Minutes of Quality, Standards & Curriculum Committee - 22 April 2024 HTML

Prof J. Barratt in the Chair.

15/24. Declarations of Interest

No pecuniary interests declared.

16/24. Minutes – 29 January 2024 (Appendix – Agenda Item 3)

Resolved: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 January 2024, were approved as a true record, subject to the following addition –

Minute Number 04/24 – Self Assessment Report
In addition to the amendments requested by the Committee as part of its review of the SAR, it had also asked that, going forward, the document include a precis of the main points.

17/24. Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Progress Report (Appendix - Agenda Item 4)

The Committee considered progress on actions set out in the Quality Enhancement Plan 2023 - 24 (previously circulated) identified following the completion of the Self-Assessment Report 2022 – 23 and being taken to further enhance the quality of teaching and learning and student achievement at the college.

The VP, Q,A&I reported that, as directed by the Committee, the report highlighted the priority projects to improve the quality of teaching and learning and secure student achievement.

The Committee deliberated whether the quality assurance and assessment process sufficiently identified the issues that could affect pupil achievement and if the report submitted provided assurance that sufficient and timely progress was being made against action targets.

Regarding actions to improve value added and attainment for full-time level 3 provision, challenge at Quality Review meetings had revealed low predictions. The Committee questioned this. The VP, Q,A &I considered that the college had the appropriate and impactful checks and balances in place to judge the rigour of the Quality Review process and the reliability of the grade predictions. He explained that the Reviews explored what additional support or resources might be required to ensure that the correct interventions were in place to secure the right outcomes for students. However, to further improve the reliability of the data, the college was looking to support further teacher understanding of the quality assurance process and build trust and teacher confidence in presenting their predictions. The Committee expected to see an improvement in this action going forward because of this ongoing work.

Regarding actions to improve retention rate to 95% for 16–19-year-old students, the Committee acknowledged that this was off-target and now unlikely to be met at this time of the academic year. It questioned the reasons for this and what the college was doing additionally to improve retention going forward. The VP explained that reaching the retention and attendance targets remained a challenge for the college. The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) reviewed progress against these targets weekly and the college’s performance dashboard was interrogated by curriculum leaders at department level and used to inform intervention strategies. Currently, the college was focussing on attendance and punctuality in the Quality Reviews and targeting attendance strategies to improve English and maths attendance. The reasons behind withdrawal and absence performance remained complex; however, the interventions the college had put in place were having a positive impact, as retention and attendance had both improved from this point in 2023 and this would be reflected in improved outcomes. For example, the college supported each student to re-engage with learning, based on their individual circumstances and reasons for disengagement, which could include choosing to go into work, family circumstances, mental and physical health or transport issues. In common with other sector colleges, there had been a marked deterioration in students’ resilience since the pandemic and in response, the college had put in place support systems that encouraged students to own their own decisions and consequences of disengagement. The college also reported attendance to parents with follow-up by the tutor teams to reinforce the importance of attendance. However, the VP, ALs commented that, since the pandemic, parents were increasingly supporting their child’s decision to dis-engage. The Committee noted the additional work undertaken by the college to support students affected by the recent disruption to train journeys due to a landslide affecting train routes to Shrewsbury from Telford and supported the college’s continued approach with students that its priority was to assist them to be in college benefitting from face-to-face teaching and learning.

The Committee requested a progress update at the next meeting.

18/24. Academic and Vocational Progress Grade Review Period 2 and Apprenticeships – Reports (Confidential Appendices – Agenda Items 5a – c)

Academic
The Committee analysed a report providing an overview of the risks associated with the achievement of expected outcomes this year and students completing courses to expected grades in June 2024 (previously circulated), with reference to the analysis of Progress Grade Review Period 2.

The Committee commented on the following -

• pleasing exam results for CTEC courses in particular. The Committee congratulated the teaching staff on the excellent outcomes and the positive impact of the interventions around building revision activities that had been implemented.
• Both GCSE subjects had also achieved resit results above national outcomes.

