Agenda item

Ann Muxworthy, Education Gateshead

The Forum received a report on the work of the Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS) as part of the de-delegated funding.

It was noted that the service is currently dealing with a constantly changing picture, the number of Syrian refugees has increased and work is ongoing to support those children.  It was reported that the number of staff within the team has reduced to seven part time staff, this equates to 5.2 full time equivalents. Staff have a large caseload as they work with 300 children, although there are approximately 1,500 on the books.

Challenges were identified, for example the team is expected to respond when a new child enters Gateshead, there are also additional complexities due to the increased number of languages spoken in Gateshead. In addition there is uncertainty as to the impact of Brexit and the nature of the provision that can be offered going forward as this is a Council wide issue.

In addition to the support provided the EMTAS staff are also carrying out initial six week assessments for all new EAL admissions, the school can then identify what additional support is needed. This means that the service is spread thinly to ensure the needs of all schools are satisfied, and there is currently no budget officer, admin staff or training costs within the costs to be covered by de-delegation and trading.

It was noted that there are issues around communication of the services provided.  Newsletters are sent out but do not always get the desired readership. The point was made that this is a Council wide issue and more needs to be done to drive the equalities agenda.

It was clarified that there is a move away from schools receiving man hours to a six week assessment, this allows for clearer end points.

The position with regards to secondary schools was questioned. It was confirmed that secondary schools buy back under a SLA because it is not de-delegated (only maintained schools can de-delegate), however take up is low with six schools not buying back. It was acknowledged that conversations need to be held with those schools as to what provisions they are making for these pupils.

It was questioned whether the amount required to maintain staff levels depends on secondary school buy in. It was clarified that primary de-delegation does not cover the cost of staff and therefore every bit of income is needed to cover costs. It was queried that the SLA charged to secondary schools could result in a subsidy by primary schools de-delegation. It was confirmed that de-delegation is a flat rate, whereas if there was an influx in refugee pupils for example secondary schools would have to pay more. It was also pointed out that there is no option to de-delegate at academy level.

It was agreed that it would be worthwhile for contact to be made with GASH to fully explain the service and raise awareness about buying back.

The point was made that the Council needs to be more coordinated when funding does come in and that this issue needs a wider Council focus.

It was questioned whether instead of paying a flat rate, banding could be created in de-delegation so schools pay for the pupils in their schools. It was agreed that this would be looked at for 2018/19 but that it was too late for 2017/18.

RESOLVED    -           (i)         That the Forum noted the work undertaken by EMTAS

to support the educational achievement of all ethnic minority and Traveller pupils in Gateshead schools, and approved the de-delegation of funding for EMTAS at the rate of £13.42 per pupil.

                                    (ii)        That the possibility of banding in de-delegation be

explored for 2018/19.