Issue - meetings

Presentation from the Head of Virtual School.

The Panel received an update on the performance of the Harrow Virtual School from the Assistant Headteachers for CLA and CLA.

In response to questions, it was noted that all those who needed to be in school during the pandemic were in attendance.  Laptops were purchased for all pupils to ensure that they had access to online learning.

The Panel referred to the statistic that 55% of pupils were educated outside of Harrow spread across 23 local authorities and asked the reasons for this, what monitoring challenges this presented and whether visits were made to the schools concerned.  The Interim Corporate Director, People, reported that the key national indicator was for those pupils educated over 20 miles from home.  There were various reasons for this including placement with family members outside the area, foster carers who had moved out of the area, and a home address closer to a school in a neighbouring authority.  The officers informed the Panel that prior to the pandemic officers had made termly visits for PEPs but during the pandemic monitoring was by teams and online communication.  The importance of visiting was recognised.

Members stated that it would be useful to understand the strategies and the plans for the next four years.  It was also suggested that information in tabular form would make it easier to identify issues.  The officers undertook to provide a more detailed report including maps and a breakdown of location.

In response to questions regarding the enrichment offer, it was noted that due to the small number of children sometimes all were able to attend an activity but sometimes attendance was based on need, who would benefit most or those who had not done things.  The caseworkers would be involved in identifying those who would benefit from particular activities.  Going forward more varied activities would be considered as would reaching those not currently participating.

RESOLVED:  That the presentation be noted.