Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence and notification of any substitutes present.

Apologies were received from Mr Balfour, Mr Ozog, Mr Roper and Mr Brunning. 

Mr Brookbank attended as substitute for Mr Balfour and Mrs Hohler attended as substitute for Mr Ozog.

To receive any declarations of interest made by Members in relation to any matter on the agenda.  Members are reminded to specify the agenda item number to which it refers and the nature of the interest being declared.

No declarations were received.

The Education and Young People’s Services Cabinet Committee is asked to note the meeting dates for 2015 as follows:

Tuesday, 13 January

Tuesday, 7 April

Wednesday, 8 July

Friday, 18 September

Tuesday, 15 December

(All meetings to be held in the Darent room at 10.00 am)

1.            Mr Gough advised that the full draft Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) would be despatched with the agenda as a restricted document five working days before the 13 January meeting as the full draft Budget and MTFP was not due to be published until 12 January.

2.         RESOLVED that the future meeting dates for 2015, set out below, were agreed.

Tuesday, 13 January

Tuesday, 7 April

Wednesday, 8 July

Friday, 18 September

Tuesday, 15 December

(All meetings to be held in the Darent room at 10.00 am)

To consider and approve the minutes as a correct record

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2014 were correctly recorded and that they be signed by the Chairman.

To receive verbal updates from the Cabinet Members for Education and Health Reform and Community Services; and the Corporate Director for Education and Young People’s Services on the following:

·                Schools – Advice on Ebola

·                Free School Meals

·                Visit to Finland, 5-7 November 2014

·                Try Angle Awards,  23 November 2014

1.            The Cabinet Members, Mr Gough, Mr Hill and Corporate Director, Mr Leeson gave their verbal updates and highlighted the following:

2.            Mr Gough advised that the Elective Home Education – Adoption of Policy report would be submitted to the 13 January 2015 meeting.

3.            The Infant Free School Meals Initiative had been allocated £2.8 million to develop the projects.  The final project was completed in September and had delivered good results.  There had been a number of issues at schools although small. 

4.            There were 128 schools without cooking facilities.  Mr Gough advised that he had written to Mr David Laws, Minister of State for Schools, and had been advised that there was a new pot of money of £20 million for which Kent submitted 16 bids.  The outcome of those bids would be advised in January 2015.

5.            Mr Hill highlighted that he visited Finland on 5-7 November to sign a new protocol of co-operation for the exchange of young people, youth workers and other parts of the County Council’s work.  The extended protocol had no end date.  Mr Leeson advised that a Finnish delegation would be coming to Kent in January to produce an action plan.

6.            Mr Hill praised the Spirit of Try Angle Awards 2014 held on 23 November, advising that attendees included Paralympian, Charlotte Evans, MBE, and Kent’s Chief Constable, Alan Pughsly.

7.            Mr Hill then advised on the Troubled Families Initiative, which was launched in 2012.  In the first phase, Kent had 2560 troubled families and had turned around 67% of the troubled families above the national threshold. In the second phase which would be a five year programme the target was to reach over 8000 families.  Mr Hill agreed to submit a progress report to the July meeting.

8.            Mr Leeson advised that all Kent schools had received the national advice on Ebola which detailed what to do and how to make a referral on a child or family returning from a country with Ebola outbreaks.  The schools had welcomed the advice.  To date there had been no referrals.

9.            Mr Gough, Mr Hill, and Mr Leeson responded to questions by Members as follows:

a)     Members sought the precise definition of the term “turn around”.  Mr Hill advised that he was not keen on the term but there were strict criteria which had to be satisfied so that a difference was made.  He agreed to circulate the definition outside the meeting.

b)     It was suggested that each Member should be aware of the issues around troubled families within their electoral divisions.

c)      Mr Leeson advised that the Troubled Families Initiative was no longer a project but was embedded in the work of the Early Help and Prevention Unit.  He agreed to circulate the names of the Preventative Services officers to Members outside the meeting.

d)     Mr Leeson advised that every Trouble Families case would be tracked so officers would be aware of families returning to use the services.

e)     A Member  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

To receive a report by the Corporate Director of Education and Young People’s Services that describes how the Council will meet its duties in relation to the provision of SEND Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service which is a statutory requirement of the Children and Families Act 2014 for Council’s and seeks endorsement of the proposed decision as set out

(Report by Mr P Leeson, Corporate Director for Young People’s Services)

1.            The Corporate Director, Mr Leeson, introduced a report that described how the Council would meet its duties in relation to the provision of the SEND Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Services which was a statutory requirement of the Children and Families Act 2014 and sought endorsement of the proposed decision  to enter into joint commissioning arrangements and award a contract to the preferred bidder for delivery of Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Services as identified by the tendering process currently underway.

