THE FURTHER EDUCATION CORPORATION OF MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE STANDARDS COMMITTEE

THE FURTHER EDUCATION CORPORATION OF MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE STANDARDS COMMITTEE Minutes of the Standards Committee meeting held on Tuesday 17 June 2014 at 2.00 pm in the Board Room Present Miss S Shepherd Chairman College Governor Mr A Coleman-Cooke College Governor Mr S Iqbal Student Governor Professor E Martin College Governor Mrs Z Lewis Items 1-7.2 Principal / Chief Executive Mrs A Wheatley Items 1-6. 4 College Governor Officers Mr S Ankers DoP - Engineering Mr R Atkinson Clerk to the Corporation Mrs C Bromyard Items 1-7.2 VP - Curriculum and Quality Mr I Frear DoP - Construction & Building Services Mr G Hathaway Items 1-6.1 Teaching & Learning Manager Mrs J Stokes AP - Teaching & Learning / Curriculum Developments Mrs S Tindall AP - Quality & Standards Miss C Turner Deputy Clerk to the Corporation Mr P Watt DoP - Computing and Visual & Performing Arts In attendance Mr R Brady Items 1-6.1 Chairman of Governors AP DoP VP Assistant Principal Director of Programme Vice Principal 14/010 ITEM 1 - APOLOGIES Mr J Autherson Mr A Robson Mrs M Walters Mr B Whitfield College Governor External Member Staff Governor (Academic) College Governor 14/011 ITEM 2 - MINUTES - 25 February 2014 The minutes were approved as a true record and duly signed by the Chairman of the Standards Committee. 14/012 ITEM 3 - MATTERS ARISING All actions were completed or were items on the agenda. Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 1 of 22

14/013 ITEM 4 - PROPOSED CHANGES TO MEETINGS 2014 / 2015 The Clerk to the Corporation discussed a range of issues to further improve the knowledge of Teaching & Learning and a number of suggestions were made including lengthening the meeting, adding further meetings or a combination of both. After some discussion, it was agreed that: Further Teaching & Learning walk throughs would be planned for the Standards Committee and also the Governing Body over the 2014 / 2015 Academic Year as these had been well received. The Clerk to the Corporation would develop a number of suggestions and these would be documented within the Governance Up-date Report which is to be discussed by the Governing Body at its meeting on the 14 July 2014. 14/014 ITEM 5 - CURRICULUM & QUALITY REPORT (including Key Performance Measures and Higher Education Up-date) The Vice Principal - Curriculum & Quality presented an up-date in relation to key activities that are currently taking place and summary included: Timetabling - initial timetabling for 2014 / 2015 has commenced and has taken account of changes that English & Maths must be delivered in the same year, if the student does not a grade C or above. Replacement of Skills 21 with the Advantage Programme. The Curriculum Plan for 2014 / 2015 has been finalised and has been reviewed to reflect the changes requested by Employers - to date the Programme Validation Panel has approved 50 new programmes across all Directorates. Higher Education - Mr Paul Stone, who was seconded to Teesside University, will return to the College in July 2014 on a 50% basis as Head of Higher Education. Mrs Diane Turner, who has been seconded to the post, will continue in her substantive post as Head of Quality in Business Management & Professional Development but also be the lead for the 1.2 million FE+ project for Premiere Graduate New Teachers in English & Maths and other STEM subjects. Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 2 of 22

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) - key targets which have been achieved and are yet to be achieved were noted and discussed. Key Performance Indicator targets not yet met: Attendance - although improved overall by 1% (Present Only) some directorates are significantly below target. Teaching and Learning grades below target in A Levels, Business Education, Engineering, Health and Care and Travel and Tourism. Retention Rate for 19+ learners below target in A levels, Business Education, Computing, Construction, Health and Care and OCP. Apprenticeship provision. Full cost income generation. Key Performance Indicators achieving target include: 16-18 learner numbers. 24+ loans. HE numbers and income. Reduction in dropout rate in first 6 weeks. School leaver application to enrolment conversion. Staff sickness levels. Staff Utilisation Rate. The Standards Committee was then informed that on the 29 May 2014 the Data Dashboard had been released by Ofsted which is envisaged will help Governors access a high level summary of performance data. The website address is as follows - http://dashboard.ofsted.gov.uk/ The Vice Principal - Curriculum & Quality then presented an up-date on the Ofsted Data Dashboard with a number of key metrics discussed and it was noted that this presentation would be shared with the rest of the Governing Body. Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 3 of 22

