Agenda item

Usha Singh presented the annual virtual headteacher’s report and outlined the following:

·  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the school exams were cancelled which meant that the authority did not have the usual collective data obtained by this means.

·  The school were able to assess grades by teacher-assessed grades, which showed the children’s performance had improved although it created tracking difficulties; there was progress across the board.

·  For safe guarding reasons, children continued to attend school during the pandemic. After the Easter break, more Southwark children attended school.

·  The pupil premium was an issue because of unexpected financial restraints during the pandemic.

·  Pupil premium and upgrading special education needs (SEN) practices and improving other practices throughout the year.

Usha took questions about reconnecting to those in care and how virtual schooling works.

The response was during the first lockdown – there was a loss in engagement once pupils knew there were no exams.

However, during the second part of the pandemic, the school introduced virtual meetings, which assisted children in the borough and a personal education plan (PEP) developed for each child.

Usha explained that the school offered extra tuition for each child, which involved schools linked with local artists.

Further questions on virtual teaching, support and participation were mentioned at the meeting.

Usha explained their meetings took place on Zoom and Teams, which meant participation, increased as a result of online communication through a digital device. There was also a great sense of commitment with one to one support.

Also highlighted: Speech and language services – all happened on an online basis. Online communications discussed complex case panels – particularly children with social issues.

Some concern was raised about school enclosure in the cohort number of children - “looked after children” that were out of the borough.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the virtual headteacher’s report for Southwark looked after children be noted.

2.  That the committee notes the feedback given by the headteacher at the meeting.

3.  That the virtual headteacher send information as requested relating to children not in education, employment or training (NEET).