Agenda item

To consider a report by the Strategic Performance and Risk Lead.

Following a review of the council’s performance indicators, the committee identified three performance indicators of concern. The committee received an update on each of these performance indicators and were given to ask questions and raise comments and concerns on the indicators.

Percentage of 16- and 17-year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEET)

The Head of Service for Family Help explained the current performance indicator. The target rate for NEET was under 3.5%, however the rate was currently 4.1%. This rate could have been caused by an increase in the cohort size for this age group and the long-term impact of Covid-19 causing this cohort of students to miss school in Year 7. There had been some success in bring young people back into education, employment in training. There would also be support available for students on results day, to discuss their future options.

A lack of public transport was a cause of young people becoming NEET.  Yeovil and Weymouth colleges provided subsidised transport to access further education. Vocational courses being provided by sixth forms were being looked at, to provide more options across the county for young people that do not want to do an academic subject. Supported internships were also available to people with an EHCP.

Asked whether there was a correlation between low school attendance and becoming NEET, officers explained there were projects which helped pupils struggling with attendance and funding was being sought to extend the Marvels project for a further 3 years, to assist with school attendance. There was a tool which gave a good identification of pupils in Year 7 & 8 who were likely to struggle in Year 12.

A discussion would be had about mapping educational support and transport, through the revised SEND Sufficiency Strategy, to identify where gaps in support were.

Percentage of children achieving basics (9-5 in English and Maths) at Key Stage 4

The Corporate Director for Education and Learning outlined work that was being done with Key Stage 4 to improve outcomes. The council was working in collaboration with ImpactEd and secondary schools to identify correlations between teacher and pupil engagement and how this affects outcomes. It was not known what the Key Stage 4 outcomes would be for this year, however Key Stage 2 outcomes had improved.

A member asked whether there was a difference in outcomes between maintained schools and Multi Academy Trusts. It was confirmed that maintained secondary schools often had better outcomes compared to Multi Academy Trusts.

Rate of permanent exclusions from all schools

The Corporate Director for Education and Learning outlined the performance indicator, which appeared to be improving. The way learning centres operate has been reviewed because it has been contributing to the rate of permanent exclusions. Learning centres were now used as a 12-week placement, which was an intervention, so there was a better chance of pupils integrating back into mainstream schools with less risk of a permanent exclusion.

There were no questions or comments from members on this performance indicator.

The Committee agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

Decision:

That:  

1.    The Quarter 4 (January–March 2025) performance exceptions report and actions undertaken, be noted.

2.    The performance reporting schedule for 2025/26 within the context of the strategic performance reporting framework, be agreed.