Agenda item

Constitution Changes - School Improvement Forum Terms of Reference

To consider the above report

Minutes:

Members considered amendments to the terms of reference for the School Improvement Forum.

 

Councillor Carroll explained that since he had become Lead Member in May he had focussed on the importance of every child, regardless of background or social circumstances, being able to access the best possible education. The School Improvement Forum, which he chaired, allowed for additional scrutiny in local schools and helped to identify how the council could best support schools in achieving better outcomes. He wished to refocus the Forum to make its key priority about disadvantaged children and how to remove barriers restricting optimal attainment. The current terms of reference focussed on Ofsted ratings, however 94% of borough schools were now rated Good or Outstanding; none were considered inadequate.  He wished to refocus the forum on disadvantaged children. He had discussed the proposal with Councillor Del Campo, the opposition representative on the forum, and confirmed that the changes would not mean other items could not be brought to the Forum. The idea was to set a clear priority and vision.

 

Councillor Del Campo thanked Councillor Carroll for the commitment to enable the forum to do other things. A focus on disadvantaged pupils was important but the 6% of schools not considered Good or Outstanding should not be forgotten; in addition other groups such as Gifted and Talented pupils also needed support.

 

Councillor Bhangra commented on his ward work alongside Councillor Carroll to support disadvantaged children.

 

Councillor Knowles commented that it was a fabulous idea to bring the terms of reference up to date. One of the key drivers was poverty. It would therefore be helpful if the forum could develop a whole support mechanism. The forum could also be a useful way of allocating additional SEND funding around the borough in consultation with headteachers.

 

Councillor Tisi stated that she was pleased with the changes. She highlighted that a number of schools had not been inspected for up to 10 years therefore it would be important to leave the option open if any slipped down the rankings. She also liked the fact that the forum met regularly.

 

Councillor Sharpe commented that it was wholly commendable to focus resources on supporting disadvantaged children to have the best start in life.

 

Councillor Coppinger commented that he was also a member of the Forum. As a former Chair of Governors at a primary school he had been pleased with the opportunity for political leaders to meet with educational leaders in the borough.

 

Councillor Davey asked who created the Inclusion Charter Mark referred to in the terms of reference.

 

Councillor Carroll commented that he was passionate about high performance. If needed, the forum would provide the time to address performance issues. Discussions over the Charter Mark had begun. The Corporate Parenting Forum already brought in Children in Care to get their views and he hoped this model could be developed for the School Improvement Forum.  He explained that the Schools Forum also brought headteachers together with the Director of Children’s Services, for holistic discussions. He was aware of the challenges to get those in the educational system to adopt a collaborative spirit. He would be happy to discuss the issues with those Members with experience.

 

Councillor McWilliams suggested all Members should encourage headteachers in their wards to attend the Schools Forum and input their views.

 

It was proposed by Councillor Carroll, seconded by Councillor McWilliams, and:

 

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: Thatfull Council notes the report and:

 

i)             Agrees the terms of reference for the School Improvement Forum as detailed in Appendix B.

Supporting documents: