Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence received.

No apologies were received.

All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members’ Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore all Members with a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider, having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Code, whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Non-Pecuniary interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 2 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and agreed.

To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.

None received.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman noted that they had visited 13 Schools since becoming Executive Member for Education and seen positive leadership and good practice at them all.

The Chairman also welcomed Justin Innes to his first meeting as the co-opted member representing Hampshire’s Special Schools.

To receive a presentation from the Director of Children’s Services providing an update on fixed term and permanent exclusions in Primary, Secondary and Specialist provision.

The Education Advisory Panel received a presentation from the Director of Children’s Services providing an update on both fixed term and permanent exclusions in Hampshire’s primary, secondary and specialist provision.

The Panel heard how the Exclusion data presented reflected the challenges in schools and wider agencies. Officers noted only the head teacher can exclude a pupil and only on disciplinary grounds. This is ‘a last resort, in response to a serious breach or persistent breaches of the school’s behaviour policy’ and must be ‘lawful, reasonable and fair’.

Members noted that the Inclusion Support Service’s role was to ‘support and challenge’ schools on this issue. As part of this training is provided to governing bodies to assist them to discharge their duties in interrogating and questioning the decision of the head teacher to ensure it is robust.

The panel noted several slides of statistics that showed that the most vulnerable children and most likely to be excluded and their outcomes suffered the most. It was noted that Hampshire’s Permanent Exclusion rate was less than half the national average and that the most common reasons were persistent disruptive behaviour and physical assault against pupils or adults.

In response to questions members found that;

·         There is no significant difference in exclusions between maintained and academy schools.

·         Efforts are made to try and support parents of excluded pupils, mainly through outside agencies.

·         In some cases the child not being in school is a safeguarding risk and this can make legitimate decisions to exclude difficult.

·         Changes to Free School Meals and Universal Credit in recent years will affect some of the most recent data.

Resolved: That the Education Advisory Panel note the presentation on Fixed Term and Permanent Exclusions.

To receive a presentation from the Director of Children’s Services providing an overview on students on reduced hours timetables.

The Education Advisory Panel received a presentation from the Director of Children’s Services providing an overview of students in Hampshire who receive a reduced hours provision(RHP).

The Panel heard how RHP is an effective short term intervention as part of a wider plan, but should be a last resort. Officers explained how in light of concerns in relation to ‘off rolling’, RHP was a key focus for the County Council as well as Ofsted and therefore the policy has been strengthened in line with statutory guidance, school feedback and audits.

Members found that there were four main reasons for RHP, all of which were only put in place if in the best interest of the child. These were; as part of an in-school support package, medical reasons, reintegration following an extended period out of school and supporting Year R pupils.

In response to questions members found that;

·         RHP was different to alternative provision, where a pupil is receiving the full number of hours education a week but may be on work experience etc.

·         One of the considerations when approving RHP will be the pupils ability to access the next stage of education.

·         Pupils should be ‘keeping up not catching up’ if not in school so work needs to be provided.

Resolved: That the Education Advisory Panel note the presentation on Students on Reduced Hours Timetables.

To receive a verbal update from the Director of Children’s Services providing an overview of the implementation of the new Ofsted framework.

The Education Advisory Panel received a presentation from the Director of Children’s Services providing an update on the implementation of the new Ofsted framework.

The Panel received an overview of the support provided to schools from Hampshire Inspection and Advisory Service, including briefings for head teachers and governing bodies. Officers explained how Ofsted inspections now involved between four and six of the following ‘deep dive’ activities;

·         Discussions with senior leaders, selected pupils, teachers or curriculum leaders,

·         Work scrutiny with selected pupils,

·         Visits to a connected/selected sample of lessons

Officers noted that these were most likely in reading and mathematics, followed by other foundation subjects such as science.

Members heard that following 30 inspections in Hampshire outcomes have been as expected. It was noted that these inspections had greater staff involvement but less for head teachers.

Resolved: That the Education Advisory Panel note the presentation on the Implementation of the New Ofsted Framework.

To receive a presentation from the Director of Children’s Services providing an update on the Hampshire Skills Plan.

The Education Advisory Panel received a presentation from the Director of Children’s Services providing an overview of Hampshire’s Skills Plan.

Officer’s set out the Council’s need to understand the current and future needs of employers and work closely with education and skills providers to priorities new skills into a wider curriculum.

Members noted the three priorities which have come from this;

1.    A future-ready Hampshire – matching skills supply and demand and driving forward productivity for a prosperous and resilient economy.

2.    An inclusive local labour market that develops talent and maximises opportunity for all our communities.

3.    A high quality skills infrastructure and facilities to raise aspiration and achievement; meet employer demand and create industry standard training in our post 16 sector.

In response to questions members found that;

·         Any funds allocated but not used are returned within two years.

·         There is a drive to recruit individuals into the teaching provision from a wide range of areas.

·         There is a need for accessible learning that takes place in evenings and weekends.

Resolved: That the Education Advisory Panel note the presentation on Hampshire’s Skill Plan.