Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest received at this point in the meeting.

The minutes of the meeting of the Children and Young People’s Learning Scrutiny Panel held on 5 September 2022 were submitted and approved as a correct record.

In respect of the Scrutiny Panel's 2021 review of Behaviour, Discipline and Bullying in Schools, Members will receive:

·         an update on the progress made with the implementation of the agreed recommendations/actions; and

·         information and data demonstrating the impact of the 0-25 Inclusion and Outreach Model.

In respect of the scrutiny panel's 2021 review of Behaviour, Discipline and Bullying in Schools, the Council’s Strategic Lead for Inclusion and Specialist Support Services and the Head of Inclusion, Assessment and Review were in attendance to provide:

·         an update on the progress made with the implementation of the agreed recommendations/actions; and

·         information and data demonstrating the impact of the 0-25 Inclusion and Outreach Model.

An action plan update and an impact report on the Inclusion and Outreach Model had been circulated with the agenda papers for the meeting.

The Strategic Lead for Inclusion and Specialist Support Services advised that Covid-19 had impacted significantly on children and young people, particularly those with additional vulnerabilities. It was highlighted that some children and young people experienced emotional dysregulation (distressed or functional behaviour), anxiety and other mental health issues. Through research with local schools and settings, it was evident that there was a growing number of children at risk of exclusion (both locally and nationally).

The new Inclusion and Outreach Model was introduced in January 2022. The model provided support for children, young people, schools and settings.  The model was further reviewed in July 2022, using feedback received from children, young people, families, schools and settings. The model now included more specialist roles, such as Inclusion Officers, Outreach Practitioners and Specialist Teachers. Two Specialist Teachers focused on providing support for those with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and those on the autistic spectrum. The key aim of the service was to promote inclusion, identify needs at the earliest of stages and prevent exclusion.

All referrals for the delivery of a direct service for children (including outreach, specialist teacher support and a place in alternative provision) came through a triage referral process. Data had been collected, in respect of referrals, for a 6 month period - between January 2022 and June 2022. Throughout that period, there had been 281 referrals and the model had ensured delivery of over 750 interventions. Referrals to the 0-25 Inclusion and Outreach Service were presented at a multi-agency triage panel. The multi-agency panel included representation from the service (i.e. Inclusion Officers and Outreach Practitioners), educational psychology, social care, early help, health (e.g. school nursing and speech and language therapy), youth offending services, Cleveland Police and the sensory teaching service.

Members were advised that, when compared to previous years, there had been an increase in permanent exclusions in respect of the 2021/22 academic year. The final end of year figure had been 51. It was commented that 26 exclusions had been rescinded and a number of exclusions had been prevented through early identification and support.

The rate of fixed term exclusions slowed during the summer term. Whilst that could not be directly or solely attributed to the Inclusion and Outreach Model, there was case study evidence demonstrating the risk of fixed term exclusions had reduced following intervention from the service. An in-depth analysis of a sample of 11 pupils had showed a 48% reduction in the likelihood of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22/22

The Scrutiny Panel will be asked to consider, discuss and agree the Terms of Reference for the review.

Members were invited to consider, discuss and agree the draft terms of reference proposed for the review of Youth Offending and Partnership Working with Schools, which had been circulated with the agenda papers for the meeting.

AGREED

That the terms of reference be agreed as follows:

a)    To examine the role of South Tees Youth Offending Service (STYOS).

b)    To identify the barriers to young people in the youth justice system engaging in education.

c)    To examine how the STYOS works with schools in Middlesbrough to:

a.     react swiftly and firmly to early signs of criminal behaviour;

b.    promote engagement in the education system;

c.     improve attendance;

d.    prevent exclusions (fixed-term and permanent);

e.     improve attainment; and

f.      deliver well-targeted educational support.

d)    To identify effective practice in respect of partnership arrangements with schools, which actively support the delivery of high-quality and bespoke education in the youth justice system.

The Chair will present a verbal update on the matters that were considered at the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Board held on 21 September 2022.

The Chair advised that at the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Board, held on 21 September 2022, the Board had considered:

·        an update from the Mayor;

·        the Executive Forward Work Programme;

·        the Corporate Performance Update - Quarter One 2022/23;

·        the Revenue and Capital Budget - Projected Outturn Position as at Quarter One 2022/23; and

·        updates from the scrutiny chairs.

NOTED

Local-Authority-Maintained Schools

A Member raised a query in respect of local-authority-maintained schools becoming academies. In response, the Head of Achievement advised that the Government had recently published a White Paper, which detailed an ambition for all schools to be in (or joining) a strong academy trust by 2030.

NOTED