Agenda item

Officers will give an overview of Education to inform the work-plan.

‘Best start in life - Southwark school standards report 2015-16’, is enclosed, to inform the discussion.

Nina Dohel, the Education Director, gave a brief update, followed by a discussion with committee members. The following points were made:  

·  The Fairer Funding consultation result is anticipated. Politicians indicated during the election were that no school would lose out; however it is difficult to know what that will mean in terms of the funding formula.

·  It is possible that the grammar school programme may go quietly.

·  The drift towards more Academy schools is unlikely to change given the existing framework. The council is encouraging maintained schools to remain this way, however there is likely to be a steady trickle converting. There may  become a tipping point in terms of the sustainability of schools services provided by the council.

·  There was reference by a member to the Schools Commissioners and the potential changes to admissions. The Education Director said that there  are some issues with Academy schools commissioning alternative provision rather than using ‘exclusion’. Communication with the council is variable. Members sought clarification that there is an Early Help service to prevent and assist with exclusions, and the Education Director confirmed there was.

·  The state of schools buildings was mentioned in the election and the maintenance programme. The Education Director said that schools in Southwark are in a good condition. There are no known sites being targeted for academies or new schools. Members asked about the Old Kent Road development and the Education Director promised to update the committee if there are any bids to utilise this site at a later date.