Archived decisions
ITEM 2
AT A MEETING of the EDUCATION POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE of the HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on 13 July 2004.
PRESENT:
M.J. Kendal (Chairman); Mrs A.E. Bailey; I.F.E. Beagley; D.J. Belfield; F.J. Bright; P.R. Brown; M.F. Cartwright; K.G. Chapman; Ms P. Clarke; Ms R. Clarke; C. Connor; T. Coupland; B.D. Dash; Mrs P.M. Devereux; Mrs. J.K. Frankum; J. Gawthorpe; Mrs. K. Heron; Mrs R. Jenkins; S.W. Juniper; Jo Kelly; R. Kimber; Mrs C.A. Leversha; Canon. R.A. Lindley; Mrs. A.M. McNair Scott; D. Meyer; Mrs. P.G. Peskett; G.W. Porter; Mrs E.M.F. Randall; Revd. D.M. Turner; D.I. White; D.F. Wright.
207 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.
On item 6 (Minute 212) - Applemore Technology College - Councillor Kendal declared a personal interest as local member for part of the Applemore catchment area; and Councillor Dash declared a personal interest as he was a member of the governing body of Noadswood School and Totton College, both of which adjoined Applemore. These did not amount to personal prejudicial interests, and both Members therefore remained in the meeting whilst this item was discussed.
208 MINUTES
The Minutes of the meetings of the Committee held on 11 May and 28 May 2004 were confirmed as correct records and signed by the Chairman.
209 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS
The Chairman reported the award of the CBE to Andrew Seber, County Education Officer, and the Committee warmly congratulated him on this achievement. The Chairman went on to report that this would be the last meeting of the Committee to be attended by Canon Richard Lindley, Winchester Diocesan Director of Education, and thanked him for his contribution to the Committee's work over the past 7 years, and also for his acting in the role as Chairman of the School Organisation Committee. It was reported that the Local Education Authority's proposals for the Calmore and Holbury Schools had been approved by the School Organisation Committee; and that the Local Education Authority's proposals for amalgamation of the Langdown Schools and for the closure of Hawthorns School could go ahead without formal reference to the SOC, as no objections had been received. A list of Hampshire secondary schools which had been designated as specialist schools, together with a list of schools which had been awarded Artsmark status, was circulated to the Committee and a copy appears as Item 3 in the Minute Book. In conclusion reference was made to the success of the Hampshire County Youth Band in a national competition at the Royal Festival Hall, and the Chairman agreed to write a letter of congratulation to them.
210 DEPUTATION
The Committee received a deputation from the Principal and Chairman of Governors at Applemore Technology College, relating to Item 6 (Minute 212 below). The deputation outlined the programme of consultations which they and the Winchester Diocese were carrying out. They stressed that the proposed change of status was in their view the best way to secure further improvements at the college, and that they sought an effective partnership with the County Council as Local Education Authority. A copy of the statement circulated by the deputation is set out as Item 4 in the Minute Book.
211 NEW AGREED SYLLABUS FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 5 in the Minute Book) on the proposed adoption of the new agreed syllabus "Living Difference". Mr. Juniper, as Chairman of SACRE and the Agreed Syllabus Conference, introduced the report and stressed the inclusive approach to religious and cultural diversity which could be promoted through effective teaching of religious education based on the framework set out in the syllabus now proposed. It was pointed out that the syllabus had been jointly agreed between the three authorities of Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton. Reference was made to the leading role of Hampshire County Council in the field of religious education. Members felt that the prominence given to religious education in Hampshire schools, and the standards achieved, helped individuals and teachers interpret a wide range of beliefs and values, leading thereby to greater tolerance and social cohesion. Members generally felt that the new syllabus would build on the progress achieved under the previous one and would lead to further improvements in the teaching of religious education and to the enhancement of its status as a significant subject in schools.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the changes set out within the new agreed syllabus "Living Difference" in Hampshire be noted.
(ii) That the approval by SACRE of the new agreed syllabus for religious education be endorsed.
(iii) The Executive Member for Education be advised:
That the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education "Living Difference" be adopted.
212 APPLEMORE TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE - PROPOSED CHANGE IN STATUS
The Committee considered a report of the County Education Officer (Item 6 in the Minute Book) on the proposal by the governing body of Applemore Technology College and Winchester Diocesan Board of Education to change the college's status from foundation to voluntary aided (Church of England) with effect from September 2005. The County Education Officer explained that no formal decision was required at this stage and drew attention to the need to ascertain the extent of support for the proposal within the local community.
