Report No. 235/2018 was received from the Chief Executive.

Mr O. Hemsley introduced the report the purpose of which was to provide Cabinet with strategic oversight of the Council’s performance for 2018/19 in delivering the Corporate Plan Aims and Objectives. Members were accountable for the delivery of the Council’s Corporate Plan and this monitoring information reported on progress and highlighted any key challenges.

During discussion the following points were noted:

·         At the Cabinet’s request a lighter touch report had been provided.

·         Average progress scores from KS1 to KS2 in Reading, Writing and Mathematics had not achieved positive progress but it was highlighted that the percentages could be affected by very small numbers and sometimes it was just related to the particular cohort that year.

·         Although most of the schools were academies and therefore outside of the Council’s direct control, there was a real community will by all to move children forward.

·         In order to move children beyond just achieving predicted results there needed to be a focus not just on the depth but also the breadth of the curriculum and a collective sharing of resources to achieve this.

·         The number of children subject to a Child Protection Plan (CPP) for a second time was, at 26%, higher than the national average of 20.5% but represented a very small number of children (6 out of 23 currently on a CPP) and it was felt that it was better to be fully engaged with children and their families rather than to try and chase percentages. The families involved were closely monitored and fully supported.

DECISION:

1.    That Cabinet NOTED the overall position in relation to performance so far during 2018/19 and the actions being taken to address areas of underperformance.

Reasons for the decision

At the end of Quarter 2, 96% of indicators measured were on or above target with 4% of indicators (2) currently below target. Main areas of concern have been highlighted in this report and the remedial action being undertaken to improve performance has been identified.

Overall performance based on activity so far in 2018/19 is good.