Issue - meetings

That the report be noted.

The Director of Lifelong Learning introduced a report to seek Member contributions to the draft 2012 self-evaluation of Local Authority Education Services for Children and Young People.

The Director advised that self evaluation was based on a wide range of information about strengths and areas for improvement which was collected throughout the year.  Referring to the 2012 draft Self Evaluation which was attached to the report he summarised that the key message from last year in terms of pupil achievement and attainment, continued to be good at KS3 and amongst the best at KS4.   Although improving, Primary KS2 teacher assessments outcomes were not as good as they should be and too many primary schools were a cause of concern for the Authority.  Standards in secondary schools were good and no secondary or special schools were causing concern.   Attendance was up and the number of permanent exclusions down. 

The Director advised that Flintshire had achieved the best set of outcomes in Wales for participation 16+ with the lowest number of ‘not in education, employment or training’ (NEETS).  However, whilst the outcomes were positive, the Authority was not complacent and he commented on the need to create more apprenticeship and employment opportunities. He added that in terms of informal learning the Duke of Edinburgh Award participation   had increased significantly in Flintshire in the last year.

Councillor D.I. Mackie asked how standards in literacy and numeracy were being improved in some primary schools.  In his response the Director referred to the literacy and numeracy strategies in place locally and nationally as well as the specific interventions in any school causing concern.  He provided reassurance that primary strategies were most successful where carefully applied to the assessed development needs of the learner.

During discussion the Director responded to the further questions raised by Members concerning the Foundation Phase, support for pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL), the Welsh Baccalaureate, support for Welsh medium schools, and healthy schools initiative. 

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.