MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE EDUCATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LIFELONG LEARNING SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON MONDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2001 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

Mrs J L Wareham (Chairman), Mr C B W Chapman, Mrs B D Clough, Mr C M Gauntlett, Mr C R Hancock, Mr J F Howe, Mr P D Joyce, Mr G S Kendall, Mr A J Mellor, Mr K Pearson, Mr R C Richards,

Co-opted :

Archdeacon M Banting, Sister Patricia, Ms M Wilson

Also Present (non-voting) :

Mr A J Mundy

Apologies :

Mr P G Harris, Mr N Mitchell

8. MINUTES

RESOLVED :
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 18 September 2001 be confirmed.

9. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

(a) Local and Regional Cultural Strategies
The Director reported that all local authorities had to prepare a Local Cultural Strategy by the end of 2002. Consultation meetings were currently being held with relevant local groups on the development of such a strategy. Additionally the South East England Cultural Consortium was seeking views on a Regional Cultural Strategy.
Members noted the wide ranging services that were encompassed by a cultural strategy. The Select Committee Liaison Committee had discussed the issues involved and considered that the Education, Community Development and Lifelong Learning Select Committee should take the lead on this. It would however be necessary to ensure that the Economic Development, Planning, Tourism and Leisure Services Select Committee was involved in any Task Group.
RESOLVED :
(i) THAT this Select Committee be responsible for matters relating to the Local and Regional Cultural Strategies.
(ii) THAT work undertaken in connection with the strategies be done through a joint Task Group comprising members of this Select Committee and the Economic Development, Planning, Tourism and Leisure Services Select Committee.
(b) Isle of Wight Arts Strategy 2002 - 2007
The Select Committee received a presentation by the Council's Arts Development Officer on the process involved in producing the draft Isle of Wight Arts Strategy for 2002-2007. Members were advised of the individuals and stakeholders participating in the consultation exercise and the facilities that had been visited. Southern Arts, together with an external consultant, had assisted with the preparation of the draft strategy.
The Arts Strategy identified seven objectives for the arts over the next 5 years. Some of these could be met from existing resources. The role of arts in the wider context of community and economic regeneration, social inclusion and neighbourhood renewal was highlighted. Particular mention was made of the work undertaken in connection with Ryde carnival and the development of these to other areas of the Island. Members also emphasised the inclusion of writing in the strategy.
The Select Committee discussed the priorities for year one of the strategy and the renewal of the contract for the Council's theatres at Ryde and Shanklin in 2003. It was believed that there was a need for a Working Party to be established early in 2002 to consider the basis of negotiations for any future contractual obligations. An appraisal of the conditions of the properties involved, together with access arrangements, would form a key element in this.
RESOLVED :
(i) THAT the Executive be recommended to endorse the Arts Strategy for 2002 -2007.
(ii) THAT a Working Party be established early in 2002 to prepare for the renegotiations of the contracts with Council owned theatres, drawing on expert assistance as required.
(c) Service Plans and Performance Indicators
Prior to the commencement of the meeting Members of the Select Committee had been asked to rank the order of priority of the Service Plans to assist in discussions. The outcome of this exercise was 1. Education Personnel; 2. Education Financial Services; 3. Early Years; 4. Museums Service; 5. Premises Development; 6. Record Office; joint 7. Music Service and Branstone Farm and 9. Ventnor Botanic Garden.
The Director explained the format of the Service plans and how those for Education and Community Development linked in with other plans and strategies. A number of other Service Plans would be discussed as part of considerations by Task Groups and Working Parties. Instead of the Select Committee discussing Service Plans in their entirety Members were asked to focus on the Statement of Performance, Strategic Aims and Objectives for the Service and Service Targets.
Detailed consideration was given to the Service Plans for Education Personnel, Education Financial Services and Early Years. Some concern was expressed by Members as to the lack of a definable criteria for targets in the Plans so to identify any improvements in service delivery achieved. In the Service Plan for Education Personnel it was believed that teacher retention should be a target in addition to the recruitment strategy identified.
The Chairman indicated that given the time it would not be possible to consider all the remaining Service Plans at the meeting. It was suggested that these should be dealt with at a further meeting on a date to be arranged within the following six weeks. Appropriate recommendations could then be made when all nine plans had been discussed.
RESOLVED :
THAT a further meeting of the Select Committee be arranged to consider the remaining six Service Plans.

CHAIRMAN