Agenda item

To consider a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development including outline information requested from Education Leeds at the first session of this Board’s inquiry into Education standards.

Further to Minute No. 74, 6^th December 2007, a report was submitted by the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development, which requested the Board to consider the issues raised by the first session of the Inquiry. 

Appended to the report were the draft terms of reference for the Inquiry, together with a report in relation to Education Standards and other supporting information.

The Board was provided with an overview of the main developments and challenges associated with young people at risk of not engaging in education, employment or training.

Gary Milner, 14-19 Strategy Co-ordinator, together with Dorothy Smith and Mary Brittle from Education Leeds and Cristina George, Learning and Skills Council, Area Director for Leeds, attended the meeting to present information and respond to Members’ questions and comments.  Members were particularly referred to Appendix 3 - Leeds NEET Strategy (2007-2010) and Appendix 4, which contained information relating to the destinations of Year 11 leavers.

The main issues discussed were as follows:

• The volatile nature of the NEET group at this age.
• Members noted the greater use of vocational qualifications and the positive impact this had had on students disengaged with the traditional academic curriculum.
• The Board discussed targets for Maths and English and incorporating elements of it through the vocational curriculum.

The Chair advised that the next step would involve Members of the Board undertaking visits with relevant service providers and reporting back to the Board.  Professor Gosden, Mr Britten, Ms Foote, Councillors A Lamb and B Lancaster agreed to assist with this.

RESOLVED – That the Board note the issues raised at the first session of the Inquiry.