The Board received a presentation from Rachael Williams (Assistant Director Education, Learning and Skills) on the above strand of the Marmot report.  The presentation set out how future opportunities would be explored and the components of the population intervention triangle.  The Board noted the tools available to denote improvement – civic level, service based and community centred.  The Assistant Director highlighted to members Marmot’s Policy recommendations and the actions Torbay Council is already undertaking.  Although much positive work is being done, it was highlighted to the Board the possible next steps.

The Board received information about pupils who are electively home schooled and the actions the Council had undertaken to ensure pupils return to an education establishment.  The Assistant Director celebrated the number of children who had returned to school and the integration to ensure they remained.  In particular the Board were advised about students off-rolling/gaming which could alter a school’s attainment levels.

The Board were informed about holiday clubs (eg holiday hunger clubs) which had a positive impact on children and families, however, these clubs were reliant on charity bids, schools willing to provide the appropriate space and the support from local businesses.  Work was also being undertaken with employers to encourage them to employ people with additional needs, known as access to work.  Discussion was also had about psychology services being funded the school grants rather than Public Health.  It was explained to the Board that the pastoral support provided by schools was more complex than in previous years.

Chairperson to sum up, identify next steps and the Board to form a recommendation on this theme.

Resolved:

The Board formed the following recommendations:

(i)            ensure independent advice is provided in accordance with the GATSBY standards to all young people;

(ii)          the creation of a post 16 strategy within the Local Area;

(iii)         the formation of stronger connection between the business community and local education board;

(iv)         the development of T Level Courses at South Devon College;

(v)          secure more young people with an Education Health and Care Package access to work with the Head Teacher of Coombe Pafford School being invited to a future Board meeting to explain how they are promoting this;

(vi)         encourage Members and businesses to support holiday/wrap around care schemes;

(vii)        members attend the ‘Meet the SLT’ event at South Devon College on 14 April 2020;

(viii)      the Board had reservations to the Marmot recommendation for schools to extend their roles in supporting families, in particular the impact on pastoral teams and ensuring schools seek the relevant professional support.