The Minutes of the meeting of 30 September 2015 were agreed as an accurate record and signed by the Chair.

Transcription

1 The College of West Anglia Minutes of The Performance Review and Quality Committee 2 December pm Boardroom, Principal s Suite, King s Lynn Campus Present Sandy Willatt Governor (Chair) Scott Leadley Governor (Vice Chair) David Pomfret Governor (Principal) Gordon Boyd Co-opted Non-governor Attending Andrew England Head of Organisational Development and Quality Arlene Clark Executive Director, Curriculum and Learning Andrew Gedge Head of Faculty Care and Public Services (part) Rochelle Woodcock Clerk to the Corporation 1 Apologies Gary Webb, Anthony Barnett. 2 Declaration of Interests There were no declarations of interest. 3 Minutes of the previous Meeting 30 September 2015 The Minutes of the meeting of 30 September 2015 were agreed as an accurate record and signed by the Chair. 4 Matters Arising Progress against matters arising from the meeting were summarised in the report for item 4; all actions reported had been resolved. Andrew Gedge joined the meeting at 1.05 pm. 5 Curriculum Area Update: Care, Childcare and the Nursery The Head of Organisational Development and Quality introduced the presentation, noting that the SAR grade profile for the Care and Childcare areas, for the last 6 years, had been included in the cover report provided. For the two areas had been graded separately. The Head of Faculty gave an overview of the different areas, supported by a power point presentation, as follows: 1 PR&Q rdw

2 Childhood Studies (King s Lynn and Wisbech) This is the biggest programme area, with approximately 550 students across both sites. The area was graded 3 (requires improvement) this year. Some aspects have been moved forward, but not all. It is a popular area, with majority female recruitment to Level 1 and Level 2 programmes. Challenges include: Resilience of staffing there have been pockets of long term sickness absence Student recruitment whilst positive, some students are not always clear of their career direction Level 1 programmes a number of students have low academic ability, issues with attendance and discipline, and dysfunctional lifestyles The Principal noted that governors have seen growing numbers of young people with specific concerns referred to multi-support agencies; a disproportionate number of students are from this area. Student retention New qualification structures the depth and requirements of the qualifications have been raised. There is currently a national exam component at the front end of the first year; a high number of students fail at the first attempt Governors asked what a more successful route might be. The Head of Faculty advised that one third of Level 1 students have GCSE grades at E, F and G. Vocational qualifications with a work placement, during the second half of the year, might be a better route before being encouraged to take a Level 2. Level 2 students have a profile of 2 GCSE s grade C and some D s. Progression to Level 2 and Level 3 has become increasingly more difficult. Often students are excellent practitioners but struggle with academic theory. Where a student is unable to undertake the Level 3 they are often directed to the teaching assistant programme or apprenticeships. The Executive Director, Curriculum and Learning advised that there is a degree programme also available in this area. Positives include: Excellent examples of study programmes which are individualised, embed work placements/work readiness and encourage students to become well rounded individuals Positive teaching assistant results 24 evening course students have all gained employment The Principal noted that a number of successful students have been employed at the college s academies. Significant and stable degree provision with growing numbers. Quality Improvement Plan: New staff have been appointed and are being supported L2 course intervention involving weekly learning walks and weekly team meetings Maths and English attendance is being closely monitored. 2 PR&Q rdw

3 Applewood Nursery (King s Lynn) The nursery operates on a commercial basis but also provides support for students. The nursery was subject to a consultation, last year, as it was not meeting its income targets. Based on feedback received, and support from Norfolk County Council, a recovery plan was put into place to make the nursery more sustainable. Changes since May 2015 include: Structural changes Prices increased to make more commercial Moving towards financial viability Updated logo, marketing and website Move towards a more community focus. Ofsted is likely to inspect the nursery in the near future (its last inspection was in 2011). A half a day s notice will be given followed by a full day s inspection. Challenges include: Recruitment of suitable staff - 80% of posts have now been filled; further recruitment is needed Improving confidence in the sustainability of the nursery within the market Ofsted inspection framework move towards more main stream inspection criteria challenges regarding progress children are expected to make Nursery capacity the nursery is currently not full. The right ratio of staff to children is required before this can move forward. This is impacting on current progress Nursery policies these are currently detached from college systems and need to be brought in line Practices need to change to align with the new Ofsted inspection framework. Positives include: The extent of the problem is known An Early Years committee has been formed and has met twice to date Positive Self Evaluation Form (SEF) Investment has been made in the infrastructure The nursery has great potential. The Principal added that it is hoped that the college may eventually grow its own staff from its students. Governors asked whether there are sufficient customers for the nursery. The Principal advised that the nursery has operated in relative isolation in the past. A significant amount of change has happened since then, including improved synergy with the curriculum area. Support from Norfolk County Council has provided a year s head room to put new structures into place. Concern over the potential closure of the nursery indicates that there is a demand locally. The Head of Faculty added that, with the government s commitment to 30 hours childcare provision a week, it will be important to get the staffing right. 3 PR&Q rdw

