Minutes of the East Durham College Curriculum Quality & Standards Committee held on 12th March 2020

V. McFarquhar (Chair), D Butler, S. Duncan, F. Harrison and E Oughton 

C. Tomlinson – Vice Principal 

J. Owen (Assistant Principal) 

S. Pritchard (Clerk to the Corporation) 

Apologies were received from R Harrison and J MacIntyre.

There were no conflicts of interest. 

AGREED 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 28th November 2019 be approved as a true record and signed by the Chair.  

There were no outstanding actions from previous minutes.  

The Principal provided Corona Virus update. AOC had advised of closure of schools and colleges should numbers of confirmed cases exceeded 500, there were currently 590 confirmed. It has not been confirmed if it would be blanket closure or pockets.  Best case scenario would be to close for 2 weeks around Easter, worse scenario would be to close tomorrow.  A meeting was taking place later today to plan for closing next Friday, any extension on this would be a bonus.  College could not close completely due to farm and animals, therefore key staff would still need to be in college.  College may close to students only. Detailed discussion was required on how this would work and how it would be managed health-wise.  AOC have looked at College Risk Register.  

Suggestion was made to circulate FAQs to alleviate anxiety amongst staff. 2 members of staff so far have been sent home due to displaying symptoms. Current NHS and public health advice were to self-isolate for 7 days.  This will be challenging for staffing, particularly support workers who support the most vulnerable students, therefore closing may be an easier option.  The situation is being closely monitored on hourly basis.  There are implications for exam preparations and OFQUAL would make decisions regarding executing plans for such incidents.  Lessons would be managed remotely and back office staff would also access systems remotely.  

DofE to provide daily updates and Governors would be kept up to date and informed of any decisions. 

The Vice Principal Curriculum and Performance presented the report.  

Previously the College had secured the services of an external company to capture destination data, however in 18/19 they were unable to capture the data of over 300 learners and it was agreed that in future the exercise would be performed internally. This resulted in a significant increase in known destinations with only 97 unknowns, whilst also reducing cost.   

Analysis of outcomes showed an increase of 2% in students progressing to Higher Education (10% of cohort).  This is a good outcome and significantly impacted by success of NECOP Project.   

Strategic target for internal progression (85% by 2022) was not met but was higher than previous year’s rate 97.6% which shows a year on year improvement. In year targets to be set.  

Positive destination information is supported by good advice and guidance.   Careers service has been adapted in accordance with government guidelines and new guidelines from Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC).  College has a Careers Lead team which meets on regular basis and is recognised as good practice.  Case studies included in report were outlined. The Vice Principal could not confirm if the College would meet its ASF (Adult Skills Fund) target.  

The Vice Principal advised that the Gatsby benchmark also looks at destination data and is reviewed every 6 months.  Best practice would be for three years, but no college ever meets this benchmark.  

The Chair advised that she had been informed by a school contact that the College was getting a good reputation for 14-16 Engage programme and there is lots of interest.  The Vice Principal responded that the schools were well informed about the programme and the programme was very successful for the right referrals. 

Governors agreed that report shows College intent and that destination data was positive overall. The Chair thanked the Vice Principal for the hard work involved.  

The Assistant Principal presented the key findings of internal and external review activity and the subsequent actions and recommendations. 

This report was considered to be confidential due to commercial sensitivity.  

The Assistant Principal presented the report and outlined they key issues and actions undertaken.  

This report was considered to be confidential due to commercial sensitivity.  

The Progress report on Quality Improvement Plan 2019/20 was presented which was confidential for reasons of commercial sensitivity.  

The Vice Principal presented the report which was confidential for reasons of commercial sensitivity. 

The Principal reported that Outcomes had been managed without a Director of Quality by the Vice Principal Curriculum and Performance and the Assistant Principal.  The role of Director of Quality had not been replaced.  

CLG to look at a restructure which would provide opportunity to build more capacity at Vice Principal and Assistant Principal. The Principal would present a paper/plan for May Board and further discussion is required around success, capacity and growth. Capacity in succession was briefly discussed. 

Chair attended inspection training on 9th March as part of the role as link governor for teaching and learning and advised that it was a good session with excellent delivery and staff in attendance were keen.  

Recent student focus group was very positive and culture was now coming through from every angle.  The Chair thanked everyone for their hard work.  

Risk Register now incorporated COVID 19 as a form of business continuity.