MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE EDUCATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LIFELONG LEARNING SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON MONDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2001 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

Mrs B D Clough (Vice Chairman in the Chair), Mr C B W Chapman, Mr J F Howe, Mr P D Joyce, Mrs M J Lloyd (deputising for Mrs J L Wareham), Mr A J Mellor, Mr V J Morey (deputising for Mr G S Kendall), Mr K Pearson, Mr R C Richards

Co-opted :

Archdeacon M Banting, Sister Patricia, Mr N Mitchell, Ms M Wilson

Apologies :

Mr G S Kendall, Mrs J L Wareham

Spokesperson :

Mr P G Harris

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 1 November 2001 be confirmed.

14. REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

(a) Service Plans and Performance Indicators - Museum Service

The Select Committee gave consideration to the Service Plan in respect of the Museum Service which also included the Museum Schools Service.

The Museums Officer, together with the Museum Schools Officer, outlined developments within the Service over the past year. Particular reference was made to the opening of the Dinosaur Isle Museum. There was a need to review the use of facilities at the Guildhall, Newport, Cothey Bottom, Ryde and St Thomas Church, Ryde so to ensure that these were utilised more effectively. It was noted that proposals to extend the museum display at the Guildhall had been deferred due to the need to undertake major structural works to the first floor.

The Select Committee were made aware of difficulties in displaying some artifacts in locations other than designated museum areas due to security requirements. Work was also required on documenting the Council's collections, production of a Forward Plan and a policy on acquisitions and disposals. The importance of this in securing Museum Registration was highlighted and was vital for grant aid.

Members discussed the use of the museum service by schools and work being undertaken to develop programmes and materials to support these.

The Museums Officer also referred to ongoing discussions with regard to the development of the Cowes Maritime Museum, and its possible relocation to more suitable premises, with other parties.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Service Plan be noted at this stage.

(b) Teacher Recruitment and Retention

The Strategic Director gave details of how Island schools were dealing with teacher recruitment difficulties. It was noted that at September 2001 out of 1,000 teaching posts there had only been 6 vacancies where schools had been unable to fill posts.

Action had been taken to raise the profile of the Island through teaching advertisements in the national media. In addition posts were advertised on the Internet. Cowes High School had also undertaken a successful recruitment campaign in Canada. The Strategic Director indicated that it had been possible to make use of facilities, at no cost, offered by both the cross Solent ferry companies and the Isle of Wight County Press.

Those applying for details of vacancies had been asked to complete a questionnaire. The results of this were outlined to the Select Committee. This highlighted that the largest single reason given by those expressing an initial interest in vacancies and not submitting an application was that the details were not attractive enough. Follow up work on this was being undertaken.

Members discussed a number of issues involved with recruitment. It was felt that officers could investigate ways of attracting those leaving the armed forces into the teaching profession on the Island. Whilst each individual governing body was responsible for its own selection and appointment process members believed that this could also be better co-ordinated.

On the matter of teacher retention a questionnaire had been sent to teachers. The results of this were being collated and members would be supplied with the relevant details. The Select Committee considered that the reasons for leaving the teaching profession could also be ascertained by the trade unions. The Strategic Director indicated that this could be raised through the Island Teaching Council.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the Strategic Director explore a strategy for the recruitment of persons leaving the armed forces.

(ii) THAT schools be invited to consider the adoption of a co-ordinated interview timetable for teaching vacancies.

(iii) THAT the Island Teaching Council be requested to seek the involvement of trade unions in ascertaining the reasons for teaching staff leaving the profession on the Island.

(iv) THAT the results of the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Survey be sent to all members of the Select Committee.

(c) School Key Stage Performance Data

The Select Committee considered the provisional Key Stage 1, 2, 3, 4 and post 16 results for 2001. Members were reminded of the difficulties in treating the results in isolation and the factors that could cause variation in the data.

The Strategic Director commented on the trends in the individual Key Stages, achievements in English, Mathematics and Science across these and gender performance. Comparison with National figures and Government targets were also highlighted.

RESOLVED :

THAT the provisional performance data for 2001 be noted.

CHAIRMAN