4 Health and Social Care This area is graded 2 (good) and is improving. It has a strong value added performance, above national expectations, at Level 3. Other Positives include: Excellent progression to HE Strong and stable teaching team Strong employability agenda students have some form of work placement during the programme Work with the community helps to improve student communication and confidence. Quality Improvement Plan: Improvement in retention at Level 2 Maths and English attendance and performance remain an issue Work is continuing to push forward: Stretch and challenge Teaching and learning principles Peer observations Learning walks The development of LEARN Aspirational work walls of fame and ex-students returning to talk to current students. Challenges moving forward include: Staffing Developing higher level degree qualifications Maintaining value added performance Managing the volume of student issues. Governors asked why there is more staffing instability in the Childhood studies area. The Head of Faculty advised that there are long standing staff in this area who are experiencing difficulties in taking on change, have other challenges in life and, some of whom, dip in and out of the capability procedure, although these are decreasing. The Head of Organisational Development and Quality advised that the Learning Practice spends considerable time supporting individual staff members in this area. Governors asked whether there is sharing of good practice across the different strands of the faculty s work. The Head of Faculty advised that the staff have been integrated as a team and do teach across programme areas. Sports and Uniformed Services bring a different teaching style to the area. Staff have to balance pastoral care with teaching. The nature of the course may also unravel issues that students have themselves. Governors asked whether students had responded positively to teaching by staff from the Sports and Uniformed Services areas. 4 PR&Q rdw

5 They were advised that students enjoy the slightly different style and approach, which provides a different dynamic in a female dominated environment. The creation of a Nursing and Paramedic Academy has attracted more male students. Andrew Gedge left the meeting at 1.50 pm Mark Reavell joined the meeting at 1.50 pm 6 Equality and Diversity Improvement Plan and Self-Assessment Report (SAR) The Executive Director, Partnerships advised that the format of the report was similar to previous years comprising, the Equality Objectives, E&D SAR, Action Plan and a first draft of the Gap Analysis. The proposed grade of the E&D SAR is grade 2 (good). The Gap Analysis indicates that the differences in performance in some groups is now quite marked eg, Looked After Children the numbers of students are small but performance has dropped significantly over the past three years. This is related to retention; those who were retained achieved a 100% achievement rate. Analysis of the reasons for poor retention is needed. The Executive Director, Partnerships will speak to Programme Managers this week to ensure that there is more focus on this group. Safeguarding and Child Protection students with safeguarding or child protection issues at Level 2 and 3 are performing well below college average performance levels. This will require a separate more detailed review. Ethnic Groups there has been a small drop in performance in some groups. Disability this area is more of an issue with large groups with emotional, behavioural and mental health issues. More research is needed and discussions are to take place, with Student Services, as to how more support can be provided for these groups. The overall success rate has dropped by 4%. The breakdown of full time college students is 86% White British, 10% White European and 4% comprising 16 ethnic groups of 10 or less students. Governors asked what college links with Social Service teams were like. They were advised that there was a strong link, where a file was already in place, but it was difficult to register a new case for post-16 students. The Principal noted that Norfolk County Council does not have a data sharing agreement, which causes issues. It was agreed that the Principal will formally write to GB regarding this, on behalf of the West Norfolk Partnership. Action Principal The Executive Director, Partnerships advised that Cambridgeshire County Council does have a data sharing agreement. The college and local schools are able to work with the council s locality team to identify at risk children. 5 PR&Q rdw

6 He added that outcomes for learners is a challenge for the college, when broken down into E&D areas. Performance of Looked after Children will be seen as a weakness, although these are less than 20 students across thousands. Ofsted will be interested to see what the college does to support Looked after Children and the Safeguarding Child Protection group. Governors asked if the college has identified the issue, and is trying to do something about it, whether Ofsted would be satisfied. The Principal advised that it is the impact of this; there are a small number of cases which would need to be discussed with Ofsted to show what support has been provided. Governors noted that the Gap Analysis was very stark and provided a summary of actions to work on. They agreed that it would be useful for Governors to see an update on this regarding the actions taken and progress made. The Executive Director, Partnerships advised that, in addition to the Performance Review and Quality Committee, this document is also shared with the Safeguarding Board, SMT and the full Board. Governors noted that the action plan does not reflect the issues identified in the Gap Analysis. The Executive Director, Partnerships noted that this was broadly covered under objective 2 of the action plan. A further action plan will be produced, once a more in depth data analysis has been completed of attainment gaps identified in the E&D data. A copy of the updated action plan and progress report was requested for the March meeting. Action EDP The committee unanimously agreed to recommend the Single Equality Scheme and Equality Improvement Plan , and the Equality and Diversity SAR to the Board for approval. Mark Reavell left the meeting at 2.25 pm 7 Complaints: September 2015 November 2015 The Head of Organisational Development and Quality advised that 26 complaints had been received in the period, the majority of which were from the largest King s Lynn campus, although the Cambridge campus had seen a higher number of complaints than in previous periods. Days per complaint were similar for the time of year at 2.4 days. On-course management continues to score highly in the number of complaints received. Specific complaints were discussed, along with the actions taken. The decision as to whether a complaint is justified is taken by the investigating manager. The Head of Organisational Development and Quality also sense checks this decision. 8 Hearing the Student Voice: Autumn Results The Head of Organisational Development and Quality reported that the response rate this year had been very disappointing with less than 50% participation in the survey. compared to last 6 PR&Q rdw