2.            Mr Leeson noted comments and responded to questions by Members as follows:

a)    Members were pleased to receive the financial information regarding the collaborative agreement in the exempt part of the agenda.

b)    Mr Leeson advised that there were a small number of cases and agreed to provide information to Members outside the meeting.

c)    Members noted that joint arrangements further improved the financial commitment for the services.

d)    Mr Leeson noted the Chairman’s comments and apologised for the typographical errors highlighted within the financial agreement.

e)    Mr Leeson agreed to provide a further report in a year’s time.

3.            RESOLVED that:-

a)    the responses to questions by Members be noted;

b)    the Education and Young People’s Services Cabinet Committee endorsed the decision to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform to enter into joint commissioning arrangements and award a contract to the preferred bidder for delivery of Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Services as identified by the tending process currently underway; and

c)    a further report be submitted to this Cabinet Committee in a year’s time.

To receive a report from the Chairman of SACRE and the Corporate Director of Education and Young People’s Cabinet Committee.

(Report by Mr S C Manion, Chairman of Kent SACRE and Mr P Leeson, Corporate Director of Education and Young People’s Services)

(Mr A Foster, Consultant Advisor to Kent Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE), was present for this item)

1.            Chairman of SACRE, Mr Manion, thanked the Cabinet Committee for agreeing to consider the report on the draft Annual SACRE report for 2013-2014.  He introduced the document that was a requirement under the Education Reform Act 1988.  The Annual SACRE report reflected the key local and national issues that had engaged the Religious Education community in 2013-2014.  The report also contained advice and recommendations to the local authority which should be shared with schools and governing bodies in order to ensure that schools comply with their statutory responsibilities and provide the highest quality teaching and learning in RE and provision for Collective Acts of Worship for pupils in Kent Schools.  He paid tribute to Mr Foster and SACRE for all their work.

2.            Mr Foster referred to the SACRE Annual report being presented as draft due to the exam results for Key Stage 4 and 5 2013-2014 being unavailable and hoped that they would be available shortly so that the report could be finalised.  He then explained the importance of the role RE had to play. He highlighted the need for schools to be reminded of their duty to meet the statutory requirement for Religious Education to be on the curriculum.

3.            The Cabinet Committee noted that the Cabinet Member, Mr Gough, had written to the Secretary of State for Education, Mr Gove, asking for Ofsted to reference RE in their report to show whether the school was meeting their statutory requirement but no response had been received.  Mr Gough agreed to reissue the letter to the present Secretary of State for Education.

4.            Mr Foster highlighted the lack of qualified RE teachers, particularly in Primary schools. SACRE  would be reflecting on this issue for  future annual reports.

5.            Mr Gough and Mr Foster responded to questions by Members as follows:

a)     Members welcomed the report but were disappointed to hear that there had been no response from the Secretary of State to Mr Gough’s letter.

b)     Members suggested that RE and ethics gave young people the opportunity to discuss, intellectually, wider issues in society today.

c)     Mr Tear advised that the Church of England had produced its own report on the quality of teaching RE and found that there was a discrepancy in the teaching in Primary and Secondary schools.  The Secondary sector teaching was found to be better than the Primary sector and there was now an intention to improve the quality of teaching by the Diocese of Rochester.

d)     A suggestion was made that KCC write to Sir Michael Wilshaw (Her Majesty’s Chef Inspector of Schools) regarding the issue of RE being part of the Ofsted inspection

6.            RESOLVED that the responses to questions by Members be noted; and the draft SACRE Annual report  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

To receive a report by the Cabinet Member for Education and Helath Reform and Corporate Director for Education and Young People’s Services that presents the findings from partners and stakeholders to refresh and refocus the 14 – 24 Learning, Employment and Skills Strategy from 2015 to 2018.

(Report by Mr R Gough, Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform and Mr P Leeson, Corporate Director for Education and Young People’s Services)

(Ms S Dunn, Head of Skills and Employability Service, was present for this item)

1.            The Cabinet Member, Mr Gough, introduced a report that presented the findings from partners and stakeholders to refresh and refocus the 14-24 Learning Employment and Skills Strategy from 2015 to 2018.

2.            The Corporate Director, Mr Leeson, considered the strategy one of the most important that would contribute to an improved economy.  The aim was for all 18 year olds to be able to enter work etc.  The challenge was to ensure that the right pathways were available.  This would be carried out by working in partnership with schools, employers and colleges etc.

