Agenda item

The report originally marked to follow was published on 4 February 2021.

Debbie Anderson, Head of School Improvement & Early Years, introduced the report, which builds on the report at October's meeting, noting that support for schools is proportionate to need. Two schools had had less than Good Ofsted judgements. Support included risk-assessed visits to the schools and commissioned support. Mrs Anderson was interviewed as part of the Ofsted monitoring visit to Corpus Christi Catholic Primary and has worked closely with the new headteacher.

Commissioning external support such as NLE (National Leader of Education) provides continuity for schools. Risk-assessed visits for schools with headteachers new to Portsmouth are useful as although they have a fresh perspective it helps them to have someone quality assuring their judgements.

The work with the local Lead Moderator supports teachers and leaders but also challenges accuracy of judgements about what children should be achieving. When reviewing schools' strategic plans they are asked how they will focus on impact and outcomes and not just actions. Education has reviewed all 21 LA maintained schools to see if their remote education information for parents meets the DfE's expectations on remote education. From 12 February it is a legal duty to publish the information. The DfE expectations emphasise that interactivity between staff and pupils is just as important as lessons.

The Hackney Learning Trust's Destination Reader project (renamed Reading for Purpose and Pleasure) has a systematic sequencing of reading skills which will enable the ten participating schools to progress. Annual subscriptions to the Trust will continue next year so schools can access updated resources. A network of participating teachers will enable collaborative working as way to support and challenge.

The PiXL (Partners in Excellence) organisation does not just provide assessment but resources to help schools use the findings. One LA maintained school is particularly supportive of the PiXL approach.

As there are no formal assessments this year moderation and assessment activities have been re-purposed in order to judge children's work accurately. Support will be given to help with transition.

External consultancy has been commissioned for coaching for five new headteachers. There is also a networking group to help support them. It is especially hard being a new headteacher during Covid.

In response to questions from members about the amount of 1:1 feedback from teachers, Mrs Anderson said although some teachers use pre-recorded sessions they have put considerable effort into ensuring they are suitable. If there are problems parents should speak to the school first and then Ofsted. So far Ofsted has received one complaint and 40 positive comments. Remote education is light years away from what was offered in March 2020. Schools have been asked to send in positive quotes about remote learning to celebrate achievements.

The Chair said that if individual complaints can be investigated and lead to a positive outcome then schools are keen to hear them. Officers agreed the purpose of the Board is to scrutinise and consider difficult questions.

Members thanked officers for their reports and all those who are contributing to success as well as families who are engaging in education during very difficult circumstances.

RESOLVED that the Education Advisory Board note how LA Maintained schools have been provided with support and challenge by the council's school improvement service in this academic year to date.

The next meeting is on Wednesday 14 July at 4 pm (location to be confirmed).