Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor John Oswell; and Councillor Jem Duducu who was substituted by Councillor Judy Kelly.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were none.

It was confirmed that all items were in Part I and would be heard in public.

RESOLVED -

(1)  That the minutes of the meeting held on 1 March 2017 be confirmed as a correct record of the meeting, subject to amending the word school to service in the minutes from Work Programme (Agenda item 9); and

(2)  That a Member wished it to be recorded that there was a quick turnaround in writing the minutes and that the minutes were of a high standard of quality.

The Committee noted that there had been no response to the Local Authority's request for information and comment via the Head Teacher's survey from the Chief Executives of any local Multi Academy Trusts.

Following the meeting on 1 March 2017, some Committee Members met and discussed the results from the head teacher surveys. The Committee Members concluded that the surveys highlighted some important issues which could be addressed. There was a clear indication that many schools were happy with the services provided by Local Authority. An example of these included the service of admissions, the SEND team and safeguarding. The results of the surveys received so far will be incorporated into the final major review report.

The Committee considered recommendations for the major review. The Committee discussed recommendations around the themes of having a single point of contact; the relationship between the Local Authority and the Regional Schools Commissioner; professional development training for school governors; school outcome performance; conversion transistion and school improvement frameworks. 

During the Committee's discussions, the following points were reported:

·         A single point of contact for school enquiries would be good and useful. It was noted that the nature of enquiries varied which meant that it would be difficult to have a central contact point that covered every matter raised. Practically, most schools knew who to contact for assistance. Other boroughs published a list of contact details for officers for the different types of enquiries raised.

·         There was question around the stability of the administrative capacity in overseeing the single point of contact.

·         Difficult and sensitive messages are easier to deliver when they are done early and clearly. This ensures transparency and openness.

·         The bi-monthly head teacher briefings should remain as they are viewed as being useful by headteachers.

·         The Local Authority had invested time in developing the Schools Strategic Partnership Board which was proving to be a positive piece of work and should play be  key role in driving improvements in education standards in Hillingdon.

·         Not all maintained schools had made a decision about converting to academies to date. It is recognised that there will need to be sufficient support  offered so that maintained schools can call on resources to explore or support conversion if they deem it right for their setting.

·         The Regional Schools Commissioner has a limited resource and a large number of schools to oversee. It is necessary for the The Regional Schools Commissioner  to be clear about their role, responsibilities and their ability to access and delegate resources to effect improvement in academies.

·         It is recognised that the quality of governance varies in both maintained and academy/free schools throughout the Borough.

·         The Committee was concerned that training for school govenors is not compulsory and highlighted that the ability to act as a critical friend is important. 

·         Outstanding governance is  key for school improvement and the Council recognises the importance of recruiting and retaining high quality governors .

·         There is clear progress being made in terms of school attainment levels, particularly at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

The Committee noted that an updated report had been submitted by the Hillingdon CCG, however were not able to attend. The Committee deferred the agenda item to the next meeting.

RESOLVED -

1.    That the agenda item be deferred to the next meeting on 12 April 2017; and

2.    That the Chairman of the Childrens Young People & Learning write a letter requesting an officer from the CCG to attend and present the report.

The Committee noted that the School Capital Programme was going well. It commended the positive news that the Local Authority had offered every resident child a school place.

RESOLVED -

1)    That the cabinet forward plan was noted.

The Committee noted that the Service Improvement Plan was signed off in March 2016 and since then work had been conducted as "business as usual".  Following consultation with the Chairman of the POC, it was agreed that childrens' work could be scrutinised as part of the rest of the Local Authority's work. Officers are working on a Service Improvement Plan for 2017/2018.

RESOLVED -

1)    That the work programme be noted; and

2)    That there is an update on the School Improvement Plan as part of the 2017/2018 work programme.