The recent OFSTED report (April 2001) was highly complimentary noting that, 'since its inception in 1998, Telford and Wrekin has developed rapidly into a good LEA. It has many strengths, few weaknesses, supports its schools well and, in most activities, gives good value for money. It clearly has the capability to improve even further.'

In the area of attendance and behaviour it noted, 'The LEA's support for attendance is sound with good features and is improving… The behaviour support service is managed well and providing good support'.

These very positive and encouraging comments do not, however, mean that the areas of behaviour and attendance are now sorted and are not in need of improvement. OFSTED made the following comment, which will need to be addressed;

• After vigorous LEA campaign between 1998/99 and 1999/2000, permanent exclusions were sharply reduced, by 40 percent in secondary schools. However, the rate remains high in comparison with national rates in secondary and special schools.'
• Fixed term exclusions are high overall in secondary and special schools, the incidence varies considerably between schools
• Provision of education otherwise than at school is unsatisfactory, but improving.

The LEA now needs to continue the reduction in both permanent and fixed term exclusions to bring it in line with national rates. Also the provision for pupils out of school needs to improve to ensure pupils are placed within acceptable time limits and that they receive 25 hours tuition.

In order to improve these areas identified by OFSTED, the LEA and schools will need to continue to develop and improve on the good practice that has evolved since Local Government Reorganisation. This good practice supported by increased funding to schools should enable the continuation of the reduction in exclusions and the improvement in provision out of school that OFSTED recommends.

Targets for the next three years

Telford and Wrekin recognises the progress in improving attendance and reducing exclusion. The new targets reflect this improvement but set out what needs to be achieved if we are to make progress compared to national standards. These are set out in the table below.

It is hoped that no pupils in public care will be excluded other than for incidents of significant violence towards others in school. The support available through the provision of children in public care should mean that any misdemeanours can be tackled through the support the Authority has made coupled, at secondary level, with provision made through the Pupil Retention Grant (a standards fund grant).

Pupils in public care who are at risk of permanent exclusion should always have a pupil planning meeting chaired by the school and involving all appropriate agencies prior to any permanent exclusion. This will give the opportunity for the school and other agencies to make additional support and strategies available to help the pupil concerned.