Agenda item

[To receive an update on the educational outcomes for Children and Young People in Care for 2018]

Darren Martindale, Virtual School Head presented the report for Attainment of Children and Young People in Care 2018 and highlighted key points. The report contained provisional educational outcomes for children and young people in care educated within Wolverhampton and out of City (OOC). It was explained that further information would be provided in a report scheduled for the next meeting of the Board on 24 January 2019.

The following points within the report were highlighted:

Early Years Foundations Stage (EYFS)

The attainment in this group was reported to be high. It was noted that 70% of children and young people in care in Wolverhampton settings and 60% of children and young people in care in out-of-City settings had met age-related expectations in all areas. Year one phonics was also highlighted as a particularly strong area.

Key Stage 1

It was highlighted that the ‘in-city’ educated children had performed strongly compared with the national average. KS1 were reported to be above the national average in mathematics and low in reading. The biggest gap was identified in writing, but this was being monitored.

Key Stage 2

It was noted that the progress of children and young people in care was positive. In-city children and young people were reported to be performing better in reading and writing than mathematics.

It was highlighted that, in respect of this cohort, 40% of children had an Educational Health Care Plan (ECHP) in place. It was considered that each child had made good progress from their starting point.

Key Stage 4

It was highlighted that 18.4% of children and young people in care had achieved Grade 4 in mathematics and English (equivalent to a C in the old system) which was an improvement on last year. 89% of children and young people in care were reported to have gained one or more GCSEs at Grade 1 – 9. 

Key Stage 5

It was noted that 69% of pupils had achieved accredited qualifications and it was highlighted that one student had gained an A-grade in A Level mathematics.

In addition to the information contained within the report:

·         The Board were assured that students were achieving more than one GCSE. In respect of students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), it was explained that they may be only just missing out on a GCSE by a few marks or they may achieve mathematics and not English, or vice versa.

·         In response to a query about the performance of OOC educated children and young people and why they were not doing as well, it was clarified that more in-depth detail would follow in the January report. It was thought that this was because there was a higher level of need than usual for this year’s cohort. The Board were advised that children educated out of City were more difficult to work with than in-City, however there had been opportunities to learn how to support them better. 

·         In response to a query regarding Ofsted, the Board were advised that the body did have an interest in the achievements of children and young people in care and that this had been picked up at the last inspection.

·         It was noted that Personal Education Plans (PEPs) were being audited for quality and that new ways to provide support were being explored constantly.

·         It was highlighted that the KS 5 results were impressive, and it was suggested that a member of staff investigate the factors involved for producing good results to inform how to improve performance for future cohorts. The suggestion was welcomed, and it was agreed that a strength-based model was to be explored and that the Aspire to Uni Project data would be shared at a future meeting. 

Resolved:

1.    That the report on Attainment of Children and Young People in Care 2018 be noted.

2.    That the Aspire to Uni Project data be shared at a future Corporate Parenting Board meeting.