Agenda item

Virtual School Annual Report and Term Update

Minutes:

The Board gave consideration to a report of the Headteacher of the Virtual School which provided the Board with an overview of the work of the Virtual

School in 2017/18.

 

The Board was informed that Oldham Virtual School worked to promote the educational achievements of Oldham’s looked-after children regardless of where they were placed. It did not itself provide education, but recognised that schools were responsible for the educational outcomes of their children and held them to account for the provision they offered and to ensured that the life chances of each looked-after child were improved.

 

The aim of the Virtual School was to close the attainment gap between children who were looked-after and their peers who were not. This included work on supporting access to education, re-engaging pupils and monitoring attendance and exclusions.

 

The Board noted the following:-

 

IMPACT OF THE VIRTUAL SCHOOL 2017/2018

·       In 2017 an improving picture of outcomes at Key Stage 2, ranking 19th (out of 151) nationally for % of LAC achieving expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths (38%) compared to National LAC (32%), Regional (35%) and our statistical neighbours (30.1%)

·       In 2017 increase in % of LAC pupils achieving grade 4 or above in English and Maths GSCE (30%) higher than LAC nationally (17.5%), regionally (16.8%) and against our statistical neighbour (18.6%); ranking 11th (of 151) nationally.

·       Re-launch of the ePEP system, providing training and support to key partners. Improved quality of PEPs for school age children, with better tracking and monitoring

·       No Permanent exclusions of looked-after children.

·       Admission support for social workers and carers for children starting in reception and moving into Year 7.

 

PRIORITIES FOR 2018 /2019

·       Implementation of new statutory duties

·       Workforce Development with the Virtual School team and key partners

·       Develop work with Early Years partners to improve ‘school readiness’ for looked-after children

·       Develop work with Post 16 partners to ensure robust pathways to further education and employment

·       Develop work with SEND partners to support the early identification of looked-after children with SEND

·       Reduce levels of persistent absence for our looked-after children

·       Reduce levels of fixed term exclusions for our looked-after children

·       Contribute to the development and implementation of the ‘Collaborative Framework’ for Oldham

·       Further develop systems and reporting linked to new staff roles within the Virtual School therefore improving data management and school performance

 

Members asked for and received clarification on the following:-

·       Designated teachers – every school with a LAC had a designated teacher. The Council hosted termly forums for designated teachers and was looking to increase attendance at these.

·       Outcome of Ofsted inspection – requiring improvement, moving to good. A report on their recommendations would be brought to a future meeting and the Action Plan would be included in the work programme. A copy of the Ofsted report would be circulated to Members.

·       Work experience – this had been the main issue from the Pupil Voice survey and support was being built in for work experience and education beyond school. Significant work was undertaken to support care leavers.

·       Support for individuals interested in drama, dance etc – this was catered for in the Opportunity Area. All children could benefit from these opportunities, which would give them their own unique experience.

·       Pattern in exclusions – there was no particular pattern. There was an emphasis on inclusion in schools and improving the understanding of the issues surrounding LAC to try to minimise exclusions. This was a pioneering system generated in Oldham and had received very positive feedback in the Ofsted Annual Conversation. 

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1.     The report be noted.

2.     That an update be provided in 12 months’ time.

 

Supporting documents: