Dan Hamer, Head of Vulnerable Pupils, presented an updated report on Exclusions data. It was noted that the rate of Fixed Term Exclusions (FTE) compared to Permanent Exclusions (PEX) remains lower than our statistical neighbours, however the rate of PEX’s is now rising faster than our National, Regional and Statistical Neighbours. Concerns remain around the high number of both Drug and Alcohol and peer on peer assault exclusions, and particularly why there are no exclusions for Bullying given the high percentage of peer on peer assault.

There has been a drop in the number of Secondary PEXs and a large reduction in the number of Special School PEXs. However, Primary numbers continue to rise, where it is recognised there are challenges around Early Identification of children’s need.

Dan explained that he is working with the Secondary Peer Group, looking at the rising number of assaults on staff.  The Secondary Peer Group has led to the creation of an ‘at risk of PEX’ list that is reviewed fortnightly, along with conversations with partner agencies that has led to a greater understanding of Social Care needs.

Persistent Disruption continues to be the main reason for PEXs in Primary Schools, there also remains frustrations around Schools not writing RSAs (Request for Statutory Assessment) until the day of Exclusion. PEXs this year remain at the same level as last year.

Dan then reported on Fixed Term Exclusions. Numbers in the secondary sector was worrying, but we are beginning to see an impact and FTEs are reducing.

There remains some disparity between Primary School FTEs, but work is being done on changing the way that Schools use FTEs. Overall number of FTEs are reducing this year, however it was concerning to note that in the Primary Sector in particular, half of the FTEs are for children with EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans).

Rachael acknowledged the work of Tracey Powell and the CLA team on attachment needs, which has been well received by Secondary Schools. It was positive to note that officers are working more closely with Social Care colleagues and partner agencies and a complex strategy is now in place.

A banded review system has also been set up, with a panel now looking at funding, starting with each new EHCP. Officers will be visiting Leeds Council on the 25^th - 26^th February to look at the model that they have been successfully trialling, with the aim of establishing an external panel with partner agencies to look at funding moving forward.

Members noted the findings, thanking Dan for the clarity of this report and requested future reports be presented with this level of detail.

Rachael has had an approach from the Bay Education Trust and COAST academies, on how we manage exclusions. It is proposed that money used on a 6 day provision could be used instead on managing children in school, without the need for a 6 day offer. It was felt that this approach could make it easier to identify our most vulnerable children and could provide further links to Social Care and Early Help. Recognising that there would be a degree of trial and error, officers proposed that we model this approach in Paignton schools initially, with a view to extending this to the wider area if successful. It was noted that Cambridge are already using a similar model, and Exeter have also begun to trial this approach in their Secondary Schools.

Members were asked to vote on the principle of this, with the following results:

For: 12

Against: 0

Abstain: 0

Members were unanimous that this approach could be seen as an investment to save money in the long-term. A verbal update will be presented to members at the next Forum in March, with a full business case and figures ready for the June meeting.

Action - Rachael to present a verbal update on project in March.

AOB:

Rachael asked that the Post 16 value for money report, that was to be presented at March Forum, be postponed until later in the year. This is due to staff sickness in the Post 16 team. Members were pleased to note the hard work being done by the team, evidenced by a reduction in the number of NEET (Not in Education, employment, or Training) young people from 54 last year, down to 14 this year.