The Committee sought assurance on current progress towards final exam results. The ALs reported that –

• A ‘mock week’ was held in December 2023, for Year 2 students; this was a change from previous years when mocks were held in January. Feedback from staff suggested this change had given a swifter ‘kickstart’ in January for teaching the next section of the course. However, student views had been mixed as it was the end of a busy Term and, for some, clashed with university interview season; however previous students did not like January exams either due to the impact on the Christmas holiday period. After reviewing the feedback, it was likely that the college would repeat this change in December 2024.
• Results from the mocks had informed Progress Grade 2 discussions with students to identify actions for improvement. The action planning system for recording outcomes of these discussions was helpful because teachers could more easily identify the impact of interventions; however, the college expected to do more work to further improve usage.
• Quality Review meetings were held for each Curriculum Directorate following PG2

The Committee deliberated on the accuracy/consistency of PG2 in predicting final outcomes. The overall ALPs based on PG2 would suggest a grade 4 outcome if PG2 proved a reliable indicator of final results this summer. There was still some uncertainty in judging the standard consistently; the input 2022 GCSE grades were inflated, leading to higher target grades whereas the final 2024 A level grades would be back to pre-pandemic standards, making it harder to achieve good value-added outcomes this summer without updated benchmarking. The Committee AGREED that, so it could better assess the impact of the interventions being put in place, the next meeting consider a progress report for each of the Grade 3 subjects across the college.

The Clerk to the Board advised that the next Governor Learning Walk would take place on 1 July 2024 in Maths, Criminology & Law.

Vocational
The VP, T&VE reported that curriculum teams had now met with each of their students to review progress with the report providing an insight into projected grades. The Committee noted that Year 1 Projected High Grades were down this year compared to last and challenged the impact of the interventions in place. The VP explained that, as identified in the Quality Enhancement Plan, some teachers’ cautious predictions due to the nature of assessment and the lack of experience assessing T Levels had impacted high grade predictions. Curriculum Quality Reviews would continue to take place for the remainder of the year, to support the teams in maximising student grades. In addition, these courses were 2 Year courses, so the presentation of data was not necessarily reporting an accurate position. Regarding Year 2 Predictions, there had been a slight increase in students performing over their target grade since Progress Grade 1.

The college had seen a significant increase in the number of 16-18 students having to re-sit their Math and/or English; about 25% of the college’s 16-19 intake required additional Maths support. The GCSE Team continued to support these students and attendance had increased due to the interventions and targeted work undertaken. It was expected that the increase in students coming to the college who would require additional support to re-take these subjects would continue into the next academic year. To go some way in mitigation, the college was already delivering Maths & English GCSE revision and support sessions free of charge in two feeder schools. Classes of up to 15 pupils (selected by the schools) attended the college either on a Thursday night or on a Saturday free of charge. The Committee supported this pro-active approach.

The Committee also discussed the impact of the Department for Education’s requirement that, from September 2024, colleges were expected to deliver additional English and Maths teaching hours. In addition to the likely increase in students coming to the college requiring support with re-sits, the sector already faced workforce planning challenges in securing enough teaching staff to deliver these subjects. The college’s strategic risk register recognised the potential risks to outcomes, retention and progression and the Audit Committee was monitoring the impact of mitigations.

Apprenticeships
The VP, Q, I & A presented a report (previously circulated) on the college’s Apprenticeship provision. The Committee sought assurance on -

• Recruitment, as 2023/24 had recruited below plan. In response to questions, the VP explained that the shortfall in numbers was predominantly in the construction trades as the housing market had slowed due to interest rate rises. Recruitment for Construction Trades 24/25 would start in June/July, so it was not yet possible to gauge if recruitment in this area would continue to decline; however, Engineering was indicating positive recruitment, which attracted a higher value. However, a more favourable mix within the apprentices recruited, plus some increase in funding rates had led to the current funding projection remaining relatively close to budget.