3.            Mr Leeson advised that the 3 key imperatives were:

·            To know what the local offer looked like in each district

·            Ensuring clear careers advice was given

·            Ensuring that tracking of young people was carried out

4.            Mr Leeson and Ms Dunn noted comments and responded to questions by Members as follows:

a)        Mr Leeson advised that activities were in place to meet the NEET target of 4% in January 2015 and 1% by 2017.  The vulnerable group would need extra support.  There was constant dialogue with schools and colleges regarding this issue to encourage them to offer places.

b)        Mr Leeson concurred that the A level results were disappointing  and explained that part of the problem was student not opting for the right A levels or the fact that they should not be studying A levels.  More diverse A level options were being looked into.  Work was also being carried out to improve vocational training and expanding the options with colleges.

c)        Members welcomed the opportunity to speak with Ms Dunn about how the partnerships were working in their electoral divisions outside the meeting.

d)        A Member suggested looking at improving the employer’s engagement with schools.  This would lead to good longer term work placements.

e)        Ms Dunn advised that the local authority was up against the national agenda regarding apprenticeships.  The funding for apprenticeships may be going direct to employers.  Kent was running quarterly campaigns for apprenticeships in the local Kent Messenger newspapers.

5.            RESOLVED that:-

a)    the responses to questions by Members be noted; and

b)    the Cabinet Committee noted and endorsed the revised strategy towards achieving the new priorities and key performance indicators of the 14-24 Learning, Employment and Skills Strategy from 2015 to 2018.

To receive a report from the Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform and Corporate Director of Education and Young People’s Services that sets out the progress made with commissioned youth services and their contribution to a coordinated youth offer to the young people of Kent.

(Report by Mr R Gough, Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform and Mr P Leeson, Corporate Director for Education and Young People’s Services)

(Mr N Baker, Service Transformation Manager, Ms F Kroll, Director for Early Help and Preventative Services were present for this item)

1.            The Corporate Director, Mr Leeson, introduced a report that set out the progress made with commissioned youth services and their contribution to a coordinated youth offer to the young people of Kent.

2.            The Service Transformation Manager, Mr Baker, explained performance reviews were undertaken quarterly with each of the 22 youth work service providers.  The contracts would end between December 2015 and March 2016.  Decisions to extending or change the specifications in the contracts would be made nearer the time.

3.            Mr Baker and Mr Leeson responded to questions by Members as follows:

a)     Mr Baker agreed to provide Members with further information on the lots with providers for their area on request. Mr Vye requested information on Canterbury and Mr Cowan on Dover.

b)     Mr Leeson advised that the evidence from the consultation showed that many young people did not want to attend a club but wanted a variety of diverse activities provided in a range of settings.

c)      Mr Baker advised that there was a 30% increase in attendance levels – including Outdoor Education and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award bringing the figure to circa 500,000 in 2013/14.

d)     Mr Baker advised that the voluntary organisation Kent Youth can award small grants.  They advertise to those organisations that affiliate to them.

4.            RESOLVED that:-

a)     the responses to questions by Members be noted;

b)     the progress that has been made by commissioned youth work services across the county be noted;

c)      the plans to review targets relating to attendance and membership so that they encourage further ambition amongst the commissioned services to reach and engage more young people be noted; and

d)     the intention to define and confirm the role of youth work in the overall strategy of Early Help and Preventative Services and to ensure that service specifications for the next round of commissioning align with the broader outcomes for the new Division, especially in relation to providing more targeted support to vulnerable young people.

To receive a report by the Head of Democratic Services that seeks topics and future items to be considered by the Cabinet Committee.

(Report by Mr P Sass, Head of Democratic Services)

1.            The Democratic Services officer introduced the report and invited Members to suggested items for future agendas.

2.            RESOLVED that Members suggested items would be welcomed outside the meeting and the work programme be agreed.

To receive a report from the Cabinet Member for Community Services and the Corporate Director of Education and Young People’s Services that provides a summary of the Kent Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Assessments, KS1 and KS2 Standard Assessment Test results (SATs), and GCSE and A Level results for 2014. The report includes comparison to National Data where available. It also reports on the performance of vulnerable groups in each Key Stage. The data in this report is not final validated data so needs to be considered as provisional until final national data is published in the new year. Some national comparative data is still unavailable for some indicators

(Report by Mr R Gough, Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform and Mr P Leeson, Cabinet Member for Corporate Director for Education and Young People’s Services)

(Mr Cowan made a declaration of interest as he was a foster parent)

1.            The Cabinet Member, Mr Gough, introduced a report that provided a summary of the provisional data on Kent Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Assessments, KS1 and KS2 Standards Assessment Test results (SATs) and GCSE and A Level results for 2014.  The report also included comparisons to National Data where available, and the performance of vulnerable groups in each Key Stage.

2.            Mr Gough advised that the overall picture was positive. Key Stage 1 results had improved and there had been a narrowing of the attainment gap in Key Stage 2 which was above the national average; and strong in relation with Kent’s statistical neighbours.  There were still 5% of Kent schools below floor level; the national figure was 6%. 

3.            Mr Gough explained that the KS4 was a complex picture.  The results for BTECs were a positive performance, ahead of the national average.  There was a major emphasis in closing the attainment gaps in KS2.  There was significant progress in closing the Free School meals gap although it was still high and a better picture on the SEN attainment gap.  However there were still areas needing improvement.

4.            Mr Leeson said that it was encouraging to see continued improvement   He highlighted the national issue of girls outperforming boys and considered that this needed to be addressed in the way boys were taught.

5.            Mr Leeson and Mr Gough noted comments and responded to questions as follows:

a)    Mr Leeson concurred that the attainment results for Children in Care were disappointing and the number taking GCSEs was low.  He highlighted the funding through virtual schools in Kent and the Pupil premium use to support those children and this needed to be looked into in detail to explain the lack of progress. The responsibility lay with the schools that were robustly held to account by Ofsted.  Work was being carried out with schools to gain better results.

b)    A comment was made that it was critical to work with parents and guardians of children in care and critical to know what the level of expectation was for the child.

c)    Members agreed to Mr Leeson submitting a detailed report on Virtual School Kent etc.

6.            RESOLVED that:-

a)    the responses to questions by Members be noted;

b)    the significant improvement in many areas of school performance in 2014 by noted;

c)    the areas that still require improvement and the priorities for action to ensure that improvement is achieved in 2015 be noted; and

d)    a detailed report be submitted on Virtual School Kent to a future meeting.

To receive a report from the Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform and the Corporate Director of Education and Young People’s Services on Provide an updated Education and Young People's Services (EYPS) Strategic Vision and Priorities for Improvement (formerly Education Bold Steps) 2015-2018 document, which details the headline priorities and targets for the EYPS Directorate for 2014-2015 onwards; and provide Members with an assessment of progress and achievements against key targets in 2013-2014, supported by key service developments and improvements.

(Report by Mr R Gough, Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform and Mr P Leeson, Corporate Director for Education and Young People’s Services)

1.            The Cabinet Member, Mr Gough, introduced a report that provided an updated EYPS Strategic Vision and Priorities for Improvement 2015-2018 document which detailed the headline priorities and targets for the EYPS Directorate for 2014-2015 onwards and an assessment of progress and achievements against key targets in 2013-2014 supported by key service developments and improvements.

2.            Mr Gough highlighted the progress detailed in paragraph 3 and 5 of the report including:

·             The improved Ofsted outcomes so that 77% of schools were good or outstanding and 91% of early years settings were good or outstanding.

·             There were narrowed achievement gaps for pupils at EYFS and Key Stage 2.

·             The development and rollout of a new Early Help and Preventative Service to ensure vulnerable children and families receive support they need so that there would be less demand for statutory social care.

·             The strengthening of relationships with all partners who provide support for children and young people within Kent, particularly schools, including academies and free schools, early years providers, FE and HE, employers, work-based training providers and other key stakeholders.

·             Work carried out to ensure the Community Learning and Skills Service became a successful local authority trading company, delivering improved outcomes for adults and young people, especially the more vulnerable.

3.            The Corporate Director, Mr Leeson, advised that the EYPS Strategic Vision and Priorities for Improvement document captured all the Directorate’s strategies including the Early Help and Prevention Strategy and was supported by the business plans in each service area.  The Leeson considered that the key priority was to achieve more good and outstanding schools in Kent with a target of above 80% for 2015, and to achieve better outcomes for vulnerable groups.

4.            RESOLVED that:-

a)    the refreshed EYPS Strategic Vision and Priorities for Improvement 2015-2018 document as appended to the report be noted;

b)    the progress made in delivering EYPS priorities for 2013-2014 be noted; and

c)    agreement be given to the proposed priorities and targets for 2014-15 and beyond.

To receive a report from the Cabinet Members for Education and Health Reform and Community Services; and the Corporate Director of Education and Health Reform reviewing the Performance Management Framework, a monitoring tool, for the targets and the milestones for each year up to 2017 set out in the Strategic Priority Statement, and service business plans.

(Report by Mr R Gough, Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform and Mr M Hill, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Mr P Leeson, Corporate Director for Education and Young People’s Services)

1.            The Education and Young People’s Services Cabinet Committee considered a report that showed the progress made against targets set for Key performance indicators.

2.            RESOLVED that the report be noted.