Agenda item

Usha Singh, virtual school head presented the report to the committee highlighting key areas. The detail and slides were contained within the published papers for the committee.

The presentation demonstrated the extent of the collaborative work that the virtual school undertakes with the schools to obtain the best outcome for children and young people who have been suspended / excluded. This has resulted in a reduction on the final figures and statistics presented and positive outcomes for the children and young people through the stability provided by remaining in their school.

It was identified that historically behaviour policies have been directed towards boys and the policies have not changed so it is important to note that these policies are developed to address all relevant issues, including mental health.

The virtual head outlined measures undertaken to address persistent absenteeism, including the use of pupil premium.

Discussion arising:

·  Noted that historically public policy has focused on young men and the chair expressed her thanks to the virtual school for their work undertaken in respect of suspension and permanent exclusions

·  Query about pupil referral units. She explained that the primary focus is to retain stability. Explained that these units have an Ofsted rating and that discussions would take place with other virtual heads, depending on the area of the placement when last resort measures have to be considered but the key emphasis is to retain stability.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the virtual school suspension, exclusion and persistent absence of girls’ report - arising from the Annual Headteacher report to corporate parenting committee on 22 October 2025 be noted, with any feedback any comments for consideration by the virtual school headteacher.

2.  That ethnicity data presented in the virtual school report and other reports, should in future include the ethnic category for Latino. It was noted that the category is not currently within the Department of Education ethnic breakdown which is something that Southwark can add as an additional category.

3.  That Speakerbox work with the virtual school to include experiences of young people and their voice in work on suspensions, exclusions and absences.