The Committee sought an explanation on the decision to cease offering the Trade Union Official apprenticeship and sought assurance that this decision would not detrimentally affect the range of apprenticeships offered or the college’s reputation. The VP explained that this apprenticeship had experienced difficulties throughout its three years within the apprenticeship offer, including staff recruitment, employer support, apprentice motivation, and EPA requirements. The high withdrawal rate of these apprentices had also suppressed the college’s overall position and could continue to do so for some time without action. As it had not been possible to mitigate effectively the barriers to success, the provision would cease. The Committee received assurance that all remaining apprentices would be supported to achievement, but no further starts would be processed.

In response to questions on why the college was re-introducing Commis Chef apprenticeships, the VP explained that the college was responding to increased demand for the provision and, with the support of the teaching staff, it was felt that the college could deliver a high-quality and integrated offer.

The Committee sought assurance that the college had prepared for the updated Apprenticeship Accountability Framework. Whilst indicators had been retained, higher thresholds for three of the 10 indicators had been introduced, designed to take a more robust approach towards poor quality provision. The updated framework would be utilised for the performance monitoring of apprenticeship training providers from June 2024. The VP suggested that the new approach would increase the number of providers at risk of intervention and requiring improvement. The national target for achievement rates was 67% by 2025, this would seem achievable for the college; all other Apprenticeship Accountability Framework (AFF) measures were now green for the college. However, the more stringent measures may result in some amber measures going forward.

19/24. Sub-Contracting Annual Report (Appendix, Agenda Item

The report (previously circulated) had been produced to facilitate scrutiny of the sub-contracting function and to help meet the requirements of the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)’s Sub-contracting Standard.

The college had successfully achieved the ESFA Subcontracting Standard and that it would be able to continue to operate its subcontracting arrangements.

The report covered –

• quality
• funding
• performance measures across the three sub-contracting partners the college had worked with during 2023 - 2024.

Having reviewed the Annual Report and being satisfied with the college’s partners’ performance and curriculum offer, it was

RESOLVED: That the Annual Report be accepted and be included in the Board Governance Pack

20/24. Higher Education Strategy Progress Report (Appendix – Agenda Item 7)

The Committee reviewed a report (previously circulated), setting out the latest developments with respect to the college’s Higher Education provision.

The Board and SLT at the Board Development & Strategy Day held on 19 April had included developing governors’ understanding of the strategic direction the college was taking to deliver higher-level qualifications and training that would contribute to meeting national and local skills needs.

The VP, T&VE explained that –

• the college was revising the existing Higher Education Strategy to take into account the recent positive developments impacting the strategy.
  • The identified LSIP priorities (Engineering & Manufacturing inc. Food & Drink manufacture / Construction inc. Environmental Technology / Health & Social Care / Professional Services).
  • The growth of specific Higher Technical qualifications being offered at the college.
  • The implementation of Modular Delivery

The Committee recognised the challenging HE in FE landscape and the importance of the college having the most effective strategic approach to grow HE provision and to ensure provision was more aligned to the identified LSIP priorities. A core component of the college’s Strategy was to grow HE provision and, whilst the Committee had reviewed the Draft HE Strategy (Q,S & C Min No 06/23 refers) it expected to review the revised HE Strategy, informed by these recent developments, at its next meeting.

21/24. Student Voice Reports (Appendixes, Agenda Items 8a & b)

Student SPOC and Subject Survey Progress Report
The Committee reviewed the summary report (previously circulated) setting out an analysis of students’ feedback on the Induction process. It noted that –

• There was a high percentage of student satisfaction with 92% finding induction well organised, 98% feeling safe and 97% recommending the college to others.
• In addition –
  • 98% of students felt safe in college and those that had responded that they did not feel safe were followed up individually and known to the Safeguarding team.
  • 99% of students agree that they were set high expectations.
  • 97% agreed that the importance of attendance had been communicated.
  • 99% of students found the MySCG app useful, compared to 86% finding it useful last year.
  • 92% of students found induction well organised.

The Committee reviewed the Action Plan created to address areas for focus.

