How to improve educational attainment in Suffolk

"The percentage of schools in Suffolk judged Good or Outstanding by Ofsted has recently levelled and is now at 86%, 3% lower than the national figure."

"Age 11: Provisional key stage 2 results in Reading/Writing/Maths are slightly below national figures. LA maintained schools' results are at or near national level, academies are lower."

"The percentage of 16-17 year old NEETs has slightly increased since summer 2016, and remain higher than national figures."

These quotations come from the fourth progress report of Suffolk County Council's "Raising the Bar 2015-17" strategy. Clearly, Suffolk has some work to do in improving school performance for our children and young people, if the county is to reach the national average level in all areas. Suffolk County Council are undertaking a review of their draft "Raising the Bar 2018-20" strategy document, aimed at improving the levels of educational attainment in Suffolk. The vision presented at the top of the document is that:

"All children in Suffolk have the best opportunity to achieve their full potential, fulfil their ambitions and are given the right support based upon their needs."

To this end, the council have identified three priority areas, with specific objectives in each:

• Priority 1: Exceptional leadership and governance across the education sector
• Priority 2: Excellence in teaching and learning, driven by system led improvement and innovation
• Priority 3: The Best Opportunities for Every Child and Young Person

The draft strategy suggests measuring success by the following criteria:

• National tests for Early Years and Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, 2, 4 and 5 place Suffolk in the top 25% of local authorities.
• Ofsted judgements for early years settings, schools and post 16 providers places Suffolk in the top 25% of local authorities.
• Youth employment rates place Suffolk in the top 25% of local authorities.

What do you think? Will Suffolk County Council's proposed objectives address the issue of raising educational attainment levels? Do the measurement criteria measure the things that will make the most difference? Are the stated priorities the right ones? Have your say at the council's online survey page by Tuesday 17 October 2017, or contact raisingthebar@suffolk.gov.uk to request a printed form.

Sources:

https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/raising-the-bar/ [accessed 04 October 2017]

https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/assets/Children-families-and-learning/raising-the-Bar/Raising-the-Bar-2015-2017-Priorities-Plan.pdf [accessed 04 October 2017]

https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/consultations-petitions-and-elections/consultations/raising-the-bar-strategy-2018-20-consultation/ [accessed 04 October 2017]

https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/assets/council-and-democracy/consultations-petitions-and-elections/Raising-the-Bar-2018-20-Strategy-draft.pdf [accessed 04 October 2017]

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9MMW8TF [accessed 04 October 2017]