Archived decisions

Contact: Karen Widdowson, Committee Division - extn: 7334

1. Summary

1.1. The following decision is sought:

That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the County Council that:

(i) That the proposed changes to the Terms of Reference of the Schools
Monitoring Panel be approved.

(ii) That the number of meetings of the Schools Monitoring Panel be
increased from 3 to 4 a year commencing January 2002.

2. Reason

2.1. The Schools Monitoring Panel at its meeting on 23 October 2001 recommended to the Executive Member for Education changes to the Terms of Reference of the Panel and an increase in the number of meetings from 3 to 4 a year commencing January 2002. These changes were suggested to take account of the recommendations of the Ofsted inspection of the Local Education Authority and the increased business which would ensue.

The Ofsted inspection report of the Local Education Authority (May 2001) recommended that elected Members be given more information in relation to the overall performance of schools in Hampshire. The purpose is to make sure that the Panel has sufficient data to fulfil its role in terms of the strategic oversight of schools and the work of the Education Department.

The change of status of the Schools Monitoring Sub-Committee to the Schools Monitoring Panel, which advises the Executive Member for Education, provides an opportunity to implement the Ofsted recommendation.

The proposed Terms of Reference are:

(i) To review the situation at schools identified as having serious
weaknesses or being in need of special measures to consider the
circumstances leading to any schools being so designated, to assess the
Action Plan for overcoming the school's deficiencies; to monitor progress
and to make recommendations as appropriate.

(ii) To review the possible appointment of additional governors and/or
the suspension of a school's right to a delegated budget and to make
recommendations as appropriate.

(iii) To monitor the performance of schools generally, to assess performance
data on school's standards and results; to consider ways in which schools
may further improve their performance and the support being provided by
the Education Department towards that end and to make recommendations
as appropriate.

(iv) To monitor and evaluate the progress of the Education Development
Plan 2002-2007.

A copy of the report submitted to the Schools Monitoring Panel on 23 November 2001 is attached for information.

3. Other Options considered and rejected - Not applicable.

4. Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or a member or officer consulted - Not applicable.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date: 23 November 2001

Councillor D.G. Allen

8PR451001