PAPER A

POLICY COMMISSION MEETING

Meeting	Children and School Results Commission
Ref	CPC 25/01/07
Date	Wednesday, 25 January 2007 18.00 to 19.25
Place	Council Chamber, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight
Purpose of meeting	Formal public meeting
Attendance	Commission members – Cllrs Melanie Swan (Commissioner), Wendy Arnold. George Cameron, Deborah Gardiner, Gill Kennett, Lady Pigot Apologies – Cllr Muriel Miller Cabinet member – Cllr Patrick Joyce Cabinet Secretaries – Cllrs David Pugh, Alan Wells Officers – Mr Steve Beynon, Mr Paul Thistlewood Learning and Skills Council – Mr Phillip Walker and Mr Phil Higgins Other members present – Cllrs Vanessa Churchman, Jonathan Fitzgerald-Bond, Geoff Lumley, Brian Mosdell, Erica Oulton, David Whitaker, David Williams
Agenda Items
1. Notes of previous meeting	The notes of the meeting held on 6 December 2006 were agreed.
1. Declarations of interest	Cllr G Kennett declared a personal interest as her daughter was employed at Cowes High School. Cllr D Gardiner declared a personal interest due to her employment by Unison.
2. Investing in the Island’s Future C1/06 – 14 to 19 Strategy	Papers considered :- Report of the Learning and Skills Council and draft Blue Paper. 1) Report on the Learning and Skills Council’s Public Information Events Mr Walker congratulated the Policy Commission on the way it conducted its enquiry into a sensitive and complex issue. He indicated that the needs of the Island’s young people were paramount in any eventual outcome. An outline was given of the LSC’s 6 information evenings on its proposed 6^th Form Centre and the key advantages and disadvantages that were highlighted by those that had attended. Mr Walker clarified that if the 6^th Form Centre was not proceeded with the LSC would still be looking to invest £10m on new buildings at the College site to replace some that were not fit for purpose. 2) Blue Paper on the Enquiry into 6^th Form Provision on the Island Members discussed the draft Blue Paper which, if approved would, be submitted to the Cabinet Member for consideration by the Cabinet at its meeting on 6 February 2007. Mr Beynon advised on several slight amendments to the content of the draft paper. He reminded members of the briefing session on 1 November 2006 which helped to set the context of the Government’s proposals for 14-19 provision and the introduction of specialised National Diplomas by 2013. A large number of written comments had been received in response to the Commission’s public consultation exercise and this was also re-enforced by public evidence sessions involving key stakeholders. It was very clear that if the LSC’s proposal was rejected there was still a need to identify a way forward that would not only enable the island to deliver the Government’s expectations but more critically ensure that attainment levels were improved especially at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. One objective identified through the consultation process related to the responsibility for delivering Key Stage 3. This was currently split between Middle Schools and High Schools. It was believed by a number of stakeholders that Middle Schools should retain year 9 pupils and this should assist in pushing up attainment levels in that Key Stage. The importance of educating pupils within their local community had been highlighted. Mr Beynon indicated that the previous attempt at collaboration between High Schools and the College had not been successful. If such arrangements were placed on a formal basis this would enable the Island to respond to the changes required for 14-19 education, help drive up attainment and accord with views expressed by a range of stakeholders. It would also assist in meeting some of the areas of concern highlighted in the Joint Area Review. An explanation was given of how the High schools could work together with the College and in particular the governance arrangements for this which was a vital element of a sustainable development. The 3 options which had been identified as part of an alternative strategy for post 16 education would, if approved by the Cabinet, be the subject of a further, more sharper, consultation process before a final decision was taken by the Council. It was therefore recommended to the Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Learning that based on the content of the Blue Paper :- The LSC proposal is rejected in its current form and that an alternative proposal is offered which seeks to create a new arrangement for 14-19 provision on the Island either in a formal collaboration with IW College or through a re-organisation of the current school provision through a ‘trust’ arrangement.