The Education and Children's Services Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council discussed educational outcomes, the Home to School Travel Policy, and the Youth Service Strategy for 2024 to 2028. Key decisions included noting the educational outcomes for the academic year 2022-2023 and approving amendments to the Home to School Travel Assistance Policy and the Youth Service Strategy.

Educational Outcomes

The Director for Education Services and the Associate Director for School Standards and Performance presented a combined report on educational outcomes. Richmond schools have shown strong performance, with all schools rated good or above by Ofsted. The School Performance Alliance for Richmond and Kingston (SPA[RK]) annual report highlighted above-average attainment results and detailed outcomes for various pupil groups, including Children Looked After (CLA).

Suspension rates for CLA have significantly decreased from 17.6% in July 2023 to 5.9% by February 2024, thanks to improved communication with headteachers and a multiagency approach. However, CLA still underperform compared to their peers, partly due to the overrepresentation of those with Education and Health Care Plans (EHCPs). The committee discussed the possibility of extracting more granular data on disadvantaged pupils' performance for further analysis.

The committee noted the educational outcomes for the academic year 2022-2023.

Home to School Travel Policy (5-16)

The Executive Director of Children’s Services introduced an amendment to the Home to School Travel Policy for children aged 5-16, specifically addressing shared care arrangements. The amendment allows eligible children in shared custody to receive travel assistance from both home addresses.

Ms Rose, a parent who had previously addressed the committee, shared her challenges with the current policy, highlighting the difficulties in maintaining shared custody without travel support. The committee debated the amendment, considering the financial implications and the need for fiscal responsibility. Councillor Charlie Engel proposed a 12-month pilot of the amended policy to gather data on its impact, but the motion was withdrawn after concerns about the potential long-term financial commitment.

The committee approved the amendment to the Home to School Travel Assistance Policy.

Youth Service Strategy 2024 to 2028

The Executive Director of Children’s Services presented the Youth Service Strategy for 2024 to 2028, which aims to support young people in participating in developmental activities. The strategy will be delivered by Achieving for Children (AfC) and focuses on broad representation, partnership working, and addressing issues such as poor mental health and risky behaviours among young people.

The committee discussed the importance of engaging with low participation groups and the role of the Youth Council in providing feedback. The strategy includes initiatives like the parent champion network café and the use of the youth bus to reach different communities. The committee approved the Youth Service Strategy for 2024 to 2028.

Forward Plan

The committee noted the current list of items on the Forward Plan for committee business, including the addition of the Digital Transformation Report and the Annual Report of the Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children's Partnership (KRSCP) 2023-24, expected in the autumn.