Agenda item

Usha Singh, virtual headteacher outlined the main points and issues arising from the annual report 2024-25.

Usha explained the training and support that was being given to teachers to ensure that the correct coding for recording absence was used, so that the figures were accurate and provided a true reflection of the absenteeism.

The intense and focused work undertaken the virtual school on absenteeism and exclusions / suspensions was explained to the committee and examples given to provide context.

Examples of activities outside the school environment were give including a trip Sadler Wells theatre to see “Luna” and the Unicorn Theatre to see “There is a bear in my chair”.

An impressive number (68) students also attended summer tuition.

Summary of issues / questions raised:

·  A councillor raised a query relating to the exclusion of a young person due to non-attendance that was attributable to ill health. Details of the case to be passed to the relevant officer / cabinet member

·  Query to reason for increase in lack of attendance of girls, which was partly explained in the context of a national trend and use of social media quoted as an example of a possible factor

·  Reference to the impending “Staying Close” legislation and impact on key stage 5 placements out of borough

·  Absenteeism in exam period and question relating to support for the children/young people to help with the anxiety and stress arising. It was explained that support is provided including officers within the team that are trained to provide this support.

RESOLVED:

1.  That virtual headteacher’s report for Southwark Looked After Children be noted.

2.  That the next committee receive a report back on exclusions.