To receive a summary of the Estyn Inspection Outcomes and recommendations 2017-18.
Minutes:
Documents;
· Summary of Estyn outcomes and recommendations from schools inspected between September 2017 and August 2018 prepared by the Scrutiny Officer
Recurring themes:
Welsh oracy:
The authority has introduced Siarter Iaith a Welsh Language Charter to improve Welsh language skills in all schools. All schools who are due an Estyn Inspection have at least the Bronze award of Siarter Iaith. The schools who have more links with voluntary groups such as the Urdd are less likely to receive this recommendation from Estyn.
Teacher assessments:
The authority have a series of moderation meetings in place but this is one area which will need to be revisited.
Independent learning:
The rollout of the new curriculum has identified some schools that spoon feed pupils more than others. This issue is covered during Core Visits.
Finance:
This is an ongoing discussion.
Standards of Teaching:
Certain methods can be put in place to improve standards of teaching for example teacher triads and lead support schools.
The Portfolio Holder noted that the issue of independent learning can be challenging as this is how teachers were taught to teach and is more of a challenge in traditional schools.
Discussion
It is noted that Crickhowell are preparing a Case Study. Is this good or bad?
A case study is always positive and occurs when Estyn observe best practice in an area that is excellent and sustained.
This summary notes pleasing progress and it is positive that the recommendations highlighted can be answered but it is really disappointing that Brnllywarch Hall Special School has received an inspection which finds Well-being as adequate, needs improvement and Care, support and guidance as unsatisfactory and needs urgent improvement.
The Director confirmed he had been shocked when he first visited Brynllywarch Hall Special School. He had taken Cabinet Members to visit and had arranged immediate interim improvements to health and safety issues which were put in place last autumn. There had also been a mismatch in the expectations of learners and provision both from the school and local authority. A specialist advisor has been brought in.
The Inspection report had been published in March 2018 and whilst much work has been done there is still a long way to go. Authority has been given for a new school to be built but further work is needed on the curriculum offer and behaviour strategies.
Governors had not picked up on some of the educational shortcomings as they had been deeply focussed on managing the poor physical state of the building.
The Portfolio Holder noted that whilst it was not an excuse there had been an increase in poor behaviour. The school did have residential provision which was closed due to health and safety concerns. The current Head Teacher would like to be in a position to offer emergency residential care in the future.
It was confirmed that parents were receiving communication regarding the post inspection process.
Cllr E M Jones left 1.30pm
Are the schools service satisfied with progress in addressing Estyn recommendations?
There has been a turnover in staffing, additional capacity provided an a refocus on educational outcomes alongside safeguarding. The Governors have been able to move their focus away from the fabric of the building and health and safety concerns back onto the curriculum and expected outcomes for the pupils and students.
Is this the right location for the school?
Welsh Government has allowed this project to proceed outside the 21st Century Schools Programme. The appropriate location will be closely examined. There would have been inadequacies in the Schools Asset Management Plan to allow the school to deteriorate to the extent it had.
Outcomes
· That a summary assurance note be produced outlining what happened in the case of Brynllywarch Hall Special School and what can be learnt from this for the future
· That further updates be provided after Christmas and Easter when the Chair will consider if normal monitoring should resume
Supporting documents: