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 APRIL 2002 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

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

Co-opted :

Sister Patricia, Ms M Wilson

Spokesperson :

Mr P G Harris

Apologies :

Archdeacon M Banting, Mr C R Hancock, Mr G S Kendall, Mr N Mitchell

Also Present (non voting) :

Mr A C Bartlett

29.      MINUTES

RESOLVED :

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2002 be confirmed.

30.      FINAL DRAFT : BEST VALUE JOINT REVIEW DIRECTORATE OF EDUCATION, SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING APRIL 2001 TO MARCH 2002 - CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND SIGNIFICANT HEALTH NEEDS

Members were advised that the Social Services, Housing and Benefits Select Committee had considered the report on this item at its meeting on 3 April 2002.

The Strategic Director of Education and Community Development indicated that the Review involved both his directorate and that of the Strategic Director of Social Services and Housing, as work involving children with Special Educational Needs, Disabilities or Significant Health Needs required close consultation and integration of services.

The background to the Best Value Review was outlined together with consultations undertaken with other stakeholders, particularly the Health Service.

Six key objectives had been identified in the Improvement Plan and these were considered in detail by the Select Committee. Of concern to the Select Committee was the need to ensure that an effective ICT system was in place, at an early date in Social Services and this was capable of exchanging data with other relevant organisations. Members also believed that the Improvement Plan had to clearly aim towards more integration of services between Education, Social Services and Health.

Officers indicated that the document before members was a draft and that a number of minor typographical errors would be corrected and layout resolved. The final documents would be including all relevant bids for funding.

It was noted that the Social Services, Housing and Benefits Select Committee was to review progress on the six key objectives in 12 months time.

RESOLVED :

           (i)        THAT the Executive be recommended to approve the Best Value Joint Review of Children with Special Educational Needs, children with Disabilities and Significant Health Needs.

           (ii)       THAT monitoring of progress made on the Improvement Plan be undertaken by the Select Committee, in conjunction with the Social Services, Housing and Benefits Select Committee, in 12 months time.

31.      POLICY FOR BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE AT SCHOOL

The Strategic Director of Education and Community Development reminded the Select Committee that it had requested a report on the Authority’s policy on behaviour and discipline at school. The legal responsibility for such matters rested with the Governing Body and Headteacher of each school. The role of the Council, as the Local Education Authority, was to offer advice and guidance to schools on such issues. The Council’s policy, issued in September 2000, had received favourable comment in the OFSTED Inspection in 2001.

The Strategic Director highlighted the support provided by the facilities at Clatterford Road, Carisbrooke and Thompson House, Sandy Lane, Whitecroft which dealt with pupils who had been temporarily excluded from schools. It was noted that as from September 2002 the Council had to provide 25 hours education per week for every excluded pupil. This could have a resource implication.

The Select Committee discussed issues surrounding behaviour and discipline of children generally. It was believed that the views of stakeholders should be sought on this matter.

RESOLVED :

           (i)        THAT the model policy for behaviour and discipline in schools be noted.

           (ii)       THAT the Strategic Director, discuss with the Education Partnership, the convening of a Forum to discuss behaviour and discipline in schools.

32.      FORWARD PLAN

The Select Committee considered issues relating to its areas of scrutiny that were contained in the Forward Plan for April to July 2002.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Forward Plan be noted.

CHAIRMAN