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, 6 APRIL 2001 COMMENCING AT 10.00 AM
Present :
Mrs J L Wareham (Chairman), Mr P H J Breach, Mr C B W Chapman, Mrs D Gardiner (deputising for Mr K Pearson), Mr J Spence, Mr P R Tuck
Co-opted (voting) :
Archdeacon M Banting, Sister Patricia
Spokesperson :
Mr P G Harris
Also Present (non voting) :
Mrs S A Smart
Apologies :
Mr N E Devall, Mr P A Fuller, Mr K Pearson
RESOLVED :
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2001 be confirmed.
47. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Mrs M Swann, in a written question, asked the Chairman the following question :
'A member of the public was recently informed that the free photo-copying facility has recently been withdrawn. Will the Select Committee give an undertaking that this facility will be reinstated. This would ensure that all members of the public who wish to provide Elected Representatives (or publicly funded Officers) with important information about statutory services are able to do so, regardless of financial status.
The Chairman indicated that she was not aware of what photocopying facilities were involved. The Head of Select Committee Support was requested to look at the Councils existing policy and correspond further with Mrs Swann.
Mrs S White referred to a question concerning Sex Abstinence Education she raised at the meeting of Full Council on 14 March 2001. Mrs White had sent booklets to Councillors but had been disappointed with the response received.
The Chairman indicated that School Governing Bodies were responsible for the policy on sex education in schools and advised Mrs White that she should also send the booklets to the Chairman of Governing Bodies. The Chairman suggested that this was a matter more appropriate for the Childrens Committee but requested officers to report on the general issues involved to a future meeting.
48. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
(a) Best Value Review : Client Services Section
The Director reported on his Directorates first Best Value Review which had centred on the Client Services Section, particularly the functions of School Admissions and Higher Education Student Support. He indicated that the work already undertaken through the OFSTED inspection, Charter Mark and Crystal Marking of certain documents had proved to be a useful precursor to the Review.
The Review contained six recommendations, five of which would require minimal additional resources to implement. The other recommendation, relating to the establishment of an Admissions Forum, would be the subject of a report to the Select Committee later in the year.
It was hoped by members that the other Sections within the Directorate would adopt the same standards as in the Client Services Section, particularly in relation to responding to correspondence.
RESOLVED :
THAT the Executive be recommended to approve the Best Value Review.
(b) Comprehensive, Efficient and Modern Public Libraries - Standards and Assessment
Members were reminded that at the last meeting it had been decided that a Working Party should consider the Government's proposed Draft Minimum Public Library Standards. The opportunity of giving a presentation on these to the Select Committee had however arisen.
The Director advised that the draft standards had been reduced by 5 to 19. These had also been redefined to the level of output rather than input. The aims and objectives of the standards were outlined together with the criteria being used for individual standards.
It was noted, that based on preliminary indications, the Council's existing library service would meet, or exceed 12 of the standards. Those standards where the Council fell short related mainly to funding for books and other materials. In discussing the issues highlighted by the draft standards members believed that joint provision of community facilities with schools should be further investigated.
The Director indicated that officers were preparing a report on a review of the library service. This might assist the identification of areas where resources could be better utilised so to meet all the standards. There would be a 3 year period allowed for compliance once the standards were introduced.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be noted.
49. PUBLICLY FUNDED PLACEMENTS IN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
The Select Committee considered the following motion submitted to full Council on 14 March by Mr Spence :
'In seeking to reduce expenses to the local taxpayer, to reduce burdens on LEA departments, and to reduce stress on the families of the few children for whom placement in the Independent Sector may be a life-saving solution, we propose that in cases in which the LEA would not incur additional expenses (and in which parents of children with SEN took full responsibility for monitoring the success of those placements), that the Director of Education be given the power to authorise LEA funding on such placements in the Independent Sector, without the need for the parents to seek direction by the Tribunal.'
This had been referred to the Select Committee for discussion. Mr Spence outlined the background to his motion and the reasons why he believed the current policy should be reviewed.
The Director indicated that the policy did not include payment of examination fees. This was left to schools through delegated budgets. He also referred to the Code of Practice and the process involving an SEN Tribunal. An explanation was also given of the Council's responsibilities for inspection and monitoring.
In discussing the issues involved members felt that there was a need for consideration to be given to the establishment of a Panel to assist in the provision of services for pupils with SEN and appropriate placements.
RESOLVED :
THAT the Director of Education and Community Development investigate whether an Informal Panel of appropriate persons/organisations can be established which can assist in the placement of pupils with SEN so to best meet their individual needs.
50. MEMBERS' QUESTION TIME
Mr Chapman asked the Chairman if she was aware of the decision to abolish Regional Arts Boards.
The Chairman indicated that she was aware of this.
CHAIRMAN