TO FOLLOW

Councillor Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, introducedLisa Fraser, Acting Corporate Director of Children’s Services, and Dr Tina Soda, Interim Head of Special Educational Needs, who gave an overview of the changes and progress made since the previous deep dive into sixth form borough provision, including university access.

Ms Fraser informed the sub-committee that the provisional key stage 4 outcome details are general in nature, as data regarding the neighbouring borough performance varied during the pandemic. National outcome levels have fallen since 2022, although Applied General levels have risen 9 points, which is higher than the national average. A Level and academic study outcomes are lower now in 2023 than last year. It was noted that four of the schools in the top 5% nationally for progressing children to key stage 5 are in Tower Hamlets.

Further work is required to access apprenticeship programmes specifically for young people who decide  not to enter the workforce, continue further education or enrol in internship programmes. Current data on the lack of 6th form BTEC course is being sourced, although evidence suggests that many young people are choosing vocational courses. The closure of businesses due to the pandemic may be a possible reason for the decrease. A review of the current 6^th Form offer is in progress, as work in the SEN and Careers young work path services for post 16 year olds, not in education, employment, or training (NEET) is ongoing. Members were also updated on support from the London East Alternative Provision (LEAP) to reduce the high NEET figures.

Dr Tina Soda then noted the number of young people with live health and care plans (HCP) is currently 4,400 compared to 3,462 the previous year. Forty percent of 16-25 year olds with HCP’s are still either in education, college or training providers, due to the various colleges available with vocational programmes. The Sensory Impairment Hub in Spitalfields allows more young people to stay within the borough.

Details on current workstreams from the social mobilities team to increase uptake levels were mentioned. Members were also informed of an apprenticeship scheme for young people with SEN, which opened in February this year, with a second planned for 2024. A SEN sufficiency report will outline plans to fill the post 19 gaps, and an audit is underway for the Preparing for Adulthood pathway

Engagement with local businesses to expand the scheme is ongoing, and promotional campaigns and open evenings for five LBTH broad sector internships are in progress, to encourage Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCO’s), carers, advisors and youth workers to participate. 

Further to  questions from the sub-committee, Lisa Fraser and Dr Tina Soda;

·       Confirmed that further details on young people with EHCP no longer studying BTEC Courses will be circulated to the sub-committee for review

·       Confirmed that details on the numbers of young people who are NEET including those on remand will be circulated to the sub-committee for review.

·       Clarified that investment has been made to increase standards in pedagogy and practice in key stages two and four. A specialised subject  knowledge is required for A Level teaching.

·       Explained that a review will be taking place to further understand and support students who are unable to take out loans due to religious beliefs. Benefits are impacted when students with EHCP opt for apprenticeship schemes, as they receive wages. A ‘Better Off’ assessment is undertaken to establish if they are eligible for other benefits whilst employed.

·       Confirmed that enhancing key stage 5 outcomes will include Tower Hamlets Education Partnership (THEP) working with specialist linguistics and language networks to ensure progress across the borough.

·       Noted that discussions with all young people on the Post 16 needs list have taken place to establish their aspirations as they transition into adulthood. A written brief will be circulated to members for review including the number of families.

RESOLVED that;

1.    Further details on young people with EHCP no longer studying BTEC Courses to be brought back to the sub-committee for review.

2.    Details on the numbers of young people who are NEET including those on remand to be brought back to the sub-committee for review.

3.    A written brief on details and numbers on the Post 16 needs list to be brought back to the sub-committee for review.

4.    That the presentation be noted.