It was reported that concerns about the Data Dashboard have been raised by a number of sources and the Standards Committee were informed that the Association of Colleges had also challenged the presentation of the data. After some discussion, the Standards Committee welcomed the presentation and would continue to monitor the situation closely. In the meantime the Standards Committee would continue to track, through its own reporting mechanisms i.e. Key Performance Measures (KPMs), all areas of the curriculum data but especially those that were not performing as expected e.g. English & Maths and Teaching & Learning. The Standards Committee would receive further updates on the OfSted Data Dashboard after any changes had been made to reflect the data tables that are currently being reported. At this point, an up-date was then received on activities in relation to: Self-Assessment. ProMonitor & Blackboard Audit. Underperforming Courses. Apprenticeships. 24+ loan students. MC Academy students. NEET recruitment. Retention & attendance for 2013 / 2014. Discussions on the Advantage Programme, retention & achievement, QDP results and changes to the management of three key Directorates were deferred to agenda items 6.1.1, 6.1.2 and 6.1.4. The report was received for information. 14/015 ITEM 6 - CURRICULUM & QUALITY UP-DATES 6.1 Quality, Standards & Excellence 6.1.1 Teaching & Learning Up-date The Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning / Curriculum Developments and Teaching & Learning Manager reported that the College is now able to compare year on year data in relation to: Trends of improvement by SSA and Directorate. Areas for focus. Impact of new teachers. Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 4 of 22

Performance of Higher Education, Additional Learning Support and Work Based Learning Assessors. Consistency of advanced practice in the College. The target profiles for 2013 / 2014 were summarised as follows: EAD (Essential, Advisable, Desirable) 10% AD (Advisable, Desirable) 55% D (Desirable) 35% It was noted that for 2013 / 2014, overall EAD trends were 13% compared to 17% in 2012 / 2013 and whilst the College has not achieved its ambitious target of 10% EAD profiles, a reduction of 4% is a significant achievement and represents an improvement for 11 staff. EAD AD D Whole College observations (numbers of staff) 40 90 179 Whole College data overall 13% (vs. 17% 2012 / 2013) 29% (vs. 44% 2012 / 2013) 58% (vs. 39% 2012 / 2013) The addition of suggested outcomes for all new Lecturers employed in 2013 / 2014 was highlighted and it was noted that this provides a true picture of the Ofsted observation process results for the College - this is detailed below. EAD AD D Whole College observations (numbers of staff) 65 132 195 Whole College true data overall 17% (vs. 17% 2012 / 2013*) 34% (vs. 44% 2012 / 2013*) 50% (vs. 39% 2012 / 2013*) *did not factor in any suggested profiles for 2012 / 2013 Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 5 of 22

Further to consideration of agreed Essential actions and emerging themes, an up-date on observations by Directorate and Sector Sector Areas (SSA) was then received. Progress made following lesson observations was outlined, and the impact of the Advanced Practitioner Programme on current Advanced Practitioners was detailed. With regard to the latter, it was noted that the majority of Advanced Practitioners achieve D profiles and sustain them (71%). The 4% of lecturers who have received an EAD profile this year will be managed by their Directors of Programme via the Performance Review process. With regard to 1:1 tutorials, nineteen observations have taken place and the profile on first observation for 2013 / 2014 compared to 2012 / 2013 was noted as follows: 2012 / 2013 2013 / 2014 EAD 11% (2) AD 67% (12) D 22% (4) EAD 5% (1) AD 58% (11) D 37% (7) The Standards Committee was then briefed on how the College is performance managing staff following two EAD profiles as detailed below: One member of staff is on long term sick on Statutory Sick Pay. One member of staff has recently left the College. One member was re-observed due to mitigating circumstances and this did not progress to a written warning. Five members of staff have shown improvement and completed their Personal Improvement Plan (PIP) successfully. They are continuing to be monitored by their Director of Programme through walk throughs. One member of staff has not improved and is progressing to the second stage of the Capability Procedure. Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 6 of 22

