Decision details

Sara Williams (Executive Director for CYP), Kate Bond (Head of Standards and Inclusion) and Jackie Jones (Service Manager – School Improvement) were available to take questions.

The following was noted in discussion:

·         The secondary sector in Lewisham was experiencing a significant culture change. Nine new heads had been appointed and schools were working to build closer relationships with each other. A challenge lead with extensive school improvement experience had been in place for this academic year. Cultural change would not bring immediate results but would create a solid foundation upon which to build.

·         The borough’s primary schools were achieving very well, with all but one primary school achieving Outstanding or Good Ofsted ratings. It was noted that the Ofsted threshold for good/ outstanding had been raised and recent inspections were comfortably meeting the standard.

·         Gap analyses had been conducted to establish the reasons for the dip in KS2 results last year and officers were confident that this year’s results would be better.

·         David Sheppard, Executive Headteacher, Leathersellers' Federation suggested that individual schools were particularly vulnerable, since schools belonging to federations could combine resources and better withstand curriculum and financial pressures. He cited PLF’s rapid deficit recovery as an example of how federations were beneficial to schools.

·         Sedgehill School was in a difficult position as it was subject to an academy order but no sponsor had come forward. Around 60-100 schools nationally were in the same predicament. The council would continue to navigate the situation with the government but a quick resolution was proving challenging.

·         Secondary school results were improving slowly and in 2016 the low results from FHS and Sedgehill has been critical in putting Lewisham at the bottom of the London league table.

·         Officers did not feel that migration patterns impacted significantly on secondary results.

·         Fluctuating results reflected challenges with leadership and management. The council’s emphasis was on improving senior and middle management in secondary schools.

·         While white low income children were the lowest performing group overall, vulnerable groups varied between schools. Officers were confident that every school in the borough was ‘Ofsted-ready’ and could identify which pupil groups were vulnerable or struggling and what was being done to support them.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the report be noted.

2.    That Kate Bond, Head of Standards and Achievements, would update the Committee regarding Sedgehill School at the next meeting.