MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE EDUCATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LIFE LONG LEARNING SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON FRIDAY, 4 MAY 2001 COMMENCING AT 10.00 AM
Present :
Mrs J L Wareham (Chairman), Mr N E Devall, Mr V Morey (deputising for Mr C B W Chapman), Mr K Pearson, Mr J Spence, Mr P R Tuck
Spokesperson :
Mr P G Harris, Mr A D Hollands
Also Present (non Voting) :
Mrs S A Smart
Apologies :
Archdeacon Banting, Mr C B W Chapman, Sister Patricia
RESOLVED :
THAT the minutes of the meeting of the meeting held on 6 April 2001 be confirmed subject to an amendment in Minute 49 paragraph 4, 2nd sentence to be replaced with:
This was left to schools through delegated budgets, but this was challenged by one member.
52. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
(a) Progress Towards Adoption of Social Inclusion Strategy
The Director reported on the Council's new Social Inclusion Strategy, which formed part of the Rural White Paper which was presented to the Council on 14 March 2001. The draft report on the Social Inclusion Strategy was not yet complete, but it was hoped that this might be available towards the end of May 2001.
The Director indicated there were 8 priorities in the draft strategic plan. For each priority a number of Key indicators would be identified to help measure progress. The Action Plan also listed significant policy areas where actions were needed and the associated measurable outcomes.
Members were advised that the Social Inclusion Strategy would not initially be provided with its own budget. It was hoped that outside funding could be obtained once the strategy had been adopted by the Council.
Members discussed the need for a dedicated Officer to be involved in the implementation of Social Inclusion Strategy.
RESOLVED :
(i) THAT the Executive be recommended that a dedicated Officer be appointed to assist in the implementation of the Council's Social Inclusion Strategy.
(ii) THAT the Director be invited to present the draft Social Inclusion Strategy to the Select Committee at earliest reasonable opportunity.
(b) Publicly Funded Placements in Independent Schools
The motion submitted by Mr Spence at the meeting held on 6 April 2001 had been deferred to enable the Director of Education and Community Development to report back on certain issues.
It was noted that the implementation of the SEN Disability Act was still awaited. This would have an impact on the publication of the revised Code of Practice.
The Director clarified the LEA's policy in relation to the payment of examination fees, particularly for pupils attending independent schools.
RESOLVED :
THAT the issue of Publicly Funded Placements in Independent schools be brought back to the Select Committee when final Code of Practice guidelines have been published.
CHAIRMAN