Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

NB – this item has a non-public appendix.

Members received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services regarding the annual report of the Education, Cultural and Creative Learning and Skills strategies.

The Board thanked officers for the report and for their work. It was felt that achievements within this first year had exceeded expectations in both quality and impact as a result of extensive collaboration with industry and cultural partners.

The City’s Apprenticeships pathway had led to a number of candidates attaining an ‘Outstanding’ award; there had also been an increase in work experience opportunities and apprentice numbers. Although there had been a slight reduction in the number both of adult learners and education courses, the reduction reflected  a deliberate recalibration of course offers in line with London-wide changes in adult education.

Members discussed the value of inviting pupils to formal City dinners.  Although these events generally benefitted a comparatively small number of pupils, the Board felt that these opportunities did have a significant impact on those pupils who attended. It was suggested that other Committees might also wish to invite pupils from the Family of Schools to their annual dinners as well as encourage Members to use their guest spaces at other City events to invite young people. Although welcomed, it was acknowledged that such invitations would require appropriate preparation of pupils and the following of safeguarding protocols.

RESOLVED, that the report be noted.