The Children's Scrutiny Panel of North Lincolnshire Council convened on 19 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the Annual Education Report for 2022-23, the implementation of new child protection policies, and updates on local educational initiatives. Decisions were made to adopt the new child protection policies and to endorse the recommendations from the Annual Education Report.

Annual Education Report 2022-23

The panel reviewed the Annual Education Report 2022-23, which highlighted the achievements and challenges faced by local schools. The report noted improvements in GCSE results and a reduction in absenteeism. However, it also identified areas needing attention, such as the performance gap between disadvantaged students and their peers. The panel endorsed the report's recommendations, which include targeted support for underperforming schools and increased funding for special educational needs (SEN) programmes.

Child Protection Policies

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing new child protection policies. The panel decided to adopt these policies, which aim to enhance the safety and well-being of children in North Lincolnshire. The policies include stricter background checks for school staff and more comprehensive training on recognising and reporting abuse. Councillor Jane Smith stated, These new policies are crucial for ensuring that our children are protected and that any signs of abuse are swiftly addressed.

Local Educational Initiatives

Updates were provided on various local educational initiatives, including the expansion of the Reading for All programme and the introduction of new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workshops in primary schools. The Reading for All programme, which aims to improve literacy rates among young children, has been extended to include more schools and community centres. The new STEM workshops are designed to engage students with hands-on activities and encourage interest in these critical fields from an early age.

Membership and Terms of Reference

The panel briefly reviewed the Membership and Terms of Reference document to ensure that all members were clear on their roles and responsibilities. No significant changes were made, but the document was reaffirmed as a guiding framework for the panel's activities.

Public Participation

The meeting also included a segment for public participation, where local residents were invited to voice their concerns and suggestions. One parent raised the issue of inadequate mental health support in schools, prompting the panel to consider this for future discussions. Another resident praised the council's efforts in improving school facilities but urged for more focus on extracurricular activities.

For more details, the full agenda and reports can be accessed in the Public reports pack.