MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE EDUCATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LIFELONG LEARNING SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON MONDAY, 19 MAY 2003 COMMENCING AT 1.30 PM
Present :
Mr J F Howe (Chairman), Mrs B D Clough, Mr C M Gauntlett, Mr C R Hancock, Mr P D Joyce, Mrs M J Miller, Mr K Pearson, Mr R C Richards
Co-opted (voting) :
Mr N Mitchell
Portfolio Holder :
Mrs J L Wareham
Apologies :
Archdeacon M Banting, Mr A J Mellor, Mr V J Morey, Ms M Wilson
Also present :
Mr J R Adams, Mr A C Bartlett, Mr M J Cunningham, Mr I R Stephens, Mr D G Williams
1. MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 15 April 2003 be confirmed.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations made at this stage.
3. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Mrs B Egliton, Mrs M Carruthers, Mr R Carruthers and Mrs S M Swan asked questions in relation to special education needs. A copy of the questions and replies given are contained in the Public Question Register (PQ 21/03, PQ 22/03, PQ 23/03, PQ 24/03 and PQ 25/03.
4. SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
The Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support reminded the Select Committee that at its meeting on 15 April 2003 it had been decided to undertake a review of the SEN statementing process. This was to have particular reference to autism.
To assist the Select Committee in gaining a better understanding of key aspects involving the processes involved in delivering services to children, parents and schools a number of key witnesses had been invited.
The Chairman welcomed the following to the meeting :-
(a) Dr Fiona J Scott, Chartered Psychologist and Research Associate, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge;
(b) Cllr Christine Witcher and Cllr Zoe Patrick, members of the Learning and Culture Scrutiny Committee, Oxfordshire County Council.
(c) Dorothy Harrington, Parent Partnership Officer.
Dr Scott gave a presentation on autism and the range of issues involved in diagnosis and dealing with the basic educational needs of those concerned. She then clarified a number of general matters raised by members, officers and the public present at the meeting arising from her presentation.
Mrs Harrington, Parent Partnership Officer, informed the Select Committee of the aims of the Partnership, type of information available and links with various parent support groups and voluntary agencies.
Councillors Witcher and Patrick then outlined their involvement in a similar review that they undertook in Oxfordshire County Council. The review was in response to similar concerns that were being expressed by parents on the Island. The review took nine months to complete and resulted in a number of recommendations being made to that Council’s Authority and subsequently implemented. They then answered questions on a number of issues that had been highlighted during the review.
The Select Committee, after considering the content of the three presentations, debated the format that should be adopted by a member review of the statementing process. It was believed that sufficient time should be allowed to complete the review.
RESOLVED :
(a) THAT a Working Party be established to review the Council's SEN procedures to ensure that they are open, fair, legal, effective and adequately resourced particularly in relation to Autistic Spectrum Disorder and report back with its findings and recommendations to the Select Committee.
(b) THAT the Working Party comprise Mr J F Howe, Mr C M Gauntlett and Mr P D Joyce.
5. SCHOOLS FORUM
The Strategic Director of Education and Community Development reported on the establishment of a Schools Forum for the Island. This was is response to the requirements of the Education Act 2002 and the function of the Forum, together with its membership, was explained. The Forum would be particularly involved in financial matters affecting schools and would be of assistance to the Select Committee when considering budget proposals.
The Select Committee considered that there was a need to be kept advised of discussions held by the Forum.
RESOLVED :
THAT the minutes of meetings of the Forum be circulated for information to members of the Select Committee.
6. THE ISLE OF WIGHT ADMISSIONS FORUM AND TIMETABLE FOR ADMISSIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2004
The Select Committee was informed by the Strategic Director of Education and Community Development on the establishment of an Admissions Forum to co-ordinate admission arrangements on the Island. This was to accord with the requirements of the Education Act 2002.
The Forum had met on 2 April 2003 and the minutes of that meeting were noted. The Select Committee was made aware that the admissions timetable for September 2004 would be brought forward by two months to meet with changes in legislation. Additionally co-ordinated admissions arrangements, which included church aided schools, would be introduced for September 2005 admissions.
The Select Committee would be kept informed of discussions held by the Admissions Forum.
RESOLVED :
THAT the establishment of an Isle of Wight Admissions Forum be noted.
7. POST 16 PERFORMANCE 2002
The Strategic Director of Education and Community Development reported on the validated results for the 2002 post 16 examinations for Island High Schools. This information had been delayed as the result of national problems in A level awarding.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be noted.
CHAIRMAN