Somerset Children and Young People’s CompactExecutive
Summary of Discussions:
Wednesday 17 October 2012, 1pm – 5pm
Taunton Library, Paul Street, TA1 3XZ
Expected Attendees:
Early Years:Kathy McLauchlan
SGSG: Eilleen Tipper and Mark Harvey
SAPHTO: Lesley Fenwick and Alison Whitman
SASH: David Derbyshire and Philip Hill
SAHSP: Mark Armstrong and Alison Murkin
Chair of Schools Forum: Linda Vijeh
Business Support: Chris Phillips and Deborah Beer
Executive Officers: David Hayward (SAPHTO), Barry Bates and Richard Graydon(SASH), Harry Dicks (SAHSP)
Learning & Achievement Operations Director: Paul Nugent
Finance Representation: Susan Fielden
Additional Attendees:
Malcolm Riches, Performance & Management Information Team Manager
Rob Wilson, School Organisation Area Review Manager
Jane Seaman, Admissions and Entitlements Manager
Apologies:
Lead Commissioner Children and Learning, DCS: John Kirby
Cabinet Lead for Children and Families: Cllr Frances Nicholson
Children and Families Operations Director: Steve Tanner
Note: BSO = Business Support Office
Compact Review meetingItem / Action
1. / Apologies and Declarations of Interest
1.1 / Apologies were noted as above.
2. / Vulnerable Groups and Narrowing the Gaps
2.1
2.1.1 / Malcolm Riches gave a presentation on Vulnerable Groups and Narrowing the Gaps. Key points from the presentation were:
- Outcomes for Gypsy Roma and Traveller Children – National and local evidence suggest that by the end of Key Stage 4, less than half of Traveller young people remain in school. Paul Nugent advised that Peter Newman and Jules Offord would be able to provide further details regarding this.
- Outcomes for EAL Children – Research suggests that EAL learners take 5-7 years to attain English language fluency comparable to their peers, so additional needs remain for a long period.
- Outcomes for Sheltered Children – there is limited data available but it is an important group to bear in mind.
- Outcomes for Pupils claiming Free School Meals – The highest early achievers from deprived backgrounds are overtaken by lower achieving children from advantaged backgrounds by the age of 7.
- Outcomes for Service Children – children from service families perform above the County average of all pupils.
- Alison Murkin queried if there is any LA data on the trends for bullying and these specific groups. Malcolm Riches stated that there is data regarding racial incidents however the data for bullying is not as sophisticated. Paul Nugent agreed to follow this up with Peter Newman regarding available data.
- Susan Fielden stated that the evidence suggests that maintaining the standard level of funding for EAL pupils into the second year would probably be beneficial if we have got some way to go in improving outcomes. Currently the funding halves in the second year.
- A combination of resources delegated to schools and central countywide expertisefunded through the central Schools Budget should allow for faster admission and access to appropriate support.
- Paul Nugent stated that a further action would be to have a detailed analysis of where these children are.
- David Derbyshire also noted if carrying out joined up work intracking back what happened to those in danger of being children looked after may produce information of value.
3. / Notes of the meeting held on 19th September 2012 and Matters arising
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7 / The notes of the last meeting held on Wednesday 19 September were agreed as an accurate record and the following matters arising were discussed:
- 3.3 – David Derbyshire to meet with Chris Phillips, after he returns from leave, regarding the detail of time costs for the role of Compact Chair.
- 6.2.1 – Eilleen Tipper confirmed that a SGSG representative will be at the meeting on 22nd October.
- 6.2.2 – Richard Graydon confirmed that he would be attending on 22nd October in place of Barry Bates.
- 7.2– School Funding reforms consultation – opportunity for face to face discussion: SASH 21st November, SAHSP 6thDecember and area heads meetings.
- 7.2.1 – Phil Hill will follow up regarding the Middle School representative for the Technical Working Group.
- (8.1) Action 15 – noted that the Academy sponsor used by the Diocese is Cambridge Education.
