The Children's, Young Persons & Education Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss educational outcomes, inclusion, and the progress of children in care. The committee approved recommendations for improving educational standards, supporting inclusive practices, and enhancing support for vulnerable students. They also reviewed and approved the committee's work programme for the coming year.

Analysis of 2025 Educational Outcomes

The committee supported a continued focus on improving educational standards within North Northamptonshire, particularly in local authority maintained settings, via the Education Improvement Framework. They also supported the work of the Education Effectiveness team in implementing the framework. Councillors requested that officers establish measurable targets for improvement at each key stage and for vulnerable groups, with annual progress updates to the committee.

Simon Bissett, Head of Educational Effectiveness, presented the analysis of educational outcomes for the 2024-25 academic year. The report highlighted a mixed picture, with some improvements but overall underperformance against national standards. Key findings included:

• Early Years and Key Stage 1 outcomes remained below national averages.
• Key Stage 2 outcomes showed some recovery in reading and maths, but writing remained a weakness.
• Key Stage 4 results had not yet reached national standards, with a persistent gap for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Post-16 outcomes showed ongoing challenges in Level 2 attainment.

The report emphasised the need for a renewed focus on educational improvement, high-quality teaching, effective leadership, and timely intervention. The Education Improvement Framework 2025-2028 was identified as the core mechanism for delivering the council's statutory duty to promote high standards.

The committee discussed the importance of addressing the gaps in educational outcomes and ensuring that all children have access to high-quality education.

Educational Inclusion and Partnerships

The committee supported the development of a targeted Improvement Plan that draws together findings from an analysis of inclusion and the Alternative Provision (AP) Review, with a focus on early intervention and relational practice. They endorsed the continued implementation of the Alternative Provision plan, and supported requests that the Local Authority and partners work collaboratively to improve attendance and reduce suspensions and exclusions. The committee requested a further update in 12 months, providing comparative data to evaluate progress in inclusion outcomes, attendance, AP usage and sustainability indicators.

Sarah Johnson, Inclusion Lead, presented a report on educational inclusion and partnerships, focusing on attendance, exclusions, and elective home education (EHE). The report highlighted trends in these areas and the need for a targeted improvement plan.

Key points from the report included:

• Persistent absence rates remained high, particularly among pupils with additional needs and those facing social disadvantage.
• Secondary academies accounted for most suspensions, with many pupils having additional needs related to unmet SEND or social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.
• EHE numbers have continued to rise, reflecting national trends, with some families reporting positive experiences but others citing challenges in school.
• Demand for AP and Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS) has increased, with greater complexity of need.

The report recommended a collaborative approach involving schools, trusts, and health services to improve attendance, reduce suspensions and exclusions, and ensure a sustainable, high-quality AP offer.

Virtual School Head Annual Report 2024/2025

The committee requested that officers provide an update in 12 months with clear metrics and timelines and share best practice/learning across the Council, as well as with external partners.

Charlotte Franks, Virtual School Head, presented the annual report for 2024/2025, which provided a comprehensive account of the Virtual School's statutory duties, operational structure, activities, performance outcomes, and strategic priorities. The Northamptonshire Virtual School promotes the educational achievement of children in care to North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council.

Key strengths of the Virtual School included:

• High compliance and quality in Personal Education Plans (PEPs).
• Rigorous quality assurance processes.
• Positive practitioner support to settings.
• Strong partnerships with Educational Psychology Services.

The report also highlighted progress in streamlining internal systems, exploring the use of Power BI and AI for data analysis, and enhancing multiagency collaboration. Future priorities include developing strategic governance for children with a social worker, improving data systems, addressing persistent absence, enhancing post-16 support, and increasing participation and communication with young people.

Children, Young Person & Education Scrutiny Committee - Work Programme

The committee noted the Scrutiny Work Plan as it relates to the Children’s, Young Persons and Education Scrutiny Committee.