49.
MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on 20
January 2005 were confirmed.
50.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Mr R G Mazillius declared a personal interest in minute 54 –
School Organisation, as his son’s business was involved in providing services
in connection with school buildings.
51.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Mr A Wake submitted a written question (PQ01/05) in
relation to standards of achievement in connection with the reorganisation of
schools. The question and response given is contained in the Public Question
Register.
52.
FORWARD PLAN
The Select Committee was advised that the only item
contained within the current forward plan related to the Executive’s
consideration of the school organisation proposals at its meeting on 23 March
2005.
53.
CORPORATE PARENTING POLICY – PROGRESS REPORT
The Select Committee was reminded that at its Awayday in June 2004
it had included a review of the Council’s Corporate Parenting Policy within its
workplan. The Policy had been approved by the Executive in May 2004 and in
addition specific performance indicators relating were reported to it on a
bi-monthly basis.
The Head of Children and Family Services reported on developments
in service delivery which included a survey of views of looked after children
together with the Corporate Parenting Conference. Information had been
sent to all members relating to the
number of looked after children in their respective wards together with a
summary on their role and responsibilities as a Corporate Parent. Members noted
the intention to establish a Corporate Parenting Panel which would involve a
range of interested groups.
The Select Committee expressed the strong view that following the
May 2005 elections all members should be provided with appropriate training on
Corporate Parenting. The need for
member involvement required reinforcement and efforts made to ensure full
engagement and attendance at events such as the conference held in November
2004.
In discussing the progress made on the Corporate Parenting Policy
a number of issues were clarified.
On Foster Carer recruitment there were still difficulties in
recruiting for older children and those with challenging behaviour. The number
of siblings involved could present problems with placement. Efforts were made
to place on the Island and investigations were being made into the feasibility
of part time foster carers to enhance the flexibility of the service.
The number of staff dealing with looked after children had been
increased including specific provision of additional support to assist with
educational attainment. With regard to the new facility at Beaulieu, Fairlee
Road, Newport a pooled budget arrangement between the Council, Health and the
Primary Care Trust was shortly to be agreed. This would assist in providing a
revenue budget to enable it to undertake a wider range of services.
The Select Committee was made aware that housing problems which
could impact upon looked after children were recognised within the Housing
Strategy. Preference was given in such cases. Opportunity would also be taken
to incorporate provision within the Pan development. The priority of the
Council would however be geared towards prevention.
In discussing the key performance indicators, and comparisons with
a cohort group of local authorities, on GCSE results and re-registration on the
child protection register, the volatility of the Island’s figures due to the
small number of children involved was stressed.
Members noted that it was a requirement for foster parents to be
actively involved in foster children’s school attainment, including attendance
at parents events at school. This was monitored through the annual review
process.
Previously members of the former Social Services, Housing and
Benefits Select Committee were able to attend Divisional meetings so that they
could keep informed of latest issues affecting Children’s Services. Since the
change to the remits of Select Committees this had not been continued.
Officers advised on the selection process for placing a child with
foster parents. Every effort was made on the suitability of the foster parents.
Additionally a profile of the foster parents, together with photographs, were
supplied to the foster child so that they could have an involvement in their
placement. Reference was also made to a “buddy” system which was being
developed in conjunction with Connexions.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The significance and importance of the role of corporate parenting
be incorporated within the proposed induction arrangements for councillors
following the May 2005 elections.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE HEAD OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES
Details of relevant meetings be electronically circulated to
members of the Select Committee.
54.
SCHOOL
ORGANISATION
The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services referred to the
publication of the Strategic Options Report produced by 4S for the Council and
the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Learning Skills Council. She outlined the
background to the consultations that were being undertaken into the future
organisation of Island schools and previous reports produced by Dr Terry Melia
and KPMG in 2001. The Ofsted Inspection of the LEA and the 14-19 Area
Inspection also impacted upon the issue.
The Executive would be considering a report on the results of the
latest consultative process on the 4S report at its meeting on 23 March 2005.
It was intended to submit an outline of the findings to the Select Committee
meeting on 17 March 2005. To enable members to have all the relevant baseline
information a short presentation was given by the Assistant Director of
Education, Mr K Johnson, on key details contained within the Strategic Options
report.
Members noted the results of stakeholder response to a range of
issues raised during workshops held by 4S in January 2005. The stakeholders
involved in the workshops accepted that there was substantial underachievement
in Island schools. There was some disagreement, mainly from Middle School
stakeholders, as to whether the structure of schools was a major factor in
this. Accountability for the whole key stage was however seen as a factor in
raising standards together with the quality of teaching. The ability of Island
schools to attract well qualified and committed teachers was an area of concern.
This was because of the Island being one of only a small number of LEA’s
operating a 3 tier system together with the “Island factor”.
Results indicated that stakeholders felt that the LEA did not
provide a sense of vision and direction for education and was unable to provide
an effective school improvement service. The LEA was also seen as not
effectively challenging schools. Whilst School Governors were considered to be
supportive many stakeholders believed they were not effective in challenging school
performance. It was also believed that headteachers had not provided effective
collective leadership for the service.
The Select Committee was advised that the viability of more
schools was being affected by falling roles. Approximately 400 less children
were expected to start school in September 2005 than were currently in year 11
(16 year olds).
Education would also be affected by national changes brought about
by the Tomlinson report, the 14 – 19 White Paper, Every Child Matters and the
Government’s 5 year education plan. Direct funding of schools would also be
implemented in 2006.
Examples were given of GCSE and Key Stage 2 results for a number
of wholly 3 tier authorities that had changed to 2 tier which highlighted the
period prior to change, the transitional period and the latest figures.
An explanation was given by Mr Johnson as to the process by which
4S had been appointed. He outlined the involvement of all Head Teachers and
Chairmen of Governing Bodies contributing towards the formulation of the
specification. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) utilised its list of known
consulting companies. Five companies expressed an interest in undertaking the
work and these all submitted a tender. Of these only two were shortlisted as
meeting the criteria laid down. The final decision to appoint 4S was taken
jointly by the LEA and the LSC.
Members discussed the change to the education system on the island
in the 1960’s which brought about Middle schools. It was noted however that
there were no school performance figures available as these were not collected,
or published, at that time.
The difficulties created by Section 10 Ofsted reports on
individual school inspections were highlighted. Many of these had been positive
about the standard of education within schools but this did not reflect in the
actual key stage attainment.
The Select Committee recognised the important part played by small
schools within the community. It was important also not to lose sight of the work
being undertaken by school clusters.
Many schools were being used for community use and any reorganisation
could help extend this further. With regard to financing any change to the
existing school structure there were a number of funding streams capable of
being accessed. Some were guaranteed funding whilst others were subject to a
bidding process.
Members were advised that if the Executive approved the principles
of an option at its meeting on 23 March 2005 this would lead to a detailed
community consultation process. The Schools Organisation Committee would need
to give its formal approval to any changes. If this was not unanimous then the
matter would have to be referred to the Schools Adjudicator.
The Chairman of the Select Committee indicated that members had
been briefed and at its next meeting, on 17 March 2005, would be able to
comment on key issues, arising from the consultative meetings which were
currently being held, which would be reported to the Executive on 23 March
2005.
55.
MEMBERS
QUESTION TIME
Mrs L Peacey-Wilcox asked a question in relation to the
involvement of the Cowes Youth Council in the overall democratic process.
Officers indicated that the link was provided by the IW Youth Council.
CHAIRMAN