Agenda item

The Panel received a report that set out the findings and recommendations of the Independent Commission on Education and Skills in Doncaster, published on the 21^st October 2016.  The report outlined the process of consultation and the timeline for the Team Doncaster response. 

Members were informed that consultation seeking feedback to the report had taken place over a two month period.  As part of that timeline the follow had taken place:

1.    Engagement with young people via a meeting with the Youth Council and wider groups.

2.    Feedback received from Headteachers.

3.    Online survey undertaken via the Team Doncaster, Council websites and Social Media.

The Panel fed into the Councils response by taking into consideration 30 recommendations made as part of 7 characteristics of a successful Education and Skills System for Doncaster.

Recommendation 1 - Establish an Education and Skills Board

A Member enquired whether there was anything in place that could be signed up to which may secure partners commitment.  In response, it was commented that Team Doncaster would be expected to play their part and that any partner’s commitment would be distinguished through the consultation process where a consensus would needed to be agreed.  Members were informed that the resources and support needed would have to be identified.  Members were assured that there was faith in the role of the board and it may be useful to learn what the board has achieved in about 18 months. 

It was recognised that positive work had been achieved for Doncaster by the Sheffield City Region and acknowledged that there were a number of major projects which may provide the opportunity for educational projects to be taken forward.

It was noted that the Education Improvement Board’s action plan had been signed off during Summer 2016.  It was continued that there wasn’t a great deal of new resources for the programme, which meant better joining up of existing resources was required.  It was commented that a pathway into new jobs required improved collaborations.

It was added that the Council welcomed partner’s involvement from the voluntary and communities sector as without this, it would not be possible to be successful about the whole child.

Members were informed that Team Doncaster was looking at what was currently in place in order to assess what supported was needed.

Recommendations 3 and 4 – Guaranteed experiences for all young people and the Doncaster Diploma

Members briefly reflected on what it used to be like to be a child compared to being one today.  It was felt that there was reluctance for children to go out and that they had less freedom.  It was recognised that things had changed significantly and the challenge would be how that difference could be addressed.

A Member felt that in terms of activities and experiences for young people, there was a great deal to be offered by organisations such as the Guides and Scouts.  It was added that such establishments may need financial support in order to develop. Reference was also made to the challenges created by an increased usage of electronic devices by children.

Acknowledgment was made regarding some outstanding examples that existed which provided a framework for activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.  It was recognised that society was changing and that today’s youth had a different experience from that of previous generations.

Although it was seen that there was a raft of opportunities for activities and experiences available, concern was raised regarding families who were unable to access them due to limited finances.  It was stated that in reality these experiences shouldn’t be costly as it was about being smarter and using what was already out there.

In respect of schools priorities in preparing young people for employment, it was acknowledged that there was a national policy which could not be altered.  It was believed that the demands of local businesses may steer a new debate and although control was with the school there was an enormous amount of latitude that existed.

There was a brief discussion about how the Doncaster Children’s University worked.  Members stated that they were very impressed with it but expressed concern that take-up was not widespread.  It was also questioned what was in place for 13 year olds and over as the Children’s University was only available for 8 to 13 year olds.

Recommendation 9 – Doncaster as a University City

Members questioned how Doncaster as a University City would link in with inward investment and higher skilled jobs.  They were informed that an infrastructure for learning was needed and was not just about input but about how you can retrain on the job. 

In respect of engaging with key sectors within the Borough, Members were told how there was a central focus on the modern rail sector.  It was stated that it was about seeing where demand was and then challenging the education system to meet this demand.  It was stated that business had a role in driving this issue forward and it was acknowledged that commitments had already been made.

Members queried why there wasn’t a more local offer to provide a higher education for young people.  Members heard that there were proposals in place to improve and provide alternative routes that were more affordable and accessible. It was advised that building a new university within the locality required a student base, something which Doncaster only had in part.  It was reported that there was evidence where a university city with a base attracts other employers. 

Recommendation 10 – An independent all Age Careers information and guidance service

Members asked what evidence had been found by the Skills Commission that indicated it was failing and also questioned how issues within current services could be addressed and resolved rather than recreated.  It was outlined that information had been received through a series of focus groups and interviews.  Members learnt that although the Local Authority had a responsibility to provide Careers Advice and Guidance, schools were free to determine how they would provide that support. It was therefore the case that inconsistences existed in the quality and level of what was being provided.  It was suggested that this may be further assisted through the introduction of a quality kite mark. 

Reference was made about the continuation of advice and guidance service for 14-19 year olds moving into adulthood.  Members were advised that a Peer Review would be undertaken that would include Children in Care. It was felt that the recommendation proposed would potentially provide the substance to change the current landscape.

It was felt it would be helpful to build on the power of professional support and that Doncaster could become the place to be in respect of teacher training and recruitment.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Schools informed the Panel that she had attended 78 schools to speak about transition and guidance.  It was emphasised that there was a need to understand what was out there and for Headteachers to join together.

It was explained that the infrastructure of collaboration had started to build up and provided a much sharper focus of what could be achieved in a more rational and affordable way.  It was stated that there was a will and commitment to work together and pick up actions and key recommendations.  It was noted that leadership and direction would be incorporated into the agreed final response.

In respect of timescales, Members were informed that this characteristic would be driven by the demands of the business sector and skills gap.  It was added that there was a commitment from academies to look at what needed to be done, in order to raise attainment.  This would include how the curriculum could be tailored to offer choice, a pathway and provide key support.  It was stressed there were opportunities out there that should not be missed.

Recommendation 7 and 19 – Formal Reviews

In respect of formal reviews, Members were informed that a peer review of virtual schools for Looked After Children had concluded and provided a much wider review of the whole system by considering special education needs within mainstream schools.  It had been recognised that certain provision did not meet current demographics.

A Member commented that they would be interested to see the outcome of the post 6^th form review.  It was queried what the Council was going to do to focus the offer provided by academies.  Members were informed that the governance and oversight was not there previously and that the skills partnership will have that oversight although they were not obliged to do so. 

Recommendation 15 and 23 - Establish a School Improvement partnership and recruit great teachers

Members were informed that the appetite for this was now there and that preconditions were right.  In addition, Members were made aware of the positive relationship that existed with the Regional Schools Commissioner which itself has statutory duties.

It was explained that change was an ongoing factor in respect of academies and that Chief Executive Officers were being questioned about what they could progress and achieve in meeting its outcomes for children in care.

Reference was made to the benefits of learning in the workplace, for example, Union Learning which attracts mature learning where adults can develop skills in their own time. 

RESOLVED that the Panel;

1.    Note the contents and findings of the report from the Independent Commission on the Education and Skills in Doncaster; and

2.    Note the on-going consultations with relevant stakeholders to inform the formal response; and

3.    Engages with the consultation process by providing its response to the Commission’s report and recommendations.

4.    Recommends that wider staff are included into process.