There then followed a wide ranging debate covering several areas of concern, to which Canon Richard Lindley, Diocesan Director of Education, responded. The areas covered were:
· With regard to educational advantages or improvements, there was a feeling that families and students might be more committed to a school with a clearly established Christian ethos where such schools achieved higher educational standards.
· With regard to admissions, there would need to be a clear commitment that the College would be able to offer places for all students within its present catchment area. The reference in the draft admissions policy to 65% of children living in the traditional catchment area was felt to be unduly restrictive, and the section relating to religious affiliation might need to be reviewed to ensure that it did not discriminate against any religious denomination, grouping or individuals. There would be a close review of the terms of the admissions policy before any formal proposal was brought forward. The College did not seek to expand at the expense of its neighbours.
· With regard to the sixth form, there were doubts about its current viability and potential concerns at the impact on other nearby schools/colleges if Applemore's sixth form were to expand. In this connection, there would be further consultations with Totton College, the Learning and Skills Council and other local schools.
· The impact on school transport would need to be taken into account, to reflect both students travelling from further afield to attend Applemore if it achieved Church of England Aided Status, and students not wishing for a denominational education who therefore had to travel further away.
· There would need to be full consultations with staff, parents and pupils and the wider community to establish the extent to which they supported any move to Church of England aided status.
· With regard to finance and buildings, there would need to be a fundamental examination of ways in which the College's deteriorating buildings stock could be replaced, especially given the complications and changing rules relating to major building works at foundation/foundation church/church aided schools.
Several Members expressed views either in support of or opposing the change of status to church aided. Many others considered that they would like to see evidence that any change had the wholehearted support of the local community, in particular students, parents and staff; all local churches, denominations and faiths; and other local colleges. It was noted that some religious organisations were not supportive of extending church governance in this way. If there was a clearly demonstrated will to offer the alternative educational opportunity of a church aided college, then the County Council would need to be satisfied with the answers to the questions summarised above and raised during the consultation before reaching a view in response to any formal proposal which might be put forward by the college governors and the Winchester Diocesan Board of Education. The Committee also noted the need to consider the position of children and adults whose personal religious positions might differ from those of the church. The view was expressed that current Government policy favoured faith schools, which had coexisted harmoniously with community and other schools/colleges. The Committee noted the view of Applemore College governors that church aided status represented their favoured way of making improvements to standards of education at the college through the promotion of a Christian ethos, but one which they thought would be inclusive and did not disadvantage anyone else. They welcomed close liaison between the college, the Diocese and the County Council, and noted the college's desire to proceed in partnership with the County Council.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the Executive Member for Education be advised that the questions and other issues summarised above should be the subject of further investigation and full consultations with interested parties before any formal proposal to change the status of Applemore College is put forward.
(ii) That the Executive Member for Education be requested to send copies of the Local Education Authority response to schools, and other interested parties, in the area with the opportunity for further consideration to be given in the Autumn in the light of any comments received.
(iii) That the observations set out above be notified to the governing body of Applemore College and Winchester Diocesan Board of Education.
213 ADULT LEARNING THREE YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN : AUGUST 2003 - JULY 2006
The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 7 in the Minute Book) on the proposed Adult Learning Development Plan prior to its formal adoption by the County Council on 22 July. The Appendix referred to in paragraph 7.4 was circulated to Members. Members welcomed the work on family learning, but regretted the changes in Learning and Skills Council funding which meant that leisure courses were receiving less funding because of the priority given to the vocational and basic skills courses - literacy and numeracy. The result had been disappointment for many adult learners, particularly the elderly and those from low income groups, who found that courses they wanted to do were no longer available at a price they felt able to pay. Ideally the County Council would have liked to be in a position to subsidise both categories of course. However, despite these changes, it had been possible for the County Council to redeploy tutors and match learners with suitable courses, and it had been necessary to declare only one tutor redundant.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive Member for Education be advised:
That the Adult Learning Development Plan August 2003 - July 2006 be endorsed and presented to the County Council for approval, and submitted to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Learning and Skills Council for funding in 2004/2005.
214 THE CHILDREN BILL
The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 8 in the Minute Book) on the development of arrangements to fulfil the County Council's corporate responsibilities under the Children Bill. The Chief Executive gave a detailed presentation and explained the way in which the corporate Children's Services Board had been established; the development of joint working arrangements; and the necessity of proactive, early intervention for the minority of young people who need extra help and support. A consultant had been appointed to assist the Board to develop a performance-led approach to improved outcomes for children based on the five key objectives in the Bill, with the primary aims of partnership and service improvement. In response to questions, he endorsed the importance of proper consultation with children, parents and young people, and accepted that involvement of another young person and a voluntary organisation representative in the Board's work would be advisable. With regard to scrutiny of the Board's operations, this would be a matter for the Education and Social Care Policy Review Committees, either individually or jointly.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted and consideration be given to appointing another young person and to consider the scope of voluntary organisation representation on the Children Services Board.
