Agenda Item No
The Vale of Glamorgan Council
Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning]: 2nd November 2009
Director of Learning and Development
School Perception Survey
Purpose of the Report
1.
To provide a basis for the Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning]
to consider and develop proposals to address issues identified in
the recent School Perception Survey.
Recommendation
That Scrutiny Committee discuss the survey
content with Headteacher representatives and recommend
accordingly.
Reason for the Recommendation
To enable Scrutiny Members to develop
proposals following discussions with Headteacher
representatives.
Background
2.
At the last meeting of the Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning],
Members received a briefing on Headteacher responses following the
recent School Perception Survey
3.
The Scrutiny Committee Members agreed "that the Director of
Learning and Development submit a report to the next meeting of the
Scrutiny Committee detailing the evaluation of the survey results,
including appropriate measures required to address those matters
which were perceived as a weakness".
4.
Following consideration of proposals from the Director of Learning
and Development to progress this matter, Committee Members
concluded that they would value an opportunity to meet Headteachers
directly as part of the process for developing an action plan
response.
5.
A meeting convened at comparatively short notice for the
Headteacher Steering Group members was not well attended, so whilst
some progress was made, the outcomes could not be viewed or
presented to Members as being based on a representative view.
6.
For this reason, it is proposed that the meeting of the Scrutiny
Committee be used to address the key concerns in the Perception
Survey outlined in Appendix
1.
Relevant Issues and Options
7.
It is clear from preliminary discussions, that there are many
factors which may have contributed to the School Survey results and
a range of measures which could be considered as contributing to
improvement.
8.
Rather than make broad assumptions about the context, it will be
helpful to explore the position with Headteachers. Similarly,
whilst there is an inevitable pressure to challenge the accuracy or
otherwise of the perceptions presented in the survey, there is not
a productive use of our time. The focus for the Committee
should be:-
· To identify what
we are trying to achieve/improve.
· To identify
measures which will contribute to achievement/improvement.
· To consider any
progress to date.
9.
In adopting a structured approach to this task, the Scrutiny
Committee will be in a position to help develop an Action Plan in
response to the Survey. Full details of the survey will be
available in electronic format at the Committee meeting.
Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)
10. There are no resource
implications arising directly from this report. Any resource
implications for the Action Plan will be identified as the plan is
developed.
Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)
11. There are no legal
implications arising from this report.
Crime and Disorder Implications
12. None.
Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language
issues)
13. The Action Plan will
include measures to support Welsh Medium Education provision.
Corporate/Service Objectives
14. This report is
consistent with the Council's priorities for Education and Lifelong
Learning.
Policy Framework and Budget
15. Any recommendation
which require Executive approval would need to be presented to
Cabinet for approval.
Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)
16. Headteacher Steering
Group.
Relevant Scrutiny Committee
17. Lifelong
Learning.
Background Papers
Previous report
Wales Audit Office report
Contact Officer
Bryan Jeffreys, Director of Learning and
Development
Officers Consulted
Education Management Team
Responsible Officer:
Bryan Jeffreys, Director of Learning and
Development