- (8.1) 2.3.2 – Eilleen Tipper reported that the timeline for appointing an Executive Officer had slipped. Eilleen agreed to email Paul Nugent regarding the issues that have arisen regarding conditions of service.
- 9.1 A Headteacher representative was part of the panel at the recent PRU Head of Centre interview. Two out of the four vacancies have been appointed therefore another representative will be required at the next round of interviews.
- 9.6 – Chris Phillips confirmed that the notes re the Young Carers Service had been updated, following communication from Frances Nicholson, to reflect that a discussion was held regarding finding out what makes young people not want to be identified in schools or whether in fact they are known to the schools but they don't want to be untactfully pointed out, and setting up of a task and finish group. It was agreedin the first instance that John Kirby will discuss with Frances Nicholson, Steve Tanner and Esther Bonfield regarding how to take this forward after also speaking with young carers.
- 9.7 –The amended version of the procedures regarding schools judged to be requiring improvement was discussed at School Performance Group and Richard Graydon has sent this version to Justine Allen for the SASH Executive Meeting on 9th November.
- 9.10 – Phil Hill reported that Mark Hemmings had replied to the concerns that had been raised regarding the transfer of PFSAs and Phil was reassured that the issues were being considered.
- Richard Graydon reported that David Laws had attended this meeting however there wasn’t sufficient time totalk about Middle Tier in detail.
- Harry Dicks also noted that David Laws was delayed arriving due to an RTA however stayed longer than he had originally been able to.
- David Laws recognised the need for a Middle Tier and it was hoped that he acknowledged the views of the headteachers.
- The possibility of inviting David Laws to a future Compact meeting was considered and whether it would be appropriate to have a meeting that focussed on the Middle Tier rather than a general meeting.
- Paul Nugent reported that Simon Faull had contacted Rachel Davies from SomersetCollege and will report back regarding a potential representative.
- Kathy McLauchlan reported there is a meeting next week regarding Early Years representatives.
- The paper sets out the options for representative structures for the Early Years sector and Kathy will report back to suggest two Early Years representatives at this meeting.
- Eileen Tipper reported back from her meeting withEmma Plummer where it had emerged that access to The Key was not available to governors through the conditions of the licence.
- It was noted that the best way forward would be to determine whether £100K would represent value for money.
- Paul Nugent reported that he had contacted Niki Thomas regarding a joint bid. Niki confirmed that they will accept late applications up to a maximum £10K but only for schools who are able to apply in Cohort 4 next June.
- It was agreed to accept Rhonda Moore’s invitation to meet with colleagues to explore in Somerset how this can be moved forward.
Safeguarding and Children Looked After Inspection Improvement Board update – Peer Review:
- Chris Phillips confirmed that an email from Virginia Robertswould be circulated to all headteachers to request the identified staff details for those asked to complete the survey as part of the peer review process.
Phil Hill
Eilleen Tipper / Paul Nugent
Paul Nugent
Kathy McLauchlan
4. / Items considered by Communications and Pre-Planning 3 October 2012
4.1
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.3 / Annual Equalities Report:
- This paper was considered at the Pre-Planning meeting with the purpose of serving as a reminder regarding the importance of this work.
Jane Seaman and Rob Wilson outlined the latest position regarding the In Year Form and the Fair Access Protocol.
In Year Form:
- Currently using the revised form to collect preferences for admissions.
- Jane Seaman has met with and taken advice from Legal Services.
- It was agreed that it appears that the legalities have been covered and that schools have been involved in the draft.
- The Fair Access Protocol was written in 2008 and more recently it has been looked at widening the remit and discussions held with schools.
- A task and finish groupmeeting was held where a number of schools were represented and the document is currently out with schools requesting sign up.
- There have been a number of issues that have occurred since the protocol circulated which are:
- SASH have expressed the view that there needs to be a majority figure of 75% of schools signed up, as opposed to the original 51%.
- Issues raised by Go Admissions. Details have been requested from the Diocese regarding these issues.
- It was reported at SASH that the LA had been very helpful regarding the work that had been done on the Fair Access Protocol and wanted schools to sign up by 26thOctober.
