(a)

the performance of children in schools was affected by the workforce and the skills and resources available to teachers; it was considered that Plymouth’s funding for children was approximately £300 less per child than in other parts of the country;

(b)

Members would be provided with a briefing upon the role of the Regional School’s Council and an offer would be extended to the Regional School’s Commissioner to attend a future meeting of the Education and Children’s Social Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee;

(c)

local authorities had a statutory duty as a champion for all children regardless of if they were taught in a maintained school or multi academy trust. The Council had the responsibility of challenging  academies on standards that were required in special needs and disability, inclusion, safeguarding and access of children to a balanced curriculum; this was done via an integrated approach with the Plymouth Teaching School’s Alliance;

(d)

the escalation of concern into action relating to failing schools under a multi academy trust was complicated by the overall responsibility of the Government, other than the local authority;

(e)

literacy standards was one of the key areas in Plymouth where children were below the national average with regards to the early years and foundation stage;

(f)

Members would be provided with benchmarking with like authorities in future reports;

(g)

recruitment challenges were deemed to be greater than the challenge posed by the retention of teachers/ head teachers in Plymouth;

(h)

Members would be provided with benchmarking data with similar authorities in relation to the different types of school, including Grammar and Studio;

(i)

Plymouth City Council was looking to create an early years centre of excellence in order to provide a strong base for support and advice for parents and teachers; it was acknowledged that the use of digital devices by parents at home may be having a detrimental effect upon a child’s performance at school however it was considered that some parents may not be aware of this. It was highlighted by a Member that it was not the use of the technology by parents, but the lack of quality time with children that may be to blame;

(j)

Members would be provided with a briefing report upon the Progress 8 measure;

(k)

future reports would include information upon children in receipt of the pupil premium, specifically with regards to key stage 4 and 5

1.

for the committee to be provided with benchmarking information with like authorities, specifically with regards to a similar make-up of schools, including Grammar and studio schools, including readiness for school information;

2.

for the committee to be provided with a briefing paper regarding the role of the Regional School’s Commissioner and for an invite to be extended to her to attend a future meeting;

3.

for future reports to include information regarding the pupil premium, specifically in regards to key stage 4 and 5;

4.

for a briefing to be circulated to Members on the Progress 8 measure;

5.

for information to be provided to Members regarding military children’s performance;

6.

for the feasibility of holding a select committee review into the governance issues surrounding the Plymouth Studio School to be investigated.