The meeting of the Blackburn with Darwen Council's Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday, 17 June 2024, focused on updates from the Youth MPs, the School Effectiveness Strategy, and academic outcomes, including a significant initiative to improve speech, language, and communication among young children.

Youth MPs Update

The Committee received a written update from the Youth Forum on their recent work and activities. The update was noted without further discussion.

School Effectiveness Strategy

Michelle Holt, Deputy Director for Education, presented a report and supporting presentation on the School Effectiveness Strategy 2023-2026. The Council, which has operated a school-led improvement system for over a decade, commissioned an independent review of its School Improvement Strategy due to the increasing number of schools becoming academies. The review, conducted by Steve Munby (CBE and former CEO of Education Trust), included key stakeholders and led to a revised strategy launched in September 2023.

The strategy outlines five missions, six public commitments, and joint priorities for all schools in the Borough, with safeguarding integrated across all priorities. School Improvement Groups (SIGs) will work on these priorities over the next three years, supported by the School Effectiveness Board (SEB).

Committee members raised questions about the level of buy-in from schools and the monitoring of the revised strategy. Michelle Holt assured that strong relationships and constructive feedback mechanisms were in place, with performance measurable via data and case studies. Attendance data, including from academies, is monitored to ensure no issues slip through the net.

Academic Outcomes

Michelle Holt also presented reports on Education Data and the Speech, Language, and Communication Initiative. The return to pre-pandemic standards for tests and exams in 2023 marked the first publication of data since 2019. The Department for Education (DFE) advised caution in comparing this data with previous years due to the impact of Covid-19.

The Speech, Language, and Communication Initiative, launched in September 2022, aims to address the significant barrier these issues pose to children's development and academic outcomes. The initiative includes an Early Years Speech and Language Audit Tool and a WellComm Toolkit, which have shown significant progress in improving outcomes for children with low levels of speech, language, and communication skills.

Committee members inquired about the transition from primary to secondary school and support for disadvantaged areas. Holt highlighted an improved transition package, particularly for SEND and vulnerable groups, and various support initiatives such as Family Hubs, Children’s Centres, and after-school activities. The Household Support Fund (HSF) has also been instrumental in supporting these initiatives, although its funding is set to cease in March 2024.

The meeting concluded with the Chair, Councillor Sylvia Liddle, noting that this was the last meeting of the Municipal Year and expressing her gratitude to all involved. She also mentioned that she would not be Chair next year as she is expected to be Mayor in 2024/25, subject to election. Committee members thanked her and extended their best wishes.