Agenda item

(To receive a report from Martin Smith, Assistant Director – Education and Kate Rouse, Interim Head of School Standards, which provides the Committee with an update regarding standards within the sector led system, changes to the reporting of performance data for schools for 2019/2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and an overview of school improvement activity to maintain standards in Lincolnshire)  

The Chairman advised that this item provided an update on school standards and performance for 2019/20 and the activity undertaken in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chairman invited Martin Smith, Assistant Director – Children's Education, to present the report to the Committee.

The Committee was advised that scheduled Ofsted inspections in schools had been cancelled at the start of the pandemic, and routine inspections had not taken place since the schools had been closed.  The Committee noted that it was expected that routine school inspections would recommence from April 2021.

It was highlighted that Ofsted had carried out 'interim visits' to schools from 28 September to 21 December 2020.  These visits had been to support schools in welcoming all pupils back and to form a national view of the response by schools to the pandemic.  It was highlighted further that these visits did not result in any changes to school inspection grades.

The report highlighted that:

·       Key Stage (KS1) and KS2 National Assessment had been cancelled;

·       The summer 2020 GCSEs, AS Level and A Level exam series had been cancelled.  Results issued had been based on a range of evidence;

·       Statutory National Curriculum Assessments for Early Years Foundation Stage KS1 and KS2 had been cancelled; and

·       Examinations for KS4 and KS5 had been cancelled for 2021 and the sector was currently being consulted nationally, as to how outcomes for students should be allocated.  It was highlighted that the Local Authority had submitted a response to the consultation.

The Committee was advised that the Local Authority working in collaboration with the Lincolnshire Learning Partnership and the Lincolnshire Teaching Schools, under the guidance of the Strategic Education Group, had provided engagement opportunities for Lincolnshire schools.  A list of the activities included was provided on page 93 of the report pack.

Also, in preparation of schools opening in September 2020, the Local Authority had offered guidance to all schools in supporting all children and young people who were at risk.  This continued partnership approach with school leaders across the sector had ensured swift early help for families and social care intervention where appropriate.

It was also highlighted that Lincolnshire had commissioned the Recover Lincolnshire Programme from Teaching School Partners which supports the resilience of senior leaders, and had helped teacher and pupils' well-being and curriculum development in English and mathematics, with specialised programmes for small schools and early years.

Reference was made to the catch up premium, funding provided to all state-funded schools, allocated based on pupil numbers.  The Committee noted that it was up to school leaders to decide how to use the funding to get young people back in to learning.  It was noted that schools also had the opportunity to register an interest in the National Tutoring Programme.

The Committee was advised that since March 2020 the vast majority of schools had offered elements of remote curriculum delivery, either on line or through the provision of paper based resources. 

It was highlighted that following the 'interim visits', Ofsted had reported that Lincolnshire schools were generally in a better place than schools nationally regarding the establishment of remote learning.  Appendix 1 to the report provided the Committee with information concerning Supporting Quality School and Remote Education.

Whilst considering this item, the Committee made the following comments:

·       How any anxiety or mental health issues young people had returning to school would be picked up.  Reassurance was given that Healthy Minds and other mental health initiatives were in place to assist young people;

·       What the approach to catch up would be.  The Committee noted that schools had discretion as to how this would be done, but indications were some schools might do before or after schools learning, or enhanced provision during the day.  The Committee noted that it had been suggested that it could take up to five years to recover from Covid-19;

·       One member highlighted that there would also need to be time allowed for physical activity catch-up, as some children had not done as much physical activity during the pandemic; and that there needed to be support in place to allow this to happen.  Reassurance was given that healthy lifestyles would be available from the Easter Holidays;

·       One member extended thanks to the brilliant support offered to schools during the pandemic by the Council and the Lincolnshire Learning Partnership and the Teaching Schools; and

·       Some concern was expressed to the effect on Early Years.  The Committee noted that all Early Years provision had been open during the pandemic and that professional assessments would be assessing key milestones.

RESOLVED

That the report on Lincolnshire Local Authority School Performance as presented be received.