DECISION

1.    To note the 2014 Local Authority Education Results.

2.    To support the proposed strategy for raising performance in the areas identified below:

a.    plan carefully for the introduction of the two year old health and learning check to ensure any early help needed with cognitive development is identified and planed for;

b.    continue to work with the full range of Early Years’ providers to ensure two to four year olds receive the best possible start;

c.    continue to support schools to share good practice in pedagogy, particularly related to literacy and higher order academic writing in order to  improve the attainment of the most able pupils at all key stages;

d.    work with any school that has significantly underachieved to improve standards through effective data analysis and improved teaching and learning strategies;

e.    provide continued support and guidance to sixth forms to offer good transition plans from KS4 into KS5;

f.     continue to promote information advice and guidance for access to Russell group and Oxbridge and high quality apprenticeships, hence contributing to the borough’s employment strategy.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, EDUCATION, SOCIAL CARE AND WELLBEING (R. McCULLOCH-GRAHAM)

(Service Head, Learning and Achievement (A. Canning)

Councillor Gulam Robbani, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, introduced the report. He highlighted the national dip in GCSE results and also reported on good results in Tower Hamlets, particularly at A-level and early years.

During discussion Members highlighted that educational attainment was a priority for the Council and asked that officers ensure any dips in performance were tackled.

The Mayor thanked Members for their contribution to the debate and confirmed his commitment to education. He highlighted the benefit of the Council’s investment in this area and agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the 2014 Local Authority Education Results.

2.    To support the proposed strategy for raising performance in the areas identified below:

a.    plan carefully for the introduction of the two year old health and learning check to ensure any early help needed with cognitive development is identified and planed for;

b.    continue to work with the full range of Early Years’ providers to ensure two to four year olds receive the best possible start;

c.    continue to support schools to share good practice in pedagogy, particularly related to literacy and higher order academic writing in order to  improve the attainment of the most able pupils at all key stages;

d.    work with any school that has significantly underachieved to improve standards through effective data analysis and improved teaching and learning strategies;

e.    provide continued support and guidance to sixth forms to offer good transition plans from KS4 into KS5;

f.     continue to promote information advice and guidance for access to Russell group and Oxbridge and high quality apprenticeships, hence contributing to the borough’s employment strategy.