Archived decisions

                      ITEM 2

AT A MEETING of the LIFELONG LEARNING - BEST VALUE REVIEW PANEL of the HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on 2 December 2003.

PRESENT:

Councillors: K.G. Chapman; B.D. Dash; Jo Kelly; R. Kimber.

1 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should, normally at the time of the debate, declare their interest and, having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed. No declarations of interest were made by any Members on this occasion.

2 APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN

RESOLVED:

That Councillor K. Chapman be appointed Chairman of the Panel.

3 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman reported apologies from Councillor Mrs. S.E. Allbright.

4 DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations on this occasion.

5 COVERING REPORT TO THE PROJECT BRIEF FOR THE LIFELONG LEARNING BEST VALUE REVIEW

The Panel considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 5 in the Minute Book) giving a summary of aims, objectives, approach and timetable for the review. It was pointed out that this was a cross-cutting, thematic review which aimed to bring together all services which contributed to lifelong learning with the aim of providing access and opportunities for all.

RESOLVED:

That the Best Value Review of Lifelong Learning proceeds in accordance with the approach and timetable outlined in the project brief detailed in Item 6 (Minute 6) below.

6 PROJECT BRIEF REPORT FOR THE LIFELONG LEARNING BEST VALUE REVIEW PANEL

The Panel considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 6 in the Minute Book) giving details of the scope and project brief for the review. Among the significant points highlighted by members were:

    · the statutory duty of the County Council to provide high quality education up to the age of 16

    · the importance of early years provision

    · the vital role of learning and skills provision in the 14-19 age range

    · the need to enhance effective partnerships with organisations such as the Learning and Skills Council, Connexions, further and higher education colleges in securing the provision of a wide range of opportunities for education, learning and the acquisition of skills

    · the need for the Panel to have a more detailed descriptive summary of what is available, both in terms of County Council provision and that provided by others, in order to help identify areas where there is duplication or gaps in suitable provision

    · Cooperation with District Councils and the Local Learning Fora in order to identify what is available at local level

    · underline clear links to the County Council's corporate priorities, for example the community strategy, equalities, sustainability, etc.

    · the importance of recognising the contribution to learning made, for example, in outdoor education, sport, music, dance and arts

      The Panel noted the arrangements whereby the task of gathering information for the review was being carried out by four task groups, divided by age range. Members endorsed the rationale of proceeding by way of consultation and collaboration with other providers, and they noted the contents of the report with interest.

7 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Wednesday, 26 May 2004 : 1.30 p.m.

8pM961203