- The viability of the deadline date was discussed in order to reach the 75% target and it was agreed that the deadline should be extended until 30th November on the basis that not all schools will have had their governors meetings. Schools should contact the LA if their governing body meetings occur after the November deadline date.
- Jane Seaman stated that schools should contact her if they had any questions and she would do school visits.
- It was agreed that it was important for Compact Executive to have clarity regardingthe background to the protocol andhow it is taken forward. It was noted that there were schools in Somerset that have received a letter from the Diocese and Paul Nugent stated that a letter should be sent to all schools from John Kirby following the discussions at this meeting.
- The Structure of Primary Schools in Future paper was presented to Cabinet Policy Advisory Committee on 12th October and was strongly endorsed.
- Although this paper is focused on Primary schools it is also pertinent to Middle and Secondary schools and how we need to be looking at things differently in the future
- It was noted that CLPs will need to be considered as a separate future agenda item.
Paul Nugent / John Kirby
Business Support Office
5. / Items for Compact Consideration
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.6.1
5.6.2
5.6.3 / Strategic dialogue between health and education:
- Barry Bateshad written to the Chairs of Compact and Somerset Children’s Trust and is very keen to raise the profile and explore maintaining dialogue.
- Eileen Tipper raised the importance of the role of GPs having good contact with schools and also that the organisation is committed to the development of the public health agenda.
- It was agreed that Health and Wellbeing should be discussed at Compact Pre-Planning and the need for a meeting that draws areas together to ensure that young people are properly catered for.
- Nigel Shipton had requested consideration regarding whether the Compact Executive would wish to be involved intheconsultation element of the next phase of the restructuring to which it was agreed to continue with the current intention of the project team to go to the Heads Associations, SchoolsForum and managementcommittees and report back to the Compact with findings and final proposals
- An update was provided by JuliaRidge through a paper which was noted by the Compact.
- An update was provided by JuliaRidge through a paper which requested the Compact note progress.
- An update was provided by JuliaRidge which was noted by the Compact and a steer was requested from this group regarding next steps and Compact involvement.
- David Hayward agreed to email details of Yeovil Heads meeting on 22nd November as it would be useful for Rob Wilson to attend.
- It was agreed that Compact would like to be involved in appropriate way
Alison Murkin provided feedback on the parent feedback session which took place on 16 October. The consultation process that was undertaken was open to all parents of children in specialist provision however the vast majority of respondents were parents of children without statements with the majority of feedback broadly negative.
Concerns were raised by SAHSP regarding the original data and information used to inform the SEN Review and subsequent Parent Participation Project and reference to how some of the findings from the original consultation were presented. Concern was expressed that contextual information was omitted from the parental feedback.
- The Compact Executive recommended that the LA should undertake a more rigorous and wider canvassing of parental opinion, including of those parents who have children and young people with statements.
- There was also a question about forums currently that are currently worked with and the need for broader based parent representation to be included and for SAHSP to be included in discussions around this.
- SAHSP will email Mike Turner regarding the issues raised and Paul Nugent to be copied in.
- Chris Phillips to link with Esther Bonfield regarding the shape of the actual data.
- John Kirby/Paul Nugent to be invited to SAHSP meeting on 6th December to discuss further.
David Hayward
Alison Murkin / Mark Armstrong
Chris Phillips
Harry Dicks
6. / Schools Budget Planning
6.1
6.1.1
6.1.2
6.2 / Update from Schools Forum 16thOctober 2012
- Susan Fieldenprovided an update from the Schools Forum meeting on 16 October.
- The circulated Schools Budget Planning paper highlighted the concerns regarding the new funding arrangement to be implemented from 1st April 2013.
- The paper was circulated with the intention of background information prior to the Cabinet/Compact/ELT meeting on 22nd October and also helpful to be informed of which aspects of provision would need considering in more detail. The DFE will need to be advised of the formula by 18th January.
- Schools Forum meets again on 11th December.