It was then reported that the College Leadership Team and Joint Consultation & Negotiation Committee have recently approved changes to the Capability Procedure and these are due to be formally approved by the Governing Body on the 14 July 2014. The Standards Committee then noted the themes emerging from Essetial Actions and these included: Lack of lesson planning including planning for differentiated needs of the students (may be attributed to a drop-in process). Lack of lesson objectives use to give purpose and student targets to each session. Lack of suitable assessment techniques to check learning against lesson objectives or targets. Further to an up-date on the ProMonitor Audit and Skills 21 which is being replaced by the Advantage Programme, the report was received for information. The Chairman of Governors and Teaching & Learning Manager then left the meeting at this point. 6.1.2 Retention & Attendance Report 2013 / 2014 The Assistant Principal - Quality & Standards presented the Retention & Achievement rates as at week 31 (23 May 2014): Overall College retention is 91.4% compared to 90.6% for the same week in 2012 / 2013. Overall in year retention is 92.6% compared to 90% for the same week in 2012 / 2013. Overall LONG programme retention, all ages, is 87.5% compared to 87% for the same week in 2012 / 2013. Long 16-18 retention is 88.4% compared to 88.6% for the same week in 2012 / 2013. Long 19+ retention is 83.7% compared to 86.9% for the same week in 2012 / 2013. Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 7 of 22

Level 3 in-year retention has significantly improved and is currently 94.4% against a final position of 85.2% in 2012/ 2013. Short and Very Short provision, all ages, is currently above the 2012 / 2013 final position. The Standards Committee then discussed the strategies being employed to improve Retention Rates in 2013 / 2014 as it was critical to ensure Retention Rates are high to improve overall Success Rates. It was noted that positive destinations for students who leave the College was last reported as 24% and this was mainly due to gaining employment and accessing an Apprenticeship. Pertaining to attendance, overall College attendance has improved by 0.5% compared to the same month in 2012 / 2013 and this remains a key area of focus for the College especially for English & Maths where attendance is lower than expected. It was noted that improvements have been made with main programme attendance rates and these are currently 0.7% higher than the same point in 2012 / 2013. The report was received for information. 6.1.3 Aspect Quality Improvement Plan Milestone Monitoring (Term 2) The Assistant Principal - Quality & Standards presented an up-date on progress made against key actions in the College Aspects Quality Improvement Plan (QuIP) and at present, there are ten Green, seven Amber and two Red actions with the keys aspects being noted as: 1. Outcome for Learners. 2. Quality of Teaching, Learning & Assessment. 3. Effectiveness of Leadership and Management. 4. Overall effectiveness. Some discussion then took place on the progress being made to address the actions with twenty-nine milestones having been achieved, seven milestones are currently in progress and are on target with a two further milestones behind schedule. Further up-dates would be received by the Standards Committee at its next meeting on the 25 November 2014. The report was received for information. Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 8 of 22

