The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 7 June 2023 to discuss the incorporation of Race and Social Justice (RSJ) work into schools' education programmes and the ongoing recovery of schools post-COVID-19. The committee heard that 45 out of 60 schools are actively engaged in the RSJ programme, with initiatives focusing on student and staff experience, and curriculum development. Updates were also provided on the Inspiring Futures Cultural Education Partnership, which aims to foster links between cultural organisations and schools, and to strengthen pathways into the creative industries. The committee also received a comprehensive report on the quality of schools' recovery post-COVID-19, highlighting both the challenges faced by pupils and staff, and the significant strengths and successes of the borough's schools, particularly in their Ofsted inspections.

Race and Social Justice in Schools

The committee received an update on the Race and Social Justice (RSJ) programme, a school-led initiative facilitated by the Barking & Dagenham School Improvement Partnership (BDSIP). Ben Spinks, Chief Executive of BDSIP, explained that the programme, now in its second year, focuses on three key themes: student experience and inclusion, staff experience (including recruitment and progression), and curriculum development. A key feature is the RSJ Charter, which outlines tangible commitments for schools, supported by a self-evaluation tool and a network of over 45 RSJ facilitators who share best practices.

Martin Russell, lead for Culture and Wellbeing, presented on Inspiring Futures, the borough's Cultural Education Partnership (CEP), established in 2012. This initiative nurtures links between cultural organisations and schools, aiming to embed cultural leadership, celebrate achievements, and clarify pathways into the creative and cultural sectors. Russell highlighted the joint focus on RSJ at the 2022 Inspiring Futures Conference, which explored diversity, representation, and identity in the creative curriculum.

During the discussion, it was noted that 45 out of the borough's 60 schools are actively engaged in the RSJ programme. While all schools have been invited to participate, officers emphasised that voluntary engagement is crucial for the programme's collaborative spirit. Concerns were raised by the Young Mayor and Barking and Dagenham Youth Forum representatives regarding the low uptake of the Leeds Beckett anti-racism award by secondary schools, with only two out of fifteen participating schools being secondary. They shared personal experiences of racism within schools and stressed the importance of addressing these issues during formative school years.

Officers explained that while every school had been invited to sign up for the Leeds Beckett award, some schools had already implemented similar equality charters with other bodies. They also highlighted that the programme is not intended to be prescriptive, and that some schools may find different approaches more suitable. The committee was assured that officers are open to suggestions from young people and their schools on how to expand the programme. Special schools, such as Trinity and Riverside Bridge, have been actively engaged, with Trinity contributing best practice case studies.

The discussion also touched upon the importance of consistent messaging regarding creative industry opportunities and the need to empower young people and their parents to explore these pathways. The potential for growth in the film industry in Barking and Dagenham was highlighted, alongside opportunities in food and hospitality. Members were encouraged to disseminate information about these programmes to schools and to promote the importance of RSJ work and cultural education.

Quality of Schools' Recovery Post COVID-19

Jill Baker, Interim Head of School Performance and Partnerships, presented an update on the quality of schools' recovery post-COVID-19, describing it as a mixed picture. She highlighted the significant impact of the pandemic on pupils' learning and wellbeing, particularly for younger children and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The report indicated that while exam results for GCSE and post-16 levels showed improvement and were closer to pre-pandemic levels, this was achieved within a context of adjusted grading.

Baker noted that pupil attendance remains a concern, with a new category of severe absence introduced for children below 50% attendance. The borough is actively participating in a national attendance strategy to address this. While Barking and Dagenham performs well in keeping young people Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), there are challenges with exclusions, particularly in primary schools, where violent behaviour has increased.

Schools are reporting increased numbers of children and young people experiencing mental health issues and anxiety, with a doubling of requests for Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) assessments. The cost-of-living crisis is exacerbating these challenges for vulnerable families. Staffing is also a concern, with higher absence rates, lower resilience among staff, and severe recruitment issues for specialist support roles.

Despite these challenges, the report highlighted significant strengths. Ofsted inspections of secondary schools have been overwhelmingly positive, with one graded Outstanding and four deemed likely to be outstanding. Primary schools have also retained their Good judgments, with 95% of all schools in Barking and Dagenham rated as good or better, exceeding the London average. An Ofsted thematic review of alternative provision (AP) in March 2023 was also positive, noting the borough's clear focus on mental health and engagement over suspension, and the ambition and care shown for each child. Initiatives such as the 'Best Chance Strategy' and the expansion of nurture principles are supporting pupil wellbeing and learning.

The Young Mayor shared a personal account of feeling unsupported at school, which contributed to her absence, and highlighted the challenges faced by teachers who are often overworked and under-supported. She expressed concern about the potential long-term impact of these issues on future generations.

The committee discussed the pressures on the high needs budget, with approximately £50 million allocated to support children with additional and special educational needs. While Barking and Dagenham is one of the few local authorities without a deficit in this area, the demand for specialist places and support continues to outstrip supply nationally. The council is working to increase specialist places and has commissioned private therapists to address gaps in health provision.

The committee agreed to defer the discussion on Readiness for the SEND Area Inspection to a future meeting to allow for more in-depth consideration. The Draft Work Programme for 2023/24 was agreed.