Agenda item

Consider report by Service Director, Young People, Engagement & Inclusion (copy attached).

3.1       There had been circulated copies of a report by the Service Director Young People, Engagement & Inclusion providing information on the progress made by the Education Service and schools during 2019-20 and noting the improvement priorities for session 2020-21.  Chief Education Officer, Michelle Strong, explained that The Standards & Quality Report, attached as Appendix A to the report, was an evaluation of academic session 2019-20 and drew on a range of data/information to support its conclusion. This report acknowledged the challenges faced by schools as a result of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown but also highlighted a number of successes and achievements across all sectors. The Improvement Plan, Appendix B to the report, was a statement of our objectives for academic session 2020-21.  This was a slimmed down plan which took cognisance of the challenges our teachers, families and young people have faced returning to school buildings.  It was also important to note the inclusion of Inspire Learning as a key driver for improvement in schools.  Ms Strong drew attention to notable achievements recorded in the Standards and Quality Report 2019/20, including: continuation and return to education of young people at Peebles High School following the devastating fire; the provision of 16 childcare hubs from 23^rd March to 10^th August for children of key workers and some children identified as vulnerable to support the Covid-19 response; the launch of the Inspire Learning Programme, which allowed all learners in our secondary schools to stay connected with learning throughout the period of lockdown; and the opening of the new community campus in Jedburgh. The report and Appendix A set out attainment levels for Broad General Education which were all on track and SQA data. Due to Covid-19 the data for Broad General Education reflected the position in February 2020 rather than June 2020 so comparisons with previous years could not be made. Also, due to a delay in benchmarking toolkit, the normal SQA data could not be presented.  A more detailed report would be brought to a future meeting.   In terms of Leavers Destinations, 27% went in to employment, which was the highest percentage over a 5 year trend and is above the national figure.  The report went on to list Service priorities for the session 2020/21 Improvement Plan which remained consistent to ensure continuous improvement across all sectors.

3.2     Members welcomed the report and received answers to their questions.  Ms Strong gave further information about the Quarriers Resilience for Wellbeing Service which had continued to develop and support young people in all secondary schools across the Scottish Borders and had offered over 4 thousand sessions within the 2019/20 period. There was a Quarriers Resilience Practitioner in each of the 9 High Schools. During the lockdown Quarriers were flexible in their approach. Support, which was usually provided face to face, was continued by text, phone and Teams meetings. It transpired that some young people preferred to engage in this way.  Ms Strong went on to explain how the Health and Wellbeing intervention model had been rolled out to improve confidence and build resilience.  Young people who were receiving the service reported increasing levels of wellbeing.  In further discussion Members commented on the the clear benefits of the Inspire Learning programme in terms of the development of independent learning in addition to the facilitation of equity of access for every child.  Reference was also made to the excellent example demonstrated in a local context by the textile department of Hawick High School which had developed a sector leading curriculum partnership with the Centre of Excellence in Textiles and local textile manufacturers. 

DECISION

          NOTED:

(a)          the Standards and Quality Report 2019/20 attached as Appendix A to the report; and

(b)       the Education Improvement Plan 2020/21 attached as Appendix B to the report.

CHAIRMAN

          Councillor Haslam thanked the additional representatives for their attendance for the Education business of the Executive Committee.  As she had to leave the meeting Councillor Mountford took over the chair for the remainder of the business.

OTHER BUSINESS