Agenda item

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 Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. It was noted that areas of concerns related to Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.

·         When results are published, and as outlined in the current Hillingdon Schools Improvement Plan, the Local Authority uses risk assessment processes and published results and inspections to target support and challenge activities in schools.   If there are concerns in maintained schools the Local Authority  works closely with them. In academies, concerns are raised the Regional Schools Commissioner. Generally the pace at which schools improve depends on the way they engage with the services available to support them and this is often dependent on the quality of leadership and governance in the school.

·         The Committee noted that the Borough's School Improvement Conferences were open at no charge to  every head teacher and Chair of Governors in the Borough.

·         The Committee heard concerns  that there is some variability in the quality of engagement of schools with borough priorities.  It is recognised that academy conversion supports autonomy for schools though and that collaboration with other schools and partners is a choice for those schools who convert.

·         The Committee discussed potential  models of delivery for the Borough and agreed that there is a need to clarify the method of delivery of support to improve standards from September 2017 .

RESOLVED -

1)    That the Chairman of the Childrens Young People and Learning Policy Overview Committee would send the final major review report to head teachers and the Chairs of governing bodies to ensure transparency and openness;

2)    Additional information on what was raised with the Regional Schools Commissioner in relation to the two schools in the Borough not performing to the standards expected be presented to the Committee; and

3)    That the Major Review - Draft Final Report be presented to the Committee for approval before going to Cabinet for consideration.