6.1.4 Student / Employer Surveys The Vice Principal - Curriculum & Quality presented the three year trend for student satisfaction levels which had been compiled following the Induction and On Programme Questionnaire exercises which were conducted in November 2013 and May 2014 respectively. With the exception of poor performance being reported for Engineering and a fall in satisfaction rates for Computing and Health & Care, which the College was already aware of and was addressing, it was reported that overall student satisfaction levels had improved significantly since the last Academic Year. The results pertaining to the key areas of focus were noted. (figures in brackets denote the results for 2012 / 2013) The teaching on my course is good = 93% (91%). Helped to develop employability skills = 86% (85%). I continue studies in my own time = 83% (77%). The course is well organised = 84% (87%). The computers I use are good = 70% (83%). Have 1:1 reviews with my tutor = 93% (92%). I feel safe at College = 94% (92%). Other students behave well in college = 75% (71%). Aware of what I can do after my course ends = 89% (85%) I have achieved what I set out to do = 90% (88%). The college tries to improve things = 88% (86%). The guidance I was given was good = 90% (89%). Knew about other costs for the course = 83% (78%). I know I will be supported in English & Maths = 90% (85%). Some discussion then took place in relation to the work being undertaken by the College to address behaviour across the College. The two posters that are to be used in 2014 / 2015 are detailed in Appendix 2 and would be widely communicated to all staff and students. Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 9 of 22

Following discussion on the results of the Surveys and consideration of the reasons for poor performance in relation to comments made by Engineering students and the quality of computers, the report was received for information. Mrs Ann Wheatley (College Governor) left the meeting at this point. 6.1.5 Health, Safety & Welfare Up-date The Assistant Principal - Quality & Standards informed the Standards Committee of the current scoring system for the Health & Safety risk classifications which was Red, Amber and Green with the following issues on the Risk Register. Identified Risks 2013 / 14 Academic Year October February June Red 0 0 0 Amber 12 11 No change Green 5 6 No change An update was received on progress to date regarding the review and further strengthening of Risk Assessments in the areas of Engineering, Construction and Catering. It was then reported that the Health, Safety & Welfare Policy had been approved by the Governing Body on the 14 May 2014 and there had been recent changes to the role of the Incident Manager as well the introduction of a Duty Manager role. The Assistant Principal - Quality & Standards then concluded the report by confirming that compared to the same time last year, there has been a 6% reduction in accidents set against a 12% increase of students of all ages enrolled to Engineering, Construction, Catering and Hospitality, Visual & Performing Arts, Learning Skills and Hair and Beauty vocations. The report was received for information. 6.1.6 English & Maths Presentation The Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning / Curriculum Developments showed a short film which summarised the activities of English & Maths during 2013 / 2014 and outlined ways in which the area continues to develop. Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 10 of 22

With regards to attendance, the Standards Committee was informed that overall, there is 76% attendance in lessons which is 2% higher compared to the same time last year. Attendance at exams stands at 87%, and this is an 8% increase on last year. An up-date was then received on Teaching & Learning Observations and it was noted that an external observer was used and 100% of Functional Skills staff had been observed. Overall results were detailed as follows: EAD - 39% (7 staff - of which 2 are in capability). AD - 22% (4 staff). D - 39% (7 staff). It was then reported that two hundred and ten staff have or will be attending mandatory LINK training and Continuous Professional Days (CPD) in February and July 2014. Finally, it was reported that the College has acquired software to support students in their English & Maths studies and the Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning / Curriculum Development is leading the implementation ready for September 2014 and this will be shared with the Standards Committee in due course. After discussion, it was agreed that: The English & Maths presentation and the short film would be circulated to all Governors for information by the Clerk to the Corporation. 14/016 ITEM 7 - CURRICULUM STANDARDS REPORTS The Standards Committee noted that three new Directors of Programme (Steve Ankers, Ian Frear and Paul Watt) had been appointed during 2013 / 2014 to further develop the curriculum areas and had been asked to provide an update in relation to progress to date. 7.1 Computing & Visual & Performing Arts Up-date Mr Paul Watt, the new Director of Computing and Visual & Performing Arts, presented an overview of the newly formed Computing and Visual & Performing Arts Directorate since taking up post in January 2014. Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 11 of 22

