Councillor Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, introduced the first item and noted achievements and investments made in the borough such as,  the Universal Free School Meals, University Bursaries and the Mayor’s Education Maintenance Allowance schemes.

Councillor Talukdar expressed a desire to continue the work that has been completed and to ensure that the preparations for the inspections on Children's Social Care, Youth Justice, and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) are in place.

Steve Reddy, Corporate Director of Children’s Services, then gave an overview of the directorate and the demographics of young people in the borough, Priorities include the ongoing support for Key Stage 5 students and the development of proposals for the Institute for Academic Excellence. Other priorities are Young Tower Hamlets launch, the Family Hubs and the continued work with partners to deliver the Accelerate! partnership plan. Mr Reddy then outlined the role that stakeholders, the Partnership Board and sub-committee Members play in shaping the service.

Further to  questions from the sub-committee, Councillor Maium Talukdar, and Steve Reddy:

·       Acknowledged that there were issues with the website and digital responses on EMA bursaries, which have now been resolved. Parents were advised to check emails for notifications. Members were requested to forward any feedback on specific cases to Officers for further investigation.

·       Clarified that the criteria for EMA bursaries involves an assessment. The funds are limited although they have been increased. Full details on data comparing the percentage of children eligible for EMA funding, the percentage of applications submitted, and the percentage of awards granted will be forwarded to the sub-committee for review.

·       Noted that no significant concerns have been made in relation to the safety of concrete used All Saints school in Stepney. Full details will be brought to the sub-committee for review.

·       Confirmed that consideration will  be given to extending provision for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within mainstream schools and discussions will take place in due course.

·       Observed that the Council supports School Governors. Consideration to better represent School Governors to ensure that they represent the community will be given. Parents should address any school concerns to the Headteacher and governing body, and any issues that cannot be resolved should then be addressed to the Department of Education (DfE) who have ultimate authority.

·       Noted that significant investment is being made to SEND services and the SEND strategy will combat ongoing concerns. It was acknowledged that more support is required to assist children in the early stages.

·       Tower Hamlets have various summer holiday activities in the borough and details will be brought back to the sub-committee for review.

·       Confirmed that information on any national or regional funding available for investment into new technologies to support young people with additional needs will be returned to the sub-committee for review.

The Sub-Committee RESOLVED:

1.    That data comparing the percentage of children eligible for EMA funding, the percentage of applications submitted, and the percentage of awards granted to be forwarded to the sub-committee for review.

2.    That an update on concrete at All Saints School in Stepney and a current assessment of safety be forwarded to the sub-committee for review.

3.    That a written brief on the summer schools available in the borough be forwarded to the sub-committee for review.

4.    That a written brief highlighting whether there is any national or regional funding available for investment into new technologies to support young people with additional needs.

5.    That the presentation be noted.