Issue - meetings

(a)       That the work undertaken by the School Standards Monitoring Group be noted; and

(b)       That the Committee endorse the School Standards Monitoring Group to continue to work in the same way with targeted schools in 2015-16.

The Senior Manager School Improvement  introduced a report to provide an annual update on the work of the School Standards Monitoring Group.   She provided background information and expressed thanks to members for their support for the work of the SSMG. 

                        The Senior Manager School Improvement referred to the key considerations and provided a summary of the position at the end of the academic year 2014-15.  She explained that the key focus of the work undertaken by the SSMG was that schools were quickly identified, challenged, and appropriately supported if there were concerns about their performance which could adversely impact on outcomes for learners.  This work had resulted in the Authority having to make limited use of formal powers of intervention.

Mr. David Hytch commented that the process was a positive experience for schools which had helped them to move forward.  The Chief Officer reiterated that feedback from schools was “good”, that they had found the process positive and had been well supported throughout.  He thanked members for the work undertaken around school monitoring which had improved the outcomes for schools and local communities also.      

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the work undertaken by the School Standards Monitoring Group be noted; and

(b)       That the Committee endorse the School Standards Monitoring Group to continue to work in the same way with targeted schools in 2015-16.