Agenda item

Officers introduced the report entitled "Update on Major Review of the Council's Current and Future Relationship with Academies and Free Schools".  The report provided details on the recommendations made by the Committee in its major review during 2016/17.

In summary, it was highlighted that the recommendations had been actioned and positive progress was being made. The following key points were noted:

·         A new and dedicated email address had been made available for Head Teachers with contact details for relevant teams within the Council. To date this email address had been used by five schools.

·         The Head of School Improvement met with the Regional Schools Commissioner (RSC) regularly in person, by telephone/ email to discuss performance in Hillingdon. These meetings were helpful as it was an opportunity to raise and discuss any issues.

·         In academies where there was evidence of progress and attainment concerns, the Council's School Improvement Team worked closely with the RSC to manage these matters. In other schools, School Link Officers were allocated to provide support and challenge services. It was expected that where there were areas of concerns, schools would develop clear action plans to improve. 

·         The Council's Schools Improvement team worked closely with the Hillingdon Schools Strategic Board, and routinely challenged governing bodies and Head Teachers regarding governance processes. There were clear communications and updates provided to all governors regarding Council activities that affected governance. Officers from the Council's education teams also attended the Hillingdon governors meeting which took place every term.

·         The Council worked closely with schools transitioning to academy trusts.

·         In light of changes to funding, the Council had a BID review of education services to evaluate and present best ways to deliver statutory and strategic priorities for school improvement in the Borough.

Members commented that there was clear positive work being undertaken in this area.

Members questioned what work was being undertaken to engage with the schools that did not engage with the Council. It was reported that there was a diverse education community with a mix of schools including academies and maintained school. Big Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) had their own organsiation structure and tended to get on with it but support was still provided if necessary. Generally most schools were cooperative and engaged with the Council. In academies, if there were any concerns about performance, these were usually raised with the RSC.

In relation to exclusions, children that were excluded tended to have underlying behaviour needs. Although, it was recognised that generally schools did everything in their power to offer support. To manage this area, cross education and social care meetings took place to try and find measures to intervene and identify and concerns at an early stage. The Council worked with schools to try and manage challenging behaviour and it was considered that the right level of coaching could provide the best service.

Officers confirmed that there were approximately 20 new Head teachers in the Borough and this was due to heads moving on for a variety of reasons, including promotion, high living costs in the Borough and moving on due to performance.

The Council had information on what areas schools excelled in. There was a sharing of best practices. Schools with poor performance could take up to a year in order to see noticeable changes. To do this, there needed to be the right type of governance, leadership and management style.

RESOLVED -

1)    That officers be thanked and congratulated for their work.

2)    That the report be noted.