A number of actions have taken place since January 2014 including: 1:1 meetings have taken place with all members of staff. Improvements made in relation to planning and organisation within the Directorate. Quality Assurance processes have been reinforced. A full data review has been carried out. The management of Staff Appraisals has been reviewed with new Appraisees allocated in key areas. The Curriculum Plan and curriculum offer has been reviewed and changes have been made to the curriculum planning process. A new annual process has been introduced to manage IT resources. The recent staff recruitment campaign for the Computing Department has been successful and this will hopefully enable the Department to improve its results. Central audits that have been completed in the Directorate have shown improvements compared to the same time last year. Overall Visual & Performing Arts 16-18 long data is 4% higher than at the same stage last year. Visual & Performing Arts 19+ Long data is 4% lower albeit substantially lower numbers. Both Computing and Visual & Performance Arts are above the overall College attendance average of 82.4%. EAD Profiles were 12% this year compared to 24% in 2012 / 2013. AD profiles were 38% this year compared to 32% in 2012 / 2013 and D profiles were at 50% this year compared to 44% last year. While the Directorate has good Success Rates in terms of Functional Skills, the target for 2014 / 2015 is to focus on any areas with poor Success Rates. Further to consideration of planned activities for 2014 / 2014, the report was received for information. The Standards Committee welcomed the up-date and will continue to monitor progress being made to move the Computing and Visual & Performing Arts Directorate from a Grade Three to a Grade Two or Grade One (Outstanding). Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 12 of 22

7.2 Engineering Up-date Mr Steve Ankers, the new Director of Engineering, reported on actions undertaken since his appointment on the 1 December 2013 and there has been a focus on continued growth to ensure the STEM agenda is met, improvements made on overall quality and attempts to move the area from its current Self- Assessment Grade Three (Requires Improvement) to a Grade One (Outstanding). The strategies to achieve the vision were considered. Retention for all levels on long courses is projected to be 87.8% which is a 2.1% increase from 2012 / 2013 (85.7%). Overall retention on LONG programmes has improved consistently improving from 81.1% in 2010 / 2011 to 87.8% in 2013 / 2014. Attendance has improved by 0.3% from 2012 / 2013 increasing from 82.4% to 82.7% and will remain an area of improvement for 2014 / 2015. It was then reported that projected Success Rates in the Engineering Directorate show a possible decline of 1% (2012 / 2013 was 80% to 2013 / 2014 to 79%) and a number of strategies have been put in place to address this including At Risk Parents Evening which would attempt to improve attendance, retention and achievement rates. Some discussion then centered on the overspend in 2013 / 2014 mainly due to staff issues and the increase in non-pay expenditure. Following an update on full cost provision, proposed changes to the Course Leader structure, planned improvements to the Information, Advice & Guidance offered to students and a number of growth areas being explored, the report was received for information. The Standards Committee welcomed the up-date and will continue to monitor progress being made to move the Engineering Directorate from a Grade Three to a Grade Two or Grade One (Outstanding). The Principal / Chief Executive and Vice Principal - Curriculum & Quality left the meeting at this point. 7.3 Construction & Building Services Up-date The Vice Principal - Curriculum & Quality informed the Standards Committee that Mr Ian Frear had taken up the post of Director of Construction & Building Services on the 14 April 2014 and this was his first meeting - the Vice Chairman of Governors welcomed Mr Frear to the College and the Standards Committee. Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 13 of 22

