The Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel of Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Monday 10 March 2025 to discuss a range of important issues affecting children, young people, and adults in the local area. The meeting's agenda included a review of the annual education performance report, an overview of wider determinants of educational disadvantage, and the final report from the Knife Crime Prevention Task Group. Discussions also covered the establishment of a new task group focused on targeted early help and prevention services.

Annual Education Performance Report

The Panel was scheduled to receive an overview of early years and school education performance for the academic year 2023-24. The report, derived from the council's Strategic Evidence Base, aimed to inform the Panel about the academic progress and attainment of children and young people in local schools. It was noted that while overall performance in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) was positive, with early years foundation stage results exceeding regional and national averages, there remained a significant attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils, particularly at Key Stage 2 (KS2). Despite a slight improvement in KS2 outcomes for Free School Meal (FSM)-eligible children, the gap persisted. The report highlighted that B&NES schools generally performed better than regional and national averages at Key Stage 4 (KS4) and for A-Level results. However, attainment in Black and Other ethnic groups remained the lowest across all stages, and while KS4 attainment for FSM pupils was broadly in line with national averages, the gap with their non-disadvantaged local peers remained substantial. The council's commitment to improving outcomes for FSM pupils through collaboration with schools, the Department for Education (DfE) Regions Group, and initiatives like the St John's Foundation partnership was to be discussed. Furthermore, research by the Public Health team into the broader determinants of educational disadvantage in B&NES and a proposed action plan were to be presented.

Wider Determinants of Educational Disadvantage

This item focused on a whole systems approach to addressing the educational attainment gap. The report highlighted that while B&NES schools achieve strong results, a persistent gap exists between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged pupils, particularly at KS2. This gap was noted to be wider in B&NES than the national average, with disadvantaged pupils in the area performing less well than their national counterparts. The report acknowledged that many factors influencing educational attainment lie outside of school settings, including socio-economic factors and the wider environment. The aim was to investigate potential causes and barriers outside of education and recommend how a whole systems approach could help address the gap. The workstream involved a literature review, data analysis, and qualitative research with professionals, young people, and families. Key drivers identified included barriers to social mobility, community cohesion, inequitable social and cultural capital, under-resourced home learning environments, complex home social environments, reduced family and education setting relationships, reduced early intervention, limited engagement with services, and health and wellbeing needs. The report was to present a draft action plan developed in collaboration with council heads of service and system partners.

Knife Crime Prevention Task Group – Final Report

The Panel was scheduled to receive the final report from the Knife Crime Prevention Task Group. This group had reviewed the current position of knife crime in B&NES, focusing on young people, and compared it with national data. The review considered current prevention approaches locally and nationally, and explored opportunities for improvement. The findings indicated that while quantitative data suggested a reduction in knife crime incidents, the perception among young people and professionals was that knife carrying was on the rise. Perpetrators of knife crime were often found to be victims themselves, highlighting the complexity of the issue. Factors contributing to the concern included the demand for cocaine, the glamourisation of violence through smartphones, above-average school exclusions, adverse childhood experiences, deprivation, unemployment, and housing issues. The report was to outline the work of the Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) and its training programmes, as well as evidence from organisations like the St Giles' Trust. The Task Group's conclusions were expected to reinforce the complexity of knife crime, the importance of a public health approach, the role of social media, cross-border collaboration, and the need to prioritise preventative services. Recommendations were to be presented, including adding knife crime prevention to the responsibilities of the Cabinet Member for Children's Services, establishing a new task group for targeted early help and prevention, prioritising work with schools to reduce exclusions, and supporting the Violence Reduction Partnership.

Targeted Early Help / Prevention Services - Establishment of a New Task Group

Following the Knife Crime Prevention Task Group's review, which highlighted the importance of early intervention and preventative services, the Panel was invited to establish a task and finish group to examine targeted early help and prevention for children and young people. This initiative was supported by the Cabinet Member for Children's Services. The proposed task group would conduct a review in three phases: scoping, evidence gathering, and producing findings and recommendations within six months. Provisional terms of reference were to be discussed, focusing on the council's current model for these services, collaboration with partners like the health sector, performance evaluation, and reviewing national best practices. The aim was to identify opportunities for improving future provision.

Regional Office for the Department of Education - Overview of Role with Academy Schools

Representatives from the DfE Regional Office were scheduled to provide a presentation on their role with academy schools. This would include an overview of their work in overseeing the performance of academy schools, the role of Regional Improvement Advisors (RIAs), and consultations regarding changes to the Ofsted inspection framework for schools. This item was particularly relevant given that 97% of schools in B&NES are academies, organised into Multi-Academy Trusts, and are accountable to the DfE.

Cabinet Member Update

The Panel was to receive an update from the Cabinet Member(s) on any relevant issues, with an opportunity for Panel members to ask questions.

B&NES, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) Update

An update was expected from the B&NES, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) on current issues. This would likely include information on the NHS Ten-Year Plan engagement with local patients and community groups, the RUH's position on staff safety, the development of the Kingfisher Unit for people with learning disabilities and/or autism, and initiatives to support oral health among deprived children.

Panel Workplan

The Panel was scheduled to review its workplan, with any suggestions for further items or amendments to be logged and scheduled in consultation with the Panel's Chair and supporting officers.