Agenda item

This report presents the final report from the Narrowing the Gap Scrutiny Review and asks Executive to approve the recommendations arising from the review.

[Cllr Jenny Brooks, a member of the former Task Group who carried out this review will present the report]

Resolved:           That having considered the review findings and annexes, the Executive approve the recommendations  (i. to vi.) at paragraphs 5 of the report.

Reason: To conclude the Scrutiny Review in line with CYC Scrutiny procedures and protocols.

Consideration was given to the final report from the Narrowing the Gap Scrutiny Review set up with the aim of identifying and disseminating best practice guidance on narrowing the gap in York schools.

Cllr Brooks as a member of the former Task Group and Cllr Taylor as Chair of the Learning & Culture Policy & Scrutiny Committee presented the report, thanking Members of the Group and, in particular, Andrew Pennington, a co-opted Member for their work on the review. They highlighted the Task Group’s concern at the gap in attainment, between disadvantaged young people and their peers in the city as amongst the widest anywhere in the country. As part of the review it was noted that an examination had been made of best practice from other Local Authorities and the use of pupil premium to narrow the gaps in attainment and progress which had assisted in the production of guidance for dissemination through local schools.

Officers confirmed that work was now well underway to implement the review recommendations and that a report would be presented to the Executive, once school outcome data for 2015 was available. At that time it was hoped the impact of work undertaken would show progress in narrowing the gap.

Following further discussion it was

Resolved:           That having considered the review findings and annexes, the Executive approve the recommendations  (i. to vi.) at paragraphs 5 of the report. ^1.

Reason:     To conclude the Scrutiny Review in line with CYC Scrutiny procedures and protocols.