- In view of the timeline, it was agreed that the all day Compact Executive budget meeting arranged for 23rd January 2013 should be brought forward to the 28th November.
- The Compact Executive Meeting on 23rd January would then revert to a half day meeting (1 – 5pm).
- It was also agreed to keep the Compact Pre-Planning meeting on 16th January 2013 as a 1 – 5pm meeting.
- Venue possibilities for 28th November to checked and David Derbyshire offered Wadham as a venue if required.
Wider School Funding Reforms:
- Susan Fielden noted there is clarity around the basic elements of the funding formula however is concerned about working with the data from the DFE and supplying a formula. There is the possibility that the DFE will not ever be able to work to a national funding formula which will prove difficult longer term and consideration will need to be given to ways of working to help address the needs of children and young people.
7. / Any Other Business, Compact Communications and Items for Future Meetings
7.1 / Cabinet/Compact and ELT Meeting - 22nd October:
- David Derbyshire is due to meet Andy Roberts (former DCS in Surrey)
- The meeting on 22nd October will be to explore the way forward regarding services and to seek clarify regarding future direction.
5. / Dates and Venues of Future Compact Executive Meetings:
The below dates and venues for future meetings were noted:
- Wednesday 28 November 2012All dayWadhamSchool – note change of time/venue
- Wednesday 23 January 2013 1-5pmTaunton Library– note change of time
- Wednesday 6 March 2013 1-5pm Taunton Library
- Wednesday 17 April 2013 1-5pm Taunton Library
- Wednesday 22 May 2013 1-5pm Taunton Library
- Wednesday 19 June 2013 1-5pm Taunton Library
- Wednesday 10 July 2013 1-5pm Taunton Library
Somerset Children and Young People’s Compact
Summary of Compact Agreed Actions (updated following 17 October 2012)
Summary of Actions:Date Raised / Item / Lead Officer / Comments
17 Oct 2012 /
- Paul Nugent agreed to follow up with Peter Newman re available data re bullying.
17 Oct 2012 /
- David Derbyshire to meet with Chris Phillips regarding the time costs for the role of Compact Chair.
17 Oct 2012 /
- Phil Hill to follow up regarding the Middle School representative for the Technical Working Group
17 Oct 2012 /
- Eilleen Tipper to email Paul Nugent regarding appointment of SGSG Executive Officer
17 Oct 2012 /
- Paul Nugent to report back regarding potential FE representative following Simon Faull’s contact with Rachel Davis.
17 Oct 2012 /
- Kathy McLauchlan to report back with details of Early Years representatives at Compact
17 Oct 2012 /
- Deadline for schools sign up to Fair Access Protocol extended to 30th November 2012 to ensure governing bodies have had chance to meet.
17 Oct 2012 /
- Letter to schools to be sent from John Kirby following the letter that had been sent to some Somerset schools from the Diocese.
John Kirby
17 Oct 2012 /
- Community Learning Partnerships to be considered as separate future agenda item.
17 Oct 2012 /
- Health and Wellbeing to be added as agenda item at Compact Pre-Planning and consideration for a meeting that draws health/education areas together
17 Oct 2012 /
- David Hayward agreed to email details of Yeovil Heads meeting on 22nd November to Rob Wilson
17 Oct 2012 /
- SAHSP agreed to email Mike turner (cc Paul Nugent) regarding the SEN Review
17 Oct 2012 /
- Chris Phillips to link with Esther Bonfield regarding SEN data.
17 Oct 2012 /
- John Kirby and Paul Nugent to be invited to the SAHSP meeting on 6th December
John Kirby /
Paul Nugent
17 Oct 2012 /
- Compact Executive meeting on 28th November to be extended to full day budget planning meeting at WadhamSchool. Compact Exec meeting on 23rd January (originally intended for budget planning) will now revert to 1 – 5 pm meeting
19 Sept 2012 /
- Re Young Carers Service, it was agreedin the first instance that John Kirby will discuss with Frances Nicholson, Steve Tanner and Esther Bonfield regarding how to take this forward after also speaking with young carers.
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