It was noted that there have been many changes to the management of the Construction Directorate over the last two years which has had some impact on the outcomes of Key Performance Measures (KPMs). The Directorate s Vision was to become the: Top performing Directorate at Middlesbrough College. Best Provision in the North East of England. First choice for Higher Education in FE in the North of England (Construction). In terms of retention, it was noted that retention has fallen for the second successive year and is likely to finish around 85% by year end on LONG programmes. Retention by age reflects a difference of around 10% between 16-18 and 19+ students. Retention is strong in most vocational areas but is low in Plumbing and Painting & Decorating. It was noted that attendance remains static at around 79% and student engagement needs to reflect a 5% rise for 2014 / 2015 and a further 5% rise over the subsequent years to ensure that the Construction Directorate is able to recover its position as a leading provider of quality education and training at Middlesbrough College. It was then reported that Success Rates in the Construction Directorate are likely to be around 80-82% dependent on Achievement Rates at year end which is a fall in standards data over consecutive years. However, the Construction Directorate is likely to remain above National Benchmarks and will seek to achieve a 92% Success Rate on Long Programmes by the end of 2015 / 2016. At this point, an up-date was received in relation to planned activities to improve Teaching & Learning & Assessment, progression rates which currently stands at 62%, full cost provision, budget management and marketing activities. A brief up-date on the team structure was then discussed which is a key priority to provide stability and leadership to the Construction & Building Services Directorate over the remainder of 2013 / 2014 and into 2014 / 2015. The Standards Committee welcomed the up-date and would continue to monitor the activities of the Construction & Building Services Directorate in order that its Grade One (Outstanding) is maintained. The report was received for information. Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 14 of 22

14/017 ITEM 8 - DATE OF NEXT MEETING The Standards Committee will meet as follows in 2014 / 2015: Tuesday 25 November 2014. Tuesday 24 February 2015. Tuesday 16 June 2015. 14/018 ITEM 9 - ANY OTHER URGENT BUSINESS None. The meeting closed at 4.15 pm. Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 15 of 22

Committee Circulation Mr J Autherson Mr A Coleman-Cooke Miss S Iqbal Mrs Z Lewis Mr A Robson Miss S Shepherd Mrs M Walters Mrs C A Wheatley Mr B H Whitfield Mr R Atkinson Miss C Turner Mrs C Bromyard Mrs J Stokes Mrs S Tindall College Governor College Governor Student Governor Principal / Chief Executive External Member College Governor Staff Governor (Academic) College Governor College Governor Clerk to the Corporation Deputy Clerk to the Corporation Vice Principal - Curriculum & Quality Assistant Principal (Teaching & Learning / Curriculum Developments) Assistant Principal (Quality & Standards) Mr S Brady Ms L Alderson Mr S Ankers Mrs C Bennett Mr T Brewis Mrs S Duffield Miss J Gardner Mr P Graham Assistant Principal (Student Services) Director of Programme (Services Industries & Retail Skills) Director of Programme (Engineering) Director of Programme (Sport, Travel & Public Services) Creative Digital Director (Computing and Visual & Performing Arts) Director of Programme (Health & Social Care) Director of Programme (Industry and Community Partnerships) Director of Programme (Business Management and Professional Development) Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 16 of 22

Mr Ian Frear Mr D Riddle Mr I Smith Mr P Watt Director of Programme (Construction) Director of Programme (A Levels) STEM Director (Engineering) Director of Programme (Computing and Visual & Performing Arts) Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 17 of 22

Appendix 1 Actions Arising from the Minutes Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 18 of 22

Actions Arising from the Minutes All recommendations made in the minutes will be discussed at the Governing Body on the 14 June 2014 and any feedback will be reported at the next meeting of the Standards Committee. 4 Proposed Changes To Meetings 2014 / 2015 Action The Clerk to the Corporation would develop a number of suggestions and these would be documented within the Governance Up-date Report which is to be discussed by the Governing Body at its meeting on the 14 July 2014. Clerk to the Corporation 5 Curriculum & Quality Report After some discussion, the Standards Committee welcomed the presentation and would continue to monitor the situation closely. In the meantime the Standards Committee would continue to track, through its own reporting mechanisms i.e. Key Performance Measures (KPMs), all areas of the curriculum data but especially those that were not performing as expected e.g. English & Maths and Teaching & Learning. Standards Committee Future Agenda Item 6.1.6 English & Maths Presentation The English & Maths presentation and the short film would be circulated to all Governors for information by the Clerk to the Corporation. Clerk to the Corporation Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 19 of 22

Appendix 2 Behaviour Posters Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 20 of 22

Minutes 17 June 2014 Page 21 of 22

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