Archived decisions

REPORT OF THE

EDUCATION POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE

PART II

1. The Education Policy Review Committee has met on eight occasions and has adopted a practical and pragmatic approach to its three main roles: policy development, scrutiny and best value.

2. The Committee has considered in detail, and advised the Executive Member for Education on, several key areas of policy development, as follows:-

    · Government White Paper "Schools: Achieving Success".

    · Department for Education and Skills consultation papers on school governance; early years education and childcare; admissions; exclusion appeals panels; and the future organisation of 14-19 education.

    · Exclusions from school and on strategy whereby the rate of permanent exclusions might be held in check.

    · Education Development Plan 2002-2007.

    · Early Years and Childcare Implementation Plan 2002/03.

    · Behaviour Support Plan.

    · Revenue Budget and Capital Programme 2002/03.

    · Admissions arrangements for 2003/04.

    · Consultation Paper on proposed alterations to the guidance on exclusions.

    · Strategic plan for Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

    · Adult Learning Plan.

    · Department for Education and Skills consultation: 14-19 Green Paper "Extending Opportunities, Raising Standards".

    · The Connexions Service.

    · Consultations on the proposed Schools Forum.

3. With regard to scrutiny, the Committee has examined in depth, and given advice to the Executive Member on, the options for school re-organisations in the following cases:-

    · East Hampshire Special Schools: Amalgamation of Whitedown and the Meadow Schools on the Meadow site in Bordon.

    · Establishment of a school for secondary-aged boys with emotional and behavioural difficulties at the former Park House Primary School, Havant.

    · Reorganisation of primary education in South West Basingstoke.

    In the latter case, the Policy Review Committee gave advice which was taken into account by the Executive Member for Education, who decided on a strategy which combined elements of the options presented for consultation. His decision was subsequently "called-in" for further review by the Policy Review Committee. After another full debate the Executive Member declined to change his decision.

4. With regard to Best Value, the Committee has approved final outcome reports for:

    · Hampshire Music Service

    · Educational Psychology Service

    · School Library Service

    · Hampshire Inspection and Advisory Service

    · Education Training Agency

    · Governor Services

    The outcomes were generally positive and many recommended changes could be made within existing resources. Where further funding was required, it was possible to make limited provision within the education budget for 2002/03.

    The Committee has also reviewed progress with last year's reviews: school crossing patrols, admissions, strategic management of the Education Service, home to school transport, bilingual and language support service, specialist teacher advisers, and outdoor education.

    In addition the Committee has approved the scoping report for the current review of the Education Welfare Service.

5. Arrangements have also been made for more informal member advice to be offered to the Executive Member for Education. These were introduced at his specific request and are separate from but supplemental to the work of the Policy Review Committee. They cover the following areas:-

    · School buildings and capital building schemes.

    · Early Years Education and Childcare.

    · Special Educational Needs.

    · Youth Service and young people.

    · Revitalising the role of the Schools Monitoring Panel, to shift its emphasis from schools in special measures or serious weaknesses towards a broader approach to school improvement as suggested in the report of the Local Education Authority's own Ofsted inspection.

6. The Committee's programme for the future is likely to include the practical implications of the Education Act 2002 and the proposed establishment of the Schools Forum; exclusions and education other than at school; the strategy for school improvement and means of evaluating school performance; the outcome of consultations on the proposed 6-term school year; the current year's best value outcome reports; and periodic reviews of the Education Development Plan and other strategic plans. The Committee will also consider and advise on the proposed relocation of John Hunt of Everest School at Basingstoke, and will continue to review, evaluate and advise on school reorganisations in areas where pupil numbers and surplus school places so dictate.

    M.J. KENDAL
    Chairman

8FR32702