improvement because of the positive work being done in connection with early intervention for speech and language that will help to close attainment gaps.

In relation to exclusions, alternative provision and severe absenteeism, it was noted that the team has moved into a model of working that is at a more local district and borough level.  This provides clearer data intelligence for the team to be able to work with; and allows smoother interactions with difficult or challenging conversations.  The team has two meetings to enable this; one is purely about the data and identifying areas that need to be address and then the second meeting will be a direct feed at a more local level to see the right people about specific, local issues.

In relation to the Virtual School, it was confirmed that the outcomes were positive this year and there is a lot of work underway to further improve relationships and get teams working even closer together.  This will result in making services more stable, offering a more stable placement for a child.

Councillor Penny-Anne O’Donnell thanked the officers for their report and commented that it had been good to see the non-silo approach to education.  Councillor O’Donnell asked what success would look like for Warwickshire and it was confirmed that it will be reflected in collaboration with other agencies, and creating positive outcomes to help close the gap.  There are plans for lessons learnt activities; with the lived experiences of children and families at the heart of it.

Following a question from Councillor Jill Simpson-Vince in relation to key stage 2 results, it was noted by the committee that there are no concerns about the quality of the schools in certain areas; however, it was further noted that there are some complex issues involved in areas in Rugby.  Officers are working very closely with colleagues linked to SEND and inclusion; and partnership meetings are being used as an area to focus on this.  Members were invited to attend partnership meetings if they felt they would be helpful, and it was agreed that members would appreciate being part of some meetings.

It was confirmed that the school effectiveness offer has allowed officers to provide a nuance relationship across all schools.  Teachers can see what support is available and which teams will rally around them; this will enhance already positive relationships. 

It is clearer for academies; where leaders have been very welcoming in the provision of the data available to them and the support they get.  The best way forward for the children in the strength of the relationships we are creating. 

Councillor Tim Sinclair asked a question in relation to the potential new gradings for OFSTED inspections.  It was confirmed that designs for a ‘report card’ are currently being investigated and that there may be as many as ten sub-judgements. There is also a lot of research in to the definition of vulnerable leaners to focus on how inclusive school settings are going to be for these learners. 

The committee noted that there is a lot still to confirm, but it will be in place by September 2025.  Training and information for members will be provided nearer the time. 

The Chair thanked all the officers involved for the report stating it had been fantastic to see such enthusiasm across the teams and from the members. 

Recommendation

That the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider and comment on the performance of primary age children in Warwickshire’s state-funded schools in statutory national tests.