None.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Linda Taylor, Miles Windsor had been appointed to the Panel membership for this meeting.

RESOLVED: The Panel agreed the minutes as a true record of the meeting.

None.

Janet Martin introduced the report.

Councillor Karin Forbes enquired about the variation between Merton Schools in the percentage meeting the required standard of phonic decoding between 38% and 88% and asked if any patterns or trends had been identified to explain this gap. Kate Saksena explained that this was a new test and therefore the results were hugely varied over the two years the test has been running, as well as in the way it is created by schools that run the test differently. This means that comparative data from year 1 to year 2 is difficult to capture. The School Improvement Team is looking for comparison between foundation stages in literacy and phonics. Some schools have also taught their students how to sit this test. Councillor Karin Forbes asked if schools that were not performing as well in this area were being supported by the better performing schools on this particular test. Kate Saksena informed the Panel that this was in place, focused on literacy and teaching phonics. In some schools phonic are taught by teaching assistants.

Councillor Oonagh Moulton expressed her concerns about ensuring attainment could be improved at early years level, particularly in writing. Janet Martin added that as this was the first year of the new system the results are variable. The test also is not suited to the early year’s stage. Kate Saksena added that there are 17 areas in the foundation stage and these are all new this year. Some schools stuck rigidly to the guidance whilst others didn’t and this hasn’t allowed actual skill levels to be accurately captured. Writing skills need to be improved at KS1 and KS2.

Councillor Iain Dysart asked if schools have discretion to set list of 40 words that the phonics test covers. Jan Martin confirmed that this was a set list for all schools.

Councillor Iain Dysart asked what was being done to address the fact that mixed heritage groups had the widest attainment gaps. Jan Martin explained that discussions were being held with schools and pupil groups where there are issues to agree a course of action.

Colin Powell stated that these results were to be celebrated given the reduced staffing within schools and also the School Improvement Team. Colin Powell said that there has also been lots of work on SEN pupils which is good to see but noted concerns that higher achievers do not receive as much support and encouragement as those who are underachieving.

Kate Saksena explained that the recent OFSTED report and national government guidelines had increased emphasis on the percentage of children who were classes as high achievers and schools are proactive in providing support to this group of children. The School Improvement Team have undertaken whole school reviews and looked at specific groups and as part of this, looked at how high achievers are being challenged.

Councillor Peter Walker commented on the categories used and if these should be updated to be more relevant.

Councillor Iain Dysart asked about the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Paul Ballatt introduced the report. Councillor Peter Walker expressed his concerns regarding the loss of funding for schools due to low take up of Free School Meals (FSM). Paul Ballatt confirmed that the registered rate for FSM in Merton Schools is lagging behind in terms of the numbers registered compared to  outer London and  national trends. The gap between entitlement and registration in Merton is 23% (equates to approx. 1200 students) and in outer London it is 15%. This is both a loss to the child because they are entitled to a free school meal and also to the schools’ budgets in terms of loss of pupil premium income.

Paul Ballatt explained that there is a project group set up to look at the reasons for low take up and to encourage parents to sign up for FSM.  A number of activities have been undertaken to increase take up with schools and parents, and also on application procedures. There have also been discussions with other local authorities to see what they do and how Merton could utilise any best practice. It was acknowledged that there needs to be a more targeted approach to increase registrations.

Paul Ballatt explained that there are issues with accessing data on parents on income support etc. which would enable this more targeted approach. However, the department are talking to housing needs and asking libraries to offer advice and raise awareness, There will also be specialist communications in this area as corporate communications have identified this as one of their campaigns for the year.

Peter Connellan suggested that health visitors and GPs may also be able to raise awareness and talk to parents about benefits and eligibility for FSM. Yvette Stanley added that Children’s Centres had been working with health workers on this.

Councillor Agatha Akyigyina added that there is a stigma to FSM and this may explain the low take up. Paul Ballatt said that they were working with the school meals contractor to improve the environment to encourage people to take up FSM and that they were looking at patterns in different communities of applying/not applying for FSM.

Councillor Jeff Hanna added that it may be worth making a representation through local MPs to enable councils to have more of a role in applying on behalf of those who are entitled.

Councillor Iain Dysart suggested that posters and leaflets be displayed at community centres and at community forum meetings.

Councillor Jeff Hanna asked how we can get past data protection issues to support identification of eligible families. He suggested contact with parents and stepping up a communications campaign to sell the benefits of FSM to them. Paul Ballatt noted that, in addition to the targeted approach to increasing FSM registration and take up, government had recently announced universal FSMs to pupils in reception class and years one and two. Some capital has been allocated to Merton to support this new policy but further guidance is still outstanding.

Councillor Jeff Hanna proposed that this be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The letter requested to be written to lobby local MP’s, at the Panels request, on the necessity of funding being made available to implement any agreed provisions within the current Children and Families Bill was tabled.

Councillor James Holmes queried what resources were available within the Merton Education Partnership (MEP) for innovative projects and initiatives to be rolled out around improving school standards.  Jan Martin explained that the council provide administrative resource to the MEP and that there is a £100,000 fund (£50k from the Schools Forum and £50k from the local authority) which members of the partnership can bid for to carry out initiatives. Recently 10 bids were received from schools and funds allocated. This amount will be the same in the following year. Schools can apply for funding for collaborative initiatives and in future years match funding criteria may be applied.

RESOLVED: Panel noted the report.

RESOLVED: Panel noted the report.