Issue - meetings

To receive a report containing details of the latest Ofsted reports since the last meeting of the Committee and other schools’ performance indicators.

Gillian Cole, Service Manager Schools presented the Schools Performance Indicators and Ofsted reports report.

Gillian Cole stated that Ofsted had ceased its inspections process due to the current lockdown.  The reports presented had been published prior to the lockdown.  The reports were in relation to Maiden Erlegh and St Dominic Savio, both schools had achieved outstanding ratings.

Members were pleased to note the outcomes of the inspections at both schools.  In particular, it was noted that St Dominic Savio had shown a considerable improvement.

Gillian Cole stated that St Dominic Savio had had a trajectory of improvement, from requires improvement to good and now to outstanding.  She stated that St Dominic’s Headteacher had been able to talk to other primary school heads about his trajectory before the lockdown.

Members wished to formally congratulate those schools on their achievement.  The Chairman agreed to write to both schools, on the Committee’s behalf, to congratulate them on their significant results.

In response to a question, Gillian Cole stated that Ofsted investigated and would report bullying at schools if this was found to be the case.  She confirmed that schools and academies were required to keep a log of bullying incidents.

Councillor Helliar-Symonds stated that it used to be customary for the Executive Member for Children’s Services to write to schools following positive Ofsted inspections outcomes.  She was particularly pleased with a sentence in St Dominic Savio’s report which stated: “Leaders and teachers do not place a ceiling on what pupils can do and achieve…”, she felt that this was particularly aspirational.

Gillian Cole stated that as a result of the Covid-19 situation, the government had removed the exams requirement.  Therefore, there would be no performance data for this year.

Members stated that they wished to review the performance indicators for 2019 at the next meeting.

In response to a question Gillian Cole stated that there were ongoing discussions with schools’ leaders to determine how schools would assess the gap in learning created by the current situation, and how to address it.  The service was waiting for government guidance.

RESOLVED That the report be noted.