Issue - meetings

That the work undertaken by the School Standards Monitoring Group and its

continued role working in the same waywith targeted schools in 2014-15 be

endorsed.

The Chief Officer (Education and Youth) introduced a report to update on Schools Standards Monitoring for underperforming schools in both primary and secondary phases.  He provided background information and advised that the SSMG was established to ensure that schools which are  under-performing were rigorously challenged by the Authority and also appropriately supported to make progress and improve outcomes for learners.

The Chief Officer introduced Jeremy Griffiths, Headteacher Ysgol Gwynedd, and Jane Edwards, Headteacher Ysgol Sychdyn, who had been invited to attend the meeting to provide information on their experience of school to school support and collaborative working.  The Chairman welcomed Mr. Griffiths and Ms. Edwards and invited them to give a presentation to the Committee.

Councillor Marion Bateman and Mrs Rebecca Stark commended  both headteachers for their hard work and support and for the welfare of staff and pupils.

Councillor Nancy Matthews expressed concerns  around the support network which was made available to schools and asked whether this could be undermining the work of GwE.  She expressed further concerns that too many demands were being placed on teachers and that they may have to  spend too much time away from the classroom.

Members were asked to endorse the work of the SSMG and for its  continued role working in the same way with targeted schools in 2014-15. When put to the vote this was carried.  Councillor Nancy Matthews abstained from voting.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Griffiths and Ms. Edwards for their attendance and valuable contribution to the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the work undertaken by the School Standards Monitoring Group and its

continued role working in the same waywith targeted schools in 2014-15 be

endorsed.