Agenda item

Members queried the relevance of the information provided in the league tables.  Officers advised that the figures are issued by Welsh Government.  What is required is a clear statement of aspiration – Cardiff is a global city and as a capital city Cardiff should be compared with other cities; there needs to be a move away from a comparison with the other 21 authorities in Wales. 

Members expressed concern that although there is a slight improvement in the results for children who are looked after, there is still a long way to go, and there are still concerns about children who are looked after who are placed out of county, particularly with reference to their education.  The Cabinet Member advised that it is important that Cardiff delivers for all its children who are looked after including those here from out of county who are in Cardiff.  Officers believe that there are issues with the way additional funding is allocated.  It should follow the child and the educational plan.  Until the allocation of funding changes it is important to try support the system we are in, it is important that funds need to be used more appropriately.  There has to be alignment between the authorities and everyone has to be committed to having the best education.

Members asked about the online readiness tool and were advised that it was based on Kotter’s theory of change which is an 8 step process.  Members were advised that Cardiff is currently on track bearing in mind the draft curriculum was released in April.

Members queried where or not the consortium would have expected schools to have picked up on any issues if nothing had been picked up in the last 3 inspections, and where advised that it can happen, the reports can be very subjective but by and large there are not many surprises. Officers advised that joint meetings take place between the local authority and the consortium where each school is considered from HR through to school improvement and pedagogy.  There is now particular focus yellow and green schools to work preventatively so that there are no surprises.

Members noted the importance of consistently good teaching and a rich and well programmed suite of additional learning experiences for pupils. Engagement with businesses and employers is deliberately targeted at schools in lessor advantaged areas.

Members asked whether there was now more movement in senior leadership posts.  The Development Officer indicated that there were more professional development opportunities with the School Improvement Groups.

Members discussed whether there was a collective steer on homelessness and sofa surfing.  It was noted that whilst the picture in relation to NEET’s is good, it is still an issue for the city.  Nationally the number of children in temporary housing is increasing.

Members were advised that there is an increasing trend in elective home education but that those figures are not contained within the EOTAS figures.  It was noted that there has been an increase in the number of less than 5 days exclusions in the primary sector and Members queried whether there was any trend or pattern.  Officers advised that some of the growth of elective home education covers the children that are not wanted by schools.

Members queried whether the loss of Minority Ethnic Achievement Grant would affect those schools with a higher proportion of ethnic minority groups, specifically Romany and Gypsy Traveller groups.  The Director advised that whilst there has been some shift in the view held by Welsh Government politicians are still lobbying Welsh Government on this issue.  Sometimes one model of delivery many not the right for every authority.

Members queried how actively the Consortium was involved with School Governing Bodies and were advised by CR (Senior Challenge Advisory) that initially not enough – whilst training had been given it did not mean that they operated as they should.  However, there have been reviews of Governing Bodies, an action plan has been created and then a further review has been taking place.  Whilst that course of action is proving to be effective there is still more to be done.