MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE EDUCATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LIFELONG LEARNING SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON THURSDAY, 29 AUGUST 2002 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

Mr J H Howe (Chairman), Mr C M Gauntlett, Mr P D Joyce, Mr G S Kendall, Mr V J Morey, Mr K Pearson, Mr I R Stephens (deputising for Mrs B D Clough), Mr D G Williams (deputising for Mr A J Mellor)

Co-opted (voting) :

Sister Patricia, Ms M Wilson

Portfolio Holder :

Mrs J L Wareham

Also present (non-voting) :

Mr J A Bowker, Mr R G Mazillius, Mr A J Mundy

Apologies :

Archdeacon M Banting, Mr C B W Chapman, Mrs B D Clough, Mrs D Gardiner, Mr M Mellor

17.      MINUTES

RESOLVED :

THAT, subject to the addition of Mr J A Bowker in the list of those in attendance, the minutes of the meeting held on 12 August 2002 be confirmed.

18.      PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Questions were put to the Chairman as follows :-

Mrs S M Swan of 124 Carisbrooke Road, Newport, isle of Wight in relation to students with a statement of educational needs successfully completing ‘A’ level courses. (PQ81/02)

Mrs M Ferguson of 2 Wilberforce Road, Brighstone, Isle of Wight in relation to the assessment of Special Educational Needs of students with Asperger’s Syndrome at sixth form level. (PQ82/02)

Mr M Swan of 124 Carisbrooke Road, Newport, Isle of Wight in relation to students with Asperger’s Syndrome having a named high school in their Statement of Special Educational Needs. (PQ83/02)

A copy of the questions and replies given, in writing after the meeting, are contained in the Public Question Register.

19.      SERVICE PLANS AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The Select Committee received the Service Plans and Performance Indicators for Educational Effectiveness and Lifelong Learning, Community Development and Education Planning and Resources. Members noted that the number of Service Plans for the Education and Community Development Directorate had been reduced from sixteen to three.

The Head of Education Effectiveness and Lifelong Learning gave an indication of the recent examination results for the Island. A full report would be submitted to the Select Committee in December 2002. One area of concern, both locally and nationally, related to the standard of boys writing. This effected the overall figures of achievement for pupils achieving level 4 or above in Key Stage 2 English. With regard to alternative tuition for permanently excluded pupils it was reported that the Authority would be required to provide 25 hours as from September 2002. On monitoring educational provision of children educated at home members were advised that there was no statutory right of entry.

The Select Committee was advised that the details contained within this Service Plan would be amended so that performance measurement was related to the Education Development Plan.

In considering the Service Plan and Performance Indicators for Community Development it was noted that the work currently being undertaken on the Community Development Best Value Review and the Cultural Strategy would assist in the development of performance indicators. There were no areas where performance was of concern within the services provided by Community Development.

The Head of Planning and Resources outlined the situation regarding school accommodation and surplus places. The number of pupils on a school role could change very rapidly and further work was being undertaken to ascertain intra-year demographic movements. Discussion also took place on the development of the education Intranet/Internet site particularly in relation to curriculum matters.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Service Plans and Performance Indicators be noted.

CHAIRMAN