7 year s percentage. An analysis will be done to determine whether specific courses did not complete the survey to feedback to the Heads of Faculty. Results included: Q1 how do you rate your induction experience? 94.4% positive response; the highest score recorded to date. Q2 did the Starting College/Welcome Back activities help you settle into your course? this was a new question with 54.4% agreeing it was of some help and 33.6% agreeing it was very helpful. Q3 students were asked to rate their enrolment process this was a new question and further clarification of what is mean by enrolment is needed for next year. Q4 were you briefed on general H&S issues? 95.5% positive response rate, similar to previous years. Q5 - Were you told about staying safe while in college and online? a positive response rate of 93.2% indicated a dip and an overall three year declining trend. It was noted that the terminology in the question may be different from that used in the induction process and therefore might not be recognised. Governors asked whether the induction programme has changed. They were advised that the way of delivery has changed, although the content remains the same. It is intended that students complete more activities online prior to arriving at college. The system had not fully worked this year, but should be ready for next. Q6 Were you briefed regarding any additional costs you will need to pay? 85.7% positive response was received, which was a dip from the previous year. Governors asked whether students are advised of all costs upon application. The Executive Director, Curriculum and Learning advised that costs are detailed online, in letters to applicants and also at interview. The Principal added that it is more about student perception; none of the complaints regarding this have been justified. Governors asked whether the results of the questionnaire are considered by the Student Union/Council or a focus group to discuss and test the results. The Head of Organisational Development and Quality noted that there is a Class Representatives meeting in the spring which would provide an opportunity to discuss the results of the student survey. Action HoODQ 7 PR&Q rdw

8 9 Summary of the Work of the Peer Review & Development Group (PHLLAB) The Head of Organisational Development and Quality reported that the group had not been as busy as in previous years, mainly due to lack of time. The work of the group has been managed by , as an alternative to meetings. An online diary system has been implemented to try to help arrange meetings. The Principal noted that it was a valuable framework for partnership working. Next week three colleges are to meet to look at their SARs. Governors commented that peer challenge is essential. The Head of Organisational Development and Quality confirmed that the group was valuable in sharing good practice. There was no real financial outlay as each college paid for the cost of the venue in turn. The committee agreed to bring forward agenda item Monitoring of Strategic Targets The Clerk presented the first dashboard report of the new academic year for the committee to review. It was noted that destinations data is improving. The Principal advised that an external firm has been commissioned to improve the data on known destinations. This will inevitably drive down the level of positive destinations, as more data becomes available. 11 Post Inspection Action Plan: Progress Review The Head of Organisational Development and Quality gave a verbal update on current progress against the Post Inspection Action Plan, which was displayed at the meeting. He had met with all the Heads of Faculty, since the last meeting, and an improved picture was emerging. He explained the format of the plan and the system of RAG rating. The reason for the split in the results between Engineering and Construction in the Technology area were explained. Governors queried the limited response to the gold, silver and bronze categories on LEARN. They were advised that this initiative had not been promoted as fully as would have been liked due to a lack of staff. The Executive Director, Curriculum and Learning noted that some statements stipulate all staff, which is difficult; had these stated the majority of staff progress would be much further along. In most cases a lot of action is being taken red does not mean that there is no activity, it is used to motivate staff. Governors asked whether the plan is shared with staff generally. 8 PR&Q rdw

9 The Head of Organisational Development and Quality advised that it will be shared and discussed with the Heads of Faculty with a further update provided at the next meeting. There needs to be more consistency across different areas. The Principal noted that the action plan is very detailed, when compared with Ofsted s recommendations whose two key concerns were the promotion of E&D and value added performance. It is important to step back from the detail and identify progress against the key areas. 12 Update for Pro-observe: Teaching and Learning Observations The committee agreed to postpone this report until the next meeting when there would be more data available. Noted. 13 Any Other Business Quality of Observation and Teaching Audit the Clerk advised that this audit report had recently been reviewed by the Audit committee. A key recommendation, for the Performance Review and Quality committee to note, was that future teaching and observation reports should include a breakdown of the % of observations completed, including by faculty, to help ensure senior oversight and scrutiny of the amount and depth of coverage. 14 Chair s items for briefing to Corporation Review of progress against the Post Inspection Action Plan an improved picture since the last meeting. 15 Date and time of next Meeting SAR Workshop: Wednesday, 20 January 2016, 1.00 pm, King s Lynn Campus The meeting closed at 3.25 pm 9 PR&Q rdw