Agenda and draft minutes

Cllr Ogg substituted for Cllr Wells.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests, or personal, or personal and prejudicial interests.

No whip was declared.

Resolved - That the minutes of the meeting of this panel held on 5 February 2025, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the Chairman.

There were no public speaking requests.

The Chairman welcomed Dave Flowitt, Virtual Head Teacher, Rachel Smith, Director: Children and Families, Paul Tinsley, Assistant Director of Education, Roxanne Kirby, Assistant Director Children’s Help and Protection, and Wendy Holmes, Head of Virtual School and Inclusion, to the meeting.

The Chairman explained that the Virtual School Head Teacher and the relevant officers had been invited to brief the panel on the Virtual Head’s Annual Report 2023/4 and the operation and performance of the Virtual School. 

Dave led on the delivery of a detailed presentation, which covered staffing, outcome data, performance at Key Stages 2 and 4, attendance, absences and suspensions, and funding via the Pupil Premium.  Dave also led a discussion on the use of Personal Education Plans (PEPs).

Dave and the officers outlined a number of individual stories for young people who had attended the Virtual School, noting the high levels of young people accessing apprenticeships, work to prevent exclusions, and local efforts to ensure that young peoples’ voices were heard.  An overview of local governance arrangements was also provided.  The presentation culminated with a description of ‘next steps’ which were designed to further improve the performance of the Virtual School and the educational and social outcomes for children.

The Chairman then led a discussion on the presentation, with the panel asking questions about post-16 funding, student progress data, the recent CQC inspection into Children in Care education, the use of PEPs, and ensuring that young people can transition into meaningful further education, training or employment.  Dave and the other officers responded fully.

Resolved – (a) That Dave Flowitt, Rachel Smith, Paul Tinsley, Roxanne Kirby, and Wendy Holmes be thanked for the presentation and for responding to the panel’s questions; and (b) that the Annual Report be noted and welcomed.

There was no added item for consideration at the meeting.

There was no urgent or additional business.