Agenda item

The Head of the Virtual School, Melanie Stubbs, presented a report and delivered a presentation which provided a summary of the Virtual School’s annual report for 2021-22 (for copy of report and presentation, see file of minutes).

The Panel noted that the report focused on childrenand young people of statutory school and that, at July 2022 there were 676 Durham children looked after of statutory school age, 47.5% of whom were of primary school age and 52.5% were secondary school age.  The majority (80.3%) attended County Durham schools.  The Head of the Virtual School explained that wherever possible children and young people are placed in schools which have Ofsted ratings of good or better and approximately 70% of the children attended a school with an Ofsted rating of good or better.  

Information was provided on provision for those with special educational needs and education, health and care plans and the number of school moves.

The Panel noted that in 2021-22 there had been a decrease in the number of school moves of 52% from the previous year and good attendance rates were reported with overall attendance for the whole children looked after cohort being 92%. The presentation included graphs showing examination results with a return to formal examinations after the Covid-19 period at Key Stage 4. Despite the challenges, most of the young people performed in line, in the basics, when compared to the last formal examinations in 2019.

Actions for the future include the continued support for children and young people in the key transition years, ensuring the appropriate curriculum pathway for each child.  Work will be further developed with the SEND team, the Full Circle therapeutic team and colleagues in health and social work teams and with the Children in Care Council.  Work will also continue to increase the awareness of the impact of early trauma.

Councillor Walton referred to the dip in performance at Key Stage 2 and asked if there were any indications to show the situation is improving. The Virtual School Head confirmed that she will be holding meetings in the near future to monitor progress and pupil premium plus monies will be made available if additional support is necessary.

Councillor Coult highlighted that the number of children looked after continues to rise and asked what action is being taken to ensure there is sufficient provision.  The Head of the Virtual School responded that statutory guidance recommends that in respect of school admission, the highest priority is given to children looked after and those previously looked after and there is an increasing amount of work being done to support special and mainstream schools with their offer. 

Councillor Miller was pleased to see the support mechanisms in place for the mental health needs of children and young people.  He referred to those not in education, employment and training and asked what options are promoted as alternatives to continuing in education.  Councillor Miller also observed that the data presented emphasised performance by gender and he asked why it was necessary to do so.  The Virtual School Head clarified that it was a requirement that the data includes a break-down by gender in order that historical trends can be monitored, which have traditionally seen boys outperforming girls in maths and girls outperforming boys in English.  Further information on the offer for those not in education, employment and training  would be provided later in the meeting.

Members commented on the good work by staff and young people who were working hard to achieve their goals.

Councillor Hunt referred to a lack of information available for kinship carers with regard to pupil premium plus monies.  The Virtual School Head replied that schools must be notified before the October census to enable the funds to be allocated to the school budget for the following April and she agreed to discuss the matter with Councillor Hunt after the meeting.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.