The Strategic Director of Children’s Services will present an initial report on the performance of Bradford’s Children and Young People in Key Stage tests and exams for 2016 (Document “O”).

 Recommended -

(1)          That Overview and Scrutiny Committee receive this initial report on the performance of Bradford’s Children and Young People in Key Stage tests and exams for 2016 (Document “O”).

(2)       Further reports be provided as the Local Authority receives further published data from the DfE.

                                                                                    (Judith Kirk – 01274 431078)

The Strategic Director of Children’s Services presented an initial report on the performance of Bradford’s Children and Young People in Key Stage tests and exams for 2016 (Document “O”).

It was reported that in respect of Early Years, outcomes year on year had increased for 5 year olds.  Key measures of Good Level of Development (GLD) had increased since 2013.  The gap between Bradford and national had continued to close by a further 1%.  There were some aspects that needed to improve.  The gap between boys and girls had closed by 3% where it had previously been widening.  Children that were disadvantaged, based on eligibility for free school meals, had not seen an improvement since 2013 however this year the gap had closed between those eligible for free school meals and those who were not.  Final validated results would be received on 20 October. 

The following responses were made to member questions regarding Early Years:

·        Members would be provided with information on whether the introduction of universal infant free school meals had effected the rate of registration.

·        Improved outcomes were being observed for those children that the authority was aware were eligible and claiming benefit.

·        Eligible 2 year olds had been able to take up places for the last 3 years and if they were in quality provision this improved their outcomes.

·        The stability of the provider was also the key.

·        The impact of 2, 3 and 4 year olds taking up provision and the improved quality of the provision had been noted.   Ofsted rating of good and outstanding had increased from 60% to 80-85%.

·        A reduction in the difference between the attainment of girls and boys had resulted from specific targeted work in schools identifying where the gap was widening or staying the same.

·        The follow up report would include a breakdown by ethnicity.

·        Specific children in children’s centres and schools were being targeted and specific targeted programmes were being rolled out and this was starting to have an impact.

·        A module had been rolled out on male role models and carers which was run by the fatherhood institute and was targeted at schools with a growing gap between attainment levels of girls and boys.  In some schools the gap had closed or boys were out performing girls.  Case studies were included in a publication issued to all schools to highlight effective action that could be taken.

·        The Deputy Director of Children’s Services agreed to take up  with health colleagues the concerns of a member about the length of time between referral  for speech and language therapy and receiving an appointment.

It was reported that in respect of Primary schools, 29 schools and 8 academies had been targeted and monitored.  Schools were being sign posted to those that were doing well.  It was emphasised that the improvement was sector led.  In Key stage 1 a comparison could not be made with previous years, however in reading, writing and maths there was an indication that the gap was closing between national and Bradford.  Credit was given to the heads of primary schools and practitioners.

The following responses were made to member questions regarding Primary schools:

·        A meeting had taken place with representatives from the national literacy hub in London.  Schools would be asked what they would do to improve reading in Bradford in particular to get parents and partners involved.  Focus would be on particular groups such as white working class  and Asian women to encourage parents to read by finding things that they liked to read.

With reference to the Secondary sector, Members of the Committee discussed their experiences of the impact that the introduction of progress 8 was having on the number of vocational subjects that were being offered.  Evidence of whether there had been a narrowing of choice was requested for a future meeting.

A response was given to a member question as to whether focusing on floor standards was having an adverse impact on some children and it was noted that the data was being analysed and schools were being asked what they would need to do to address this.

In response to a member question about disparity between predicted grades and GCSE results it was noted that in the last 2 years issues regarding grade boundaries had led to less certainty in some schools.

With reference to the variation in Post 16 outcomes it was emphasised that the whole school community was key to getting the best possible Post 16 outcomes. 

Resolved –

(1)       That the report on the improved performance of Bradford’s children be welcomed.

(2)       That a further report be presented to the Committee in March 2017 which will contain the validated data and include the additional information as requested by the Committee.

(3)       That the Committee requests a report on the work of the  Education Improvement Board.

Action:            Strategic Director of Children’s Services