(AOB not on the agenda to be identified and dealt with at the discretion of the Chair).

Apologies were received from Karen Willis, Annette Turner, Anthony McGarel and Simon Leftley.

Current Membership List attached.

The Board noted that David Parker had resigned and Michelle Palles-Clark had been nominated to fill the vacant position.  The Board also noted that the membership would be reviewed and updated accordingly.

Resolved:

1. That the nomination of Michelle-Palles-Clark to fill the vacancy within the Academy Secondary be agreed.

2. That the Membership be reviewed and updated accordingly.

Minutes attached.

Matters arising

Provision of Secondary School Places

The Board received a brief update from BM on the current position regarding the future provision for Secondary School places across the Borough.  BM advised that there were sufficient secondary school places for 2018-2020.

The Board noted that the Council’s Cabinet will be considering a report on this matter and recommending that the proposed Free School option was discontinued in favour of expansion in existing secondary schools.  This has been achieved with the help of several schools expanding to the required number.

The Board emphasised that a long-term strategic vision and plans for school places in the borough was essential to ensure the sustainability of places beyond 2020 and the possibility that the Free School option may need to be revisited.  The strategic plan should take into account the location of a free school, the density of Southend and housing, with a possible 10,000 more homes in the Borough in 10-20 years.

The Board sought clarification whether an ‘all through school’ had been considered.  Officers advised that this had not been part of the initial considerations on the option for a new Free School and was not currently being looked at as the capacity is required in secondary phase.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 16^th January 2018 be confirmed as a correct record.

Report to follow.

The Board considered a report from Christine Hickey setting out the financial position of Southend Academy Trusts and the overall current financial health for these Academy’s as at 31^st August 2017.

The Board noted that the Seabrook College balances transferred on conversion do not appear to be included in the Trust accounts and needs to be corrected.

It was highlighted that nationally there were a number of Trusts have not maintained their budgets and find themselves in financial difficulty and the Board need to be mindful of this.  The information would be shared with the Regional Schools Commissioner (RSC) and the Board requested that the RSC provide feedback.

Resolved:

1. That the report be noted.

2. That the financial position of Southend Academy Trusts continue to be reported/presented to the Education Board for information.

Report to follow

The Board considered a report from Paul Grout providing an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant forecast outturn projections expected for the 2017/18 schools budget, high needs, early years and centrally retained as at the end of February 2018.

The Board noted that the key issue was addressing the High Needs Funding, which was discussed in more detail under item 6 below.

Resolved:

1. That the continual overspend on the 2017/18 Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budget and the consequential forecast impact on resources for 2018/19 (as previously reported), be noted.

2. That the continual need to ensure DSG expenditure and funding is sustainable within its own funding allocations for future years, with DSG reserves restored to balance, be recognised.

3. That it be noted that the High Needs Funding Task and Finish Group will continue to address the need to fund immediate High Need savings.

Progress report on the Task and Finish Group attached.

The Board considered a briefing note on the operation of the High Needs Task and Finish Group.

The Board noted that the group was undertaking due diligence to identify both in year and next year savings.  There was potential for some immediate savings of £50K and other areas that could potentially realise savings in the region of £150-200K.

The Board expressed its appreciation for the work being undertaken to address and identify the savings needed within the High Needs Funding block.

Resolved:

That the briefing note on the operation of the High Needs Task and Finish Group be noted.

Report to follow

The Board considered a report from Elaine Hammans providing details on the first review of the deprivation supplement and the implications of the changes in the Early Years Pupil Premium criteria which comes into effect from  April 2018.

The Board discussed the implications and the impact that the proposed new funding rates for 2018/19 will have on early years’ providers from all sectors, the consequences for individuals and whether some would be disproportionately affected.

Resolved:

1. That the criteria for the mandatory deprivation funding for 2018/19, following the consultation with all early years providers, be confirmed.

2. That a further review be undertaken from September 2018 of deprivation supplement criteria, taking into account whether or not to align the supplement with the April 2018 revision of EYPP and FSM criteria.

Report attached.

The Board considered a report from Brin Martin which provided a briefing on SEND in Southend and provided members with the opportunity to engage in a strategic discussion, given the significant changes and challenges, on SEND provision and outcomes.

The Board also received the SEND dashboard and ‘mind map’ to aid discussions.  The documents would be circulated following the meeting and members were asked to provide feedback and views – particularly any additional areas which need to be included and areas which should be prioritised.

Resolved:

1. That the current context of provision for learners with SEND in Southend, be noted.

2. That the Board recognises its role in supporting improvements in the area provision for SEND, as will ultimately be tested through OFSTED/CQC inspection.

3. That the refresh of the three year SEND strategy be actively supported.

(a) School Peformance S.G;

(b) Vulnerable Learners S.G;

(c) Resources S.G;

The Board received and noted an update from Robin Bevan on the work of the Resources Sub Group.

(a) Academisation and Inspection – Verbal update (no papers)

Ofsted Targeted Area Inspection

The Board was informed that an Ofsted Joint Targeted Area Inspection (JTAI) for Southend would begin on Monday 19^th March 2018.  The inspection team would consist of 16 inspectors from Ofsted, CQC, HMICFRS and HMIP and will be inspecting services within statutory Children’s Services, Health, Police, probation services and youth offending services.

Schools Inspection Regime

BM updated the Board on some important changes to the Ofsted inspection regime.  There were two key changes:

·           Where there are serious concerns about safeguarding, behaviour or the quality of education Ofsted will continue to convert a short inspection to a Section 5 inspection (usually within 48 hours);

·           Where there are no significant issues but there are concerns a Section 5 inspection will take place within 1 to 2 years (allowing the school to address any weaknesses) – the overall judgement will not change and the school would remain ‘good’.

The Board was informed that several schools had recently undergone an Ofsted short inspection and noted that Chalkwell Hall Infant School, Chalkwell Hall Junior School and Fairways Primary School had all retained a Good rating.  However, Cecil Jones had received an inadequate rating.

There were three further inspections underway which were not currently in the public domain. 

The Board noted that 85.6% of pupils are attending good or outstanding schools in the Borough.

The Board discussed Cecil Jones’ inadequate rating and expressed concerns about the current situation at the school.  The Board was advised that regular robust discussions are taking place with the Regional Schools Commissioner (RSC) and the Council was offering support the RSC in support of the school.

The Board also extended its collective support for the school.

Resolved:

That the Chairman, on behalf of the Education Board, writes to the Regional Schools Commissioner setting out their concerns and offering its collective support for the school.

Academisation

The Board was informed that there were two schools progressing with academisation and are likely to convert on 1^st May 2018.  The Board also noted that the Diocese of Brentwood was in the process of extending its multi-academy trust to include schools in Southend (i.e. St Thomas More, Our Lady of Lourdes and Sacred Heart in the first instance).

None.

Tuesday 5^th June 2018 at 8.15am

Tuesday 5^th June 2018 at 08.15am – Tickfield Centre