• The Safeguarding Link Governor commented that 85% of students who responded reported that they knew who to go to if they do not feel safe; this was a second year of decline. The Committee sought an explanation and what the college was doing to mitigate any further decline. The DoQ reported that further work had been done in tutorials and all students that had provided this response had received a new one-question survey to check their understanding had improved. However, there was a risk that students perceived these questions as a ‘test’ and may be therefore reluctant to answer. The college continued to follow-up individually any student that responded to any questionnaires if they felt unsafe at the college.
  In response to other questions, the DoQ advised that –
  • The college continued to develop strategies to support students in making social connections and developing friendships prior to actual induction, including offering ‘buddy’ systems at taster events.
  • Respondents had expressed frustration at transport issues affecting their attendance at and ability to get to and from college. The college was limited in its ability to run its own buses and whilst well-placed to receive updates on bus operations, it could exercise limited influence over commercial operators. It continued to advocate strongly with the local authority on supporting students’ transport.

Student Voice Report

The Committee reviewed the Spring Term reports from members of the Student Union Executive members across the college’s three campuses. Members of the Committee and the Safeguarding Link Governor had attended the most recent SUE and rep meetings. The VP, S reported that the college had secured the appointments to the 2024/25 SUE this Term, ensuring a positive handover from this year’s Executive; with key roles being in the Executive being appointed after this Induction. The Clerk to the Board reported that the 16 – 19 Student Governor for 2024/25, had also been appointed in this Term; the current Student Governor would support her Induction on the conclusion of their exams in June 2024.

The Committee considered this approach and considered it was assured that this approach to student representation in the college and governors would continue to attend SUE meetings, should they be invited.

22/24. Safeguarding Report (Confidential Appendix, Agenda Item 9a)

The Committee reviewed the Safeguarding Report (previously circulated) to assess that the college continued to effectively fulfil its statutory obligations regarding safeguarding in college for the Term.

The Committee reviewed –

• The number of safeguarding entries and the patterns established over the last 2 years of monitoring, including -
  • the increased levels of students accessing support for Substance Misuse concerns.
  • the higher levels of reporting of issues related to sexual harm, self-harm and risk of suicide.
  • a significant increase in students recorded as accessing support with their mental health (this was at least in part caused by a change in the way the college operated the delivery of emotional health and wellbeing support
• Students’ use of the emergency put of hours support access to the trained counsellors offered by the Student Assistance Programme

Going forward, to support more informed analysis, the Committee requested the safeguarding entries data also include entries by age.

To ensure the college continued to effectively fulfil its statutory obligations regarding safeguarding, the Committee reviewed the following actions taken this Term -

• To support the increasing complexity of safeguarding cases, as well as supporting the objective to develop the work around student behaviour, a new role of Head of Safeguarding and Student Conduct and has been created. The Emotional Health & WellBeing Practitioner vacancy had been enhanced with additional hours to facilitate work across the college’s three campuses.
• To support the continued development of the Student Assistance Programme, face to face student counselling had been added in January 2024 and students had begun to access this service off campus.
• Additional mental health training had been undertaken by all Safeguarding Mentors and Student Services Assistants to develop further the expertise on ‘in the moment’ support as well as making appropriate external referrals for students with more complex presentations.
• The Raising Awareness of Safeguarding training had been adapted to reflect a new definition and expected responses to domestic abuse.
• New Home Office training (initial and refresher) on Prevent had been rolled out for all staff and governors.
• The college’s existing links to local exploitation team(s) continued to grow and in conjunction with this, referrals to support services such as Climb and Branch. The college had also established a more formal link with the Exploitation Team in West Mercia Police.
• Substance misuse work continued to be enhanced in college, with a new ‘drop in’ presence across all campuses to support students who needed support with substance misuse.

Having reviewed the report, the Committee considered that the report provided assurance that the college was meeting its legal obligations. The Safeguarding Link Governor was due to meet with the VP, S as part of their assurance work this Term and the Clerk would commence the compliance audit report for the 2023/24 year.

23/24. SEND and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Termly Report (Appendix, Agenda Item 9b)

The Committee reviewed an overview of the Spring Term for the work of the EDI Committee and the college’s work supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as assurance that the college was meeting its statutory obligations.

