Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Adams, Hobin and Moores.

There were no public questions for this meeting to consider.

Special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision (AP): Local area progress report

The Director of Education, Early Years and Skills presented on Special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision (AP): Local area progress report.

A joint Ofsted/CQC area SEND inspection of the Oldham partnership took place between Monday 26 June 2023 and Friday 30 June 2023. Despite the positive elements identified in the inspection report, other areas were identified as significant concern, particularly in partnership working at the organisational level and in access to health services and provision.

As a result of the inspection, Ofsted required the local area partnership to prepare and submit a Priority Action Plan (PAP). Significant progress has been made to fulfil the commitments made in the PAP through close partnership working between key partner organisation; the council, the integrated care partnership, parents/carers, and schools/settings. Of a total of 40 PAP actions:

·         Thirty-three actions (83%) have been marked as complete within timescale.

·         Seven actions (17%) are incomplete, however, three of these are still on track, albeit with revised timescales of 2024/2025.

·         One action has not been started yet, however is on track with initial appointments and first evaluation in December 2024.

·         One action is vulnerable and one at risk of not being completed

In response to Member questioning, Officers confirmed that the action at risk of not being completed is because actions cannot be taken by Oldham as CAHMS is commissioned by Greater Manchester, changes would need to come through them.

Members queried the possibility of extending SEND Services to age 25. Officers explained that a 16–18-Year Old Service had been introduced since the Ofsted Inspection and that a Pathway will need to be developed to facilitate the transition from Child to Adult mental health services.

Members questioned how parents were selected to be included in the Ofsted Inspection. Officers explained that any member of the public can provide feedback to Ofsted Directly without an intermediate, but Ofsted Officers can also reach out to Parents for feedback when looking at specific cases.

In response to Member queries, Officer provided further detail on the progress made on waiting list and explained that since the Ofsted inspection, waiting times have significantly reduced with the longest wait going from 250 weeks to 77 weeks. Although the position is improved, work still needs to be done to reduce them further.

RESOLVED that, the SEND Update is noted by the Children and Young People Scrutiny Board.

Oldham Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report  1^st April 2023 - 31st March 2024

The Assistant Director of Safeguarding presented the Oldham Safeguarding Children Partnership Report to the Scrutiny Board. The Board heard that the Working Together 2023, requires the Safeguarding Children Partnership to publish a report on an annual basis. The purpose of this report is to set out what activities’ partners have undertaken jointly between April 2023 and March 2024. The focus of this report focuses on multi- agency priorities, learning, impact, evidence, and improvements.

A revised partnership structure will see the Independent Chair of the Partnership replaced with the Lead Safeguarding Partners. The Lead Safeguarding Partners for Oldham’s Safeguarding Arrangements are the Chief Executive of Oldham Council, who is also the Accountable Officer for Oldham operation of Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, and the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police.

The Oldham Safeguarding Children Partnership report, detailed actions delivered on children’s safeguarding. The report highlights the activity and impact of 5 priority areas that pose a risk to the children of Oldham:

1. Neglect

2. Complex and contextual safeguarding

3. Transitions

4. Domestic abuse

5. Child mental health and the impact of trauma

Officers summarised key aspects of the report including the importance of the Voice of Children, Learning & Quality Assurance, Independent Scrutiny arrangements and Funding received by the partnership.

Members noted the importance of embedding youth workers within communities in neighbourhood youth clubs to act as a preventative measure in youth violence.

In response to Member queries, officers confirmed that the figures in the report an accurate depiction of the current number of children in Oldham. Data is taken from the census and remain similar every year.

In response to Member queries, Officers explained that the Safeguarding Children Partnership meetings were attended by delegated partners that are nominated to attend, Members cannot attend unless nominated to do so where appropriate.

Members noted the monthly meetings with Designated Safeguarding Leads within schools and colleges and asked whether attendance at these was mandatory. Officers explained that although not mandatory, the meetings are very well attended by safeguarding leads and there is a strong network of support and sharing with schools and colleges.

RESOLVED that, the report is noted by the Children and Young People Scrutiny Board.

A report to examine key outcomes from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Key stage 4 (GCSE) 2023-24.

The Assistant Director of Education & Early Years presented the Oldham Key Stage Outcomes 2024 to the Scrutiny Board. The Board were provided information on Key positives from the report including-

·         Outcomes for our youngest children continue to improve. At Early Years Foundation Stage 63.6% of children reached a ‘good level of development.’ This is below average, but since the pandemic we are closing the gap to regional and national.

·          Year 1 Phonics improved to 77.0% with performance 3.2% below national average but continuing to show steady progress.

·         GCSE outcomes at KS4 are better than 2019 showing improved Attainment 8 locally and narrowing gaps to NW and national positions. There are also substantial improvements in pupil progress in the same period, and in pupils achieving grades 9-5 including English and Maths.

·         School level analysis shows improving trends in outcomes at ten of thirteen secondary schools since the 2019.

·         Gaps between our Disadvantaged and non-Disadvantaged pupils are smaller than National, and in some cases their outcomes exceed National averages.

The Report also highlighted key areas for improvement including-

·         Retaining the aspiration to exceed National averages in all measures.

·         Focus on outcomes for boys, non-disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND.

·          KS2 recovery through Writing and attendance programmes.

Members queried what work was being done to address the areas for improvement, specifically the focus on boys. Officers confirmed that programmes to support boys further had already been introduced and in place since September 2024.

Members noted the significant improvements on attendance but suggested that the report indicated performance is still below average in all areas. Officers explained that research and trends suggest that improved attendance has a positive impact on overall grades and that the focus that has been given to attendance will improve other areas.

Officers further explained the work they were doing to support School’s with attendance. They are continuing with their statutory work in issuing fines. In addition to this, they are using post covid data to identify trigger points where attendance changes happen such as transition points- the beginning or end of the week or term. Puberty is also a trigger point, and the council are working with schools to ensure sanitary products are available to those who need them.

Members commended the improved English and Maths performance by most secondary schools but noted that the 2 schools had got worse and questioned why this was. Officers explained that the schools were not necessarily working differently to other schools but faced other challenges which may be impacting grades. One of the schools had the weakest grades upon entry and had the most free spaces so transfers were sent there. These external factors may be impacting grades.

In response to Member queries, Officers provided information of the work being done in to ensure school readiness Early Years Foundation Stage within schools, family hubs and the community.

RESOLVED that, the Report is approved by the Children and Young People Scrutiny Board.

To consider and note the Children and Young People Scrutiny Board’s Work Programme 2024/25

RESOLVED that, the Work Programme be noted by the Board.

Details of key decisions to be considered by the Cabinet at future meetings.

RESOLVED that, the Key Decision Document be noted by the Board.

To consider any rule 13 or 14 decisions taken since the previous meeting.

N/A

The Minutes of the meeting held on 20^th November 2024 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 20^th Novermber 2024 be approved as a correct record.