Council and democracy

Presented by the Head Teacher of the Virtual School for Children Looked After, the report detailed raising achievement in all areas of education for Children Looked After was a key priority for Thurrock Council.

It was mentioned that the Department for Education (DFE) published validated attainment data in March 2019, which detailed the results for Children Looked After and provides comparative data against National Children Looked After.

The Committee were first informed of the year 1 phonics screening check, which was undertaken in June. Members were advised that as yet there was no national data provided by the DFE linked to Children Looked After.  The percentage of children who reached the expected standard has increased compared to the previous year, the Committee were further advised for 2018 there were 6 pupils in the cohort and the pass rate was 67%.

Members were notified since 2016 KS1 assessments were no longer reported as levels and as such could not be compared to previous years. Therefore when comparing performance, the overall three year trend for Key Stage 1 pupils was very positive for reading and writing. However, it was highlighted that there was an issue relating to maths attainment.

The Head Teacher of the Virtual School for Children Looked After went on to explain KS2 results were also no longer reported as levels, with each pupil receiving their test results as a scaled score and teacher assessments based on the standards in the interim framework. For the whole Thurrock CLA cohort the statistics for those achieving the expected standard were reading 65%, GPS 59%, maths 71% and writing 65%.

She continued to inform Members for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) who had been in care for 12+ months; their attainment across a three year period had improved.

The Chair stated she was pleased to receive the report and its results for the boroughs Looked After Children. She sought clarity as to why writing results for KS2 had dropped for 2018.  It was explained the exams for KS2 were teacher assessed and it was assumed that teachers were airing on the side of caution, instead of over unfluctuating results.

It was commented that year 6 pupils were given a voucher once they had completed their exams. The Head Teacher of the Virtual School for Children Looked After explained that this was a new initiative for 2019 and children would be gifted with a £30 WH Smith voucher to allow them to purchase their stationery in preparation for secondary school.  In addition to this revision packs were being created for Year 10 pupils with top tips for revision, preparing them for their GCSEs.

RESOLVED that the Committee:

1.         Noted the validated DFE outcomes of the summer

2018 teacher assessment, tests and examinations and commends the pupils, their schools and parents/carers on their achievements.

2.         Recognised that the cohorts of pupils are small and that this should be considered when comparing year on year data.

3.         Noted that prior attainment for pupils will impact on attainment in later years and that Thurrock CLA in care have made good progress.

4.         Had a clear picture of the attainment and progress outcomes for pupils who are looked after and also have a Special Educational Need or Disability.