SEND

The Committee reviewed the college’s SEND activities, including –

• its active role in local strategic developments in SEND. The Vice Principal: Students represented mainstream FE Colleges on the Shropshire SEND Partnership Board, allowing the college to be well sighted on developments as well as being able to work towards favourable outcomes for the sector in the local context. He was also part of the group that had been put together to help shape SEND provision in Shropshire going forward.
• The progress review process for 2023/24, indicated that the college was on course for significant successes in terms of the outcomes for High Needs students, particularly for students studying A level programmes. High Needs students studying vocational programmes were being followed up identified at risk of not achieving their target grades.
• As attendance rates for High Needs students were generally slightly lower than the college average at 83.9% (87.1%), students at risk of underachievement were being worked with on an individual basis in work led by their SEND Transition and Review Officer.
• The college had recently appointed to the new role of SEND Transition and Review Team Leader, to lead on work overseeing the transition into college and progress on programme of the High Needs cohort.
• High Needs students on the new Project Search programme at Shrewsbury Hospital were progressing well and starting to intensify their job searches; the expectation was that by graduation in July, many would have secured paid employment for September 2024. Work on the development of a second Project Search site was progressing well.
• The college continued to focus support on students in the SEND Support category (those with learning support needs that do not meet the High Needs threshold) who required reasonable adjustments to be made in terms of issues such as exam arrangements or strategies in class. The initial indications were that the interventions put in place were having a positive impact. At Progress Review 2 the proportion of students meeting their target grades was 75.4% for dyslexic students and 71.1% for students declaring autism/ Asperger’s syndrome. This was against a college average of 76.1%.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

• The Committee had expanded its staff ambassador scheme, augmented by new roles in college where activity in EDI as an ambassador and member of the Committee was an expectation.
  • The EDI Committee had worked with students and the college had facilitated a wide range of activities over the Term, including -
  • Hosting World Heritage Week with a range of activity across the 3 campuses.
  • Increasing the daily contribution for students who accessed a free meal as part of their bursary.
  • Responding to the DFE consultation on Gender Questioning Children, having consulted with our staff and students. The Board had also deliberated on this important issue at its last meeting.
  • Linked with the Association of Colleges to share good practice on EDI. This Committee would hosting their Equality Forum for the West Midlands in the Autumn Term 2024.
  • Supported students to celebrate Eid.
  • Continued to support college student Pride groups.

For the summer term, the college would -

• Run activities for Mental Health Awareness week.
• Appoint a new Student Engagement Coach at English and Welsh Bridge Campus to increase work around EDI themes at these campuses using the successful model adopted at London Road Campus.
• Review the college approach to support for students with a Transgender identity as a response to any new guidance following the outcomes of the Department of Education consultation document on Gender Questioning Children.
• Hold the annual STAR awards to recognise students who had overcome adversity or contributed as EDI allies.
• Decide as to whether a new Project Search setting can be set up for more Supported Internships with a new large employer.
• Use Radbrook Foundation funding to continue to develop opportunities for High Needs Students.

Having reviewed the report, the Committee considered that the report provided assurance that the college was meeting its legal obligations. The EDI Link Governor was due to meet with the VP, S as part of their assurance work this Term and the Clerk would commence the compliance audit report for the 2023/24 year.
 

24/24. Risk

The Committee considered the strategic risks relevant to its remit and agreed that they had been discussed within the meeting, particularly –

• QSC 1 - Risk of retention factor falling below target 95% for 16-19 students (or declining from year to year)
• QSC 2 - Risk that Achievement rates fall below target or are declining
• QSC 4 – Risk that Attendance falls below target levels
• QSC 5 - Risk that Systems in place to support students who are struggling to achieve predicted grades are not effective

The Clerk reported that the Audit Committee would be requested to review its consideration and presentation of risk to committees going forward.

25/24. Date of Next Meeting – the Committee Chair asked that the scheduled date by changed.

The meeting concluded at 8.02 p.m.