The Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on Thursday 7 March 2024 to discuss education standards, strategies, childcare reforms, and family services updates. Key decisions included noting the validated results for school performance in Barnet for the academic year 2022/23, and noting the updated School and Settings Improvement Strategy 2023-2024, projected future requirements for school places up to 2026/27, and the progress in delivering sufficient primary, secondary and special school places. The committee also noted the report on the expansion of childcare reforms.

Education Standards in Barnet 2022-23

The committee received a report detailing the validated results for school performance in Barnet for the academic year 2022/23. Neil Marlow, Chief Executive and Director of Education for the Barnet Education and Learning Service (BELS), presented the findings. The report highlighted Barnet's strong performance in several areas, including attendance rates for primary and secondary schools, which were above national and London averages. Exclusions were also noted as being low nationally. Achievement in Early Years showed a significant rise, placing Barnet in the top 15% of local authorities. Disadvantaged students in Barnet were reported to be outperforming their national counterparts.

However, areas for development were also identified. Attendance in special schools was below the national average, and there was a noted increase in exclusions in primary schools. The report also highlighted the need to improve vocational results at Key Stage 5 and the progress and progression pathways for low-attaining pupils. The achievement of looked-after children remained a concern, and the mental health of pupils was identified as a priority following the pandemic. Recruitment and retention of teachers and support staff was also flagged as a challenge.

The committee discussed the need to include English as an Additional Language (EAL) figures in future educational standards data. The Chief Executive of BELS agreed to produce a supplementary report with this data.

RESOLVED that the Committee noted the validated results for school performance in Barnet for the academic year 2022/23.¹

Education Strategies Update

The committee noted the updated School and Settings Improvement Strategy 2023-2024, projected future requirements for school places up to 2026/27, and the progress in delivering sufficient primary, secondary and special school places. Helen Cheung, Strategic Lead for Early Years in Schools, and Monika Ali Chowdhury, Strategic Lead for Early Years – PVIs and Childminders, provided an update on the Early Years service. They reported that 86% of Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) settings and childminders in Barnet are rated 'good' or 'outstanding'. Achievement in Early Years in Barnet schools has significantly improved, moving from 83rd nationally to 19th.

Challenges were noted regarding the frequent closure and opening of PVI settings and the need to strengthen black achievement in the early years. The expansion of free childcare was discussed, with providers noting the positive impact on nursery numbers and financial stability. The committee also discussed the process for enabling children who will be on an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to receive them more quickly.

RESOLVED that the committee noted the updated School and Settings Improvement Strategy 2023- 2024, projected future requirements for school places up to 2026/27, and the progress in delivering sufficient primary, secondary and special school places.²

Child Care Reforms Update

The committee received an update on the expansion of childcare reforms and their implications for Barnet. Andy Whiting, Early Years/Primary Service Manager, explained the government's plan to roll out 30 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks per year by September 2025, available to children from 9 months old up to reception. Grants have also been introduced for new childminders.

Wendy Wayland, Headteacher of Frith Manor Primary School, reported on the positive impact of the school's nursery for two-year-olds, noting increased demand and benefits for children's transition and early identification of special needs. The nursery was also making a profit, which helped the school's overall financial position. Communication with parents about nursery availability was discussed, with suggestions for improvement.

RESOLVED that the committee noted the report.³

Family Services Quarterly Update

The Executive Director for Children's Services presented a report on Family Services, including updates on national policy changes such as the new Kinship Strategy and Children's Social Care and Digital Strategy. Barnet is working to implement new guidance on 'Working Together to Safeguard Children'. The report also detailed performance data across family services, including compliments and complaints, and workforce issues.

The committee discussed the retention rate of newly qualified social workers, which is between 70-80%, and the positive direction in outcomes for looked-after children, such as increased dental checks. The Executive Director for Children's Services agreed to share data on children in care across London with the committee at a future meeting.

RESOLVED that the committee noted the reports.⁴

Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision Schedule)

The Head of Governance presented the Cabinet Forward Plan, allowing the committee to consider any items within its remit for pre-decision scrutiny. The committee requested that the Corporate Parenting Strategy be considered at a future meeting.

RESOLVED that the committee noted the Cabinet Forward Plan.⁵

Scrutiny Work Programme

The Head of Governance reported on the public consultation for the 2024-25 Scrutiny Work Programme, which is seeking input from residents and political groups. The programme will be finalised in time for the next meeting.