To receive any apologies for absence.

No apologise for absence where given.  

To receive any Declarations of Interest.

Cllr Mark Wilson declared he was a co-chair on the board of governors at Windsor Boys School.

To confirm the Part I Minutes of the meeting held on 22nd of June 2023

Action: Minutes from the last meeting held on the 22^nd of June were approved unanimously.

To receive an update on the Updates on current draft key stage results

Clive Haines Schools Leadership Development Manager at RBWM Introduced the forum to the Updates on current draft key stage results. Councilor Mark Wilson asked Clive Hanes, how the data for the draft key stage was acquired. Clive Haines explained that the participating schools out in their own data to the local authority, he also highlighted that all the data apart from A Levels was publicly available.

Clive Haines gave an overview of the national picture, stating that:

•       In 2023, 30% of pupils at the end of key stage 2 were considered disadvantaged.

•       Attainment in reading has fallen compared to 2022 for both disadvantaged pupils and other pupils.

•       Attainment at the expected standard fell from 62% in 2022 to 60% in 2023 for disadvantaged pupils and from 80% to 78% for other pupils.

Clive Haines gave an update on key stage 2 results from the schools. Key stage 2 was the combined reading, writing and maths. The figures for RBWM demonstrated that despite falling after the Covid pandemic, RBWM figures remained above the national average both in 2022 and 2023. With RBWM averaging two percent above the national average, Clive Haines pointed out that this was in line with the pre pandemic results from 2019.

Clive Haines highlighted that with RBWM disadvantaged students in Key stage 2, their reading and writing had slipped from pre pandemic levels. While the disparity between the national average in 2019 had been closed, RBWM was still below the national average although as Clive Haines pointed out the gap had been closed.

Key stage one data broke down into reading, writing and maths. Reading above the national average, writing below the national and maths above the national average. Clive Haines concluded that RBWM was still on track to meets its obligations. For key stage one with disadvantaged students, that RBWM was below the national average when compared to 2022, however reading, writing and maths all went up in 2023. Clive Haines concluded that this showed the right path was being taken, despite the results being below the national average.

For phonics RBWM was above the national average by one percent, Clive Haines pointed out that all schools had seen a drop off in phonics. Clive Haines stated that the results show that the RBWM is roughly were it should be. For disadvantaged pupils, phonics where below the national average. However, Clive Haines stated that because of the pandemic RBWM, was on track with where it needed to be. 

For early years development, Clive Haines stated that RBWM has in line with national, he stated this was a good result because of the aftereffects of the pandemic. He also highlighted that early year development was important for the growth and development of the child. For disadvantaged students during early year development no national data is recorded, for RBWM data could not be compared to any other data set. However, RBWM had increased from forty two percent in 2022, to sixty three percent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 132.

To receive an update on the Context around disadvantaged Children and updates regarding Pupil Premium

Claire Murray stated that this was a big area of focus for RBWM. As disadvantaged pupils were growing nationally. Claire Murray stated that multiple factors caused children to have an educational disadvantage; children living in poverty, certain minority ethnic groups, emotional and or mental health problems and SEND (special education needs and disability).

Claire Murray explained that the Pupil Premium network is to provide support for schools in their support of disadvantaged students. This includes personalised learning for students who are disadvantaged.  Claire Murray pointed towards the Sutton Trust reports which stated:   

“The effects of high-quality teaching are especially significant for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds: over a school year, these pupils gain 1.5 years’ worth of learning with very effective teachers, compared with 0.5 years with poorly performing teachers.”

“In other words, for poor pupils the difference between a good teacher and a bad teacher is a whole year’s learning.”

Claire Murray stated that this was a long-term approach, with a targeted approach to schools in the borough. Both Claire Murray and Helen Daniels emphasized that the Pupil Premium funds are spent on high quality teaching and how schools can develop that system of teaching.  

The Chair expressed excitement about the new system. Cllr Wilson also said that it looked like excellent progress, ask how many schools had singed up to the new program. Most schools are signed up with support targeted. The Chair asked Clive Haines whether funding could be a possible barrier. Clive Haines stated that he was confident it would not be, and that RBWM could provide funding if the need arose.

To receive an update on the SEND update and Delivering Better Values programme

David Griffiths SEND Manager at Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead gave an update on SEND. David Griffiths stated that, 1,193 Education Health & Care Plans (increase of 10% over the past year - in line with the national trends). 264 requests submitted for an EHC Needs Assessment over the past year.

94% of EHC Needs Assessments completed within 20 weeks (national average is 54%)

42% of RBWM EHCPs have Autism as a primary need.

Responding to EHCP Annual Reviews in a timely way continues to be a significant challenge due to staff capacity and the high number of requests for changes of provision/placement.

The Chair congratulated the team on the speed of the EHC needs assessments, saying that it was incredibly impressive.

Helen Daniels presented the DBV update to the panel.  Now – January 2024: Coproducing the workstream (within the parameters set out in the DBV Plan submitted and agreed by the DfE)

•       January – April 2024: Creating the team (recruitment) and identifying pilot schools.

•       April – July 2024: work with pilot schools.

•       September 2024 – July 2025: Rolling out program to all RBWM schools.

Helen Daniels provided an update on the DBV going forward.

Now – January 2024: Coproducing the workstream (within the parameters set out in the DBV Plan submitted and agreed by the DfE)

January – April 2024: Creating the team (recruitment) and identifying pilot schools.

April – July 2024: work with pilot schools.

September 2024 – July 2025: Rolling out programme to all RBWM schools.

Helen Daniels stated that families had previously lacked confidence, she felt that the new system would provide greater confidence going forward. The Chair again congratulated the team, on their excellent work. Clive Haines noted the programme was delayed a year. Cllr Wilson asked for an example of how the DBV would work, Helen Daniels explained how the Boroughs experts would assist the school in assisting its students.

Clive Haines introduced Katie Worley the associate director of SEND, Katie Worley introduced herself expressing excitement about starting her new role at SEND. The Chair expressed excitement about Katie becoming head of SEND.

At 5pm and all via Zoom:

. Tuesday 6th February 2024

The Chair confirmed future dates for meetings. Tuesday 6^th February at 5pm via Zoom.