Updates against portfolio priorities will be provided by:

·         The Cabinet Member for Education (Councillor Cooper- Marbiah); and

·         The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services (Councillor Neep).

Cllr Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Cabinet Member for Education, provided members with an update, highlighting the following:

1.    Exam results: Merton came joint first in England for Progress 8 results (along with Brent local authority) for pupils taking their GCSEs in 2017.  Progress 8 measures the progress that is made between Key Stages 2 and 4 and reflects the hard work of schools and young people themselves.  The Cabinet Member congratulated all those involved in this success;

2.    Ofsted school inspections: recently Park Community (Primary) School has been judged good and the Harris Primary Academy outstanding by Ofsted. A number of additional judgements are awaited.  Currently, 89% of all schools in Merton are good or outstanding compared to 79% nationally.  Work continues with other schools that have not been judged as highly by Ofsted; and

3.    Harris Wimbledon: an open evening has been held at which there was a strong display of parental interest in the new school.  Highlighted that based on current application levels, there will be at least 120 students needing additional school places demonstrating the need to have the Whatley Avenue site open.

In response to member questions, the Cabinet Member and Yvette Stanley, Director for Children, Schools and Families clarified:

·         Yvette Stanley: the success demonstrated by Merton’s Progress 8 scores isn’t down to just one factor and is the product of the quality of leadership and teaching, improved attendance and tremendous hard work by school staff supported by the Department;

·         Cllr Cooper-Marbiah: highlighted good leadership, management and the engagement of students and parents as the key elements in Merton’s success.  The Council is working to raise awareness of the success of Merton’s schools for example through Primary schools at the point in the year where parents and pupils are selecting their secondary place preferences.  This is a good opportunity to highlight the success of our schools; and

·         Yvette Stanley: noted that in terms of building the popularity of Merton’s schools with students and parents, reputation always takes some time to establish.  However, at the current time, all but two of Merton’s schools are full and oversubscribed which is indicative of their popularity.  Use of out of borough schools is also higher because there is not a good geographical spread of provision across Merton.  This is historic.  Additionally, some good schools on Merton’s boundaries have expanded in advance of local population increases.  However, now that this population increase is happening, Merton children will find it harder to go out of borough.  Noted that it is important to consider the types of school places available and that at the present time, the borough isn’t able to offer a co-educational school at its centre.  Again, highlighted the large number of secondary applications that have been received in comparison to previous years.

Cllr Katy Neep, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, provided members with an update, highlighting the following:

1.    Child death: noted that tragically there had been a child death in the borough in the previous week and that the Council is working with the police and other partners to review the case and understand any implications for any agencies;

2.    New directive: a new Government directive has been issued detailing the duty on the Council in the case of children returning from Syria who are likely to be accommodated as looked after children.  This puts the onus on the Council to work with such children, their family and appropriate agencies to support them in resettling.  The Council is working to understand trauma and planning to fulfil the duty with partners;

3.    Foster carers: recently attended a celebration of black history month with foster carers.  This provided a great opportunity to talk with them and understand more about the challenges and positives of their roles; and

4.    Other meetings and actions: has held meetings with the Borough Commander who is a key partner in delivering the Think Family objective which involves issues such as domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse.  Highlighted that the Council is just about to launch a new campaign entitled 16 days against domestic violence.

In response to member questions, the Cabinet Member and Yvette Stanley, Director for Children, Schools and Families clarified:

·         Cllr Neep: the Council is working to understand the guidance on children returning from Syria and how this fits with Merton’s existing robust safeguarding practice.  The inclusion of the family, partners and community groups in fulfilling the new duty was highlighted.  Also, that the response provided for each child will depend on need.  This builds on how the Council has worked in partnership on the Prevent duty; and

·         Yvette Stanley: there have been referrals under Prevent from Merton of both adults and children.  The police (SO15) then decide an appropriate course of action which has resulted in the trial of adults providing funding to Syria and a young person accused of attempting to travel to Syria.  This is a low level of activity compared to other areas.  What route a child returning from Syria takes will depend on whether or not they have been involved in fighting – they will go into care with therapeutic support if not and progress through the criminal justice system if they have.  It will be for the point of entry back into the UK to determine an appropriate route.