Education in Kingston: why do we do well?

Written by Patricia Bamford and published in PATRICIA BAMFORD is a Liberal Democrat Councillor in Kingston-upon-Thames, and is the Executive Member for Children and Young People`s Services on Sat 12th Jan 2008

In Kingston , every Child mattered before Government introduced ECM. The Children's Trust Board provides effective leadership in a cohesive setting.

High quality outcomes are expected at all levels

Kingston was the first Authority in the country to be judged as Outstanding following the Joint Area Review (JAR) in 2006.

The results of Ofsted Inspections over the Academic year 2006/7 are: nine outstanding, eight good and one satisfactory. In July 2007 our first Children's Centre was assessed as Outstanding by Ofsted and our two pupil Referral Units were assessed as Outstanding.

Historically there has always been high investment in Education services

Whilst funding is challenging , particularly as Kingston is a 'floor Authority' , we top slice to provide what some see as extra, but what we see as essential support services which can be bought back by schools.

Kingston provides high quality Inspection services which ensure performance is properly monitored.

Our schools have autonomy

As a Local Education Authority our schools are given freedom, but are also challenged.

Kingston provides high quality policy direction and scrutiny. Localism is encouraged and we have linked our 4 school clusters as practically as possible alongside the boundaries of our Neighbourhood Committees.

The level of attendance in Kingston Schools is high

There are a number of initiatives which support this such as

· 100% attendance awards for pupils

· Guidance for parents on sickness

· Discount on holiday prices with a local travel agent during school holidays

· Monthly meeting of the School Attendance Panel which brings together pupils, parents and carers, with EWO's , CAHMS and other support services where attendance is an issue.

In Kingston, there are several pockets of deprivation and our Early Intervention Policy, supported by a Prevention Strategy ensures that services are properly targeted. We also expect good outcomes for Looked After Children and our care is family centred.

Communication between the Lead Member, Director and Chief Officers is well maintained.

There is clear policy direction supported by a robust and regularly updated Children and Young People's Plan.