215 HAMPSHIRE'S LOCAL PUBLIC SERVICE AGREEMENT - MONITORING THE EDUCATION TARGETS AND PROGRESS TOWARDS A SECOND AGREEMENT
The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 9 in the Minute Book) on progress.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee notes progress towards the Education targets in the County Council's current Local Public Service Agreement and notes progress towards a second Agreement.
216 COLLABORATIVE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS - A POLICY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIALIST SCHOOLS AND LEADING EDGE NETWORKS
The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 10 in the Minute Book) setting out a proposed amendment to the County Council's policy on specialist schools and giving details of further schools which had been so designated. Mr. T. Coupland declared a personal interest as a governor of a specialist school (Mountbatten, Romsey).
The Committee congratulated the eight secondary schools which had recently been designated specialist schools. They stressed the importance they attached to specialist schools working on a collaborative, partnership basis, with a view to raising educational standards across the curriculum. They reasserted that normal admission procedures applied and that the county council did not support proposals which included selection by aptitude.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive Member for Education be advised:
That the contents and recommendations on collective working arrangements, the policy on specialist schools and leading edge networks be supported as set out in the report.
217 BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT - UPDATE
The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 11 in the Minute Book) on the work being undertaken to improve provision for supporting schools and individuals on behaviour issues. Members drew attention to the importance of early intervention and a multi-agency approach in order to solve social or educational problems, whether they arose at school or in the family. Members felt that the development of anger management services would be helpful, as would the ability to intervene at primary level before problems escalated when children reached secondary level. However, they acknowledged the constraints of funding and staffing, especially as recruitment in the field of behaviour support was problematical in several areas of the county.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted and that a further report be brought to the Education Policy Review Committee in the Autumn.
218 BEST VALUE REVIEW OF THE EDUCATION OTHER THAN AT SCHOOL (EOTAS) SERVICE
The Committee considered the covering report of the Chief Executive with recommendations on the way forward (Item 12(a) in the Minute Book) together with the detailed report of the County Education Officer setting out the proposed service improvement plan (Item 12(b) in the Minute Book). Some Members suggested that there was little reference in the action plan to the need to improve the building accommodation at some education centres, and that was felt to be an omission to be addressed in future plans.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the outcome report and improvement plan set out in the Appendix be approved as representing the views of the Education Policy Review Committee on the EOTAS best value review.
(ii) That the Executive Member for Education be advised to approve the implementation of the EOTAS best value review service improvement plan, subject to availability of resources.
(iii) That arrangements be made for the Education Policy Review Committee to receive annual progress reports until the improvement plan is completed.
(iv) That a summary of the review be prepared in the standard format for inclusion in the Performance Plan.
(v) That Councillor M.F. Cartwright be nominated as the Member who will be involved in overseeing the implementation of the improvement plan.
219 HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY STRATEGY
The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 13 in the Minute Book) giving details of the support available from the County Council to primary schools. The report had been the subject of detailed consideration by the Schools Monitoring Panel.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
220 SUPPORTING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN 2004/05
The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 14 in the Minute Book) on developments in support of secondary schools. This report had been the subject of detailed consideration by the Schools Monitoring Panel.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
221 FINAL ACCOUNTS 2004/05
The Committee considered the report of the County Treasurer and County Education Officer (Item 15 in the Minute Book) on the Final Accounts for the Education Service for the year ended 31 March 2004.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the Final Accounts for 2003/04 be noted.
(ii) That the Executive Member for Education be advised
That the £555,000 overspending in 2003/04 as compared to the original budget, be met from central reserves as agreed by the Cabinet in February 2004, rather than forming the first pressure on the 2004/05 budget.
222 MONITORING COMPLAINTS AND COMPLIMENTS 2003/04
The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 16 in the Minute Book) on complaints and compliments made by parents, members of the public or schools about services delivered by the Education Department.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
223 URGENT DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR EDUCATION
The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 17 in the Minute Book) on two urgent decisions taken since their last meeting:
(i) South Central Connexions Partnership Limited
(ii) Review of Primary School Provision on the East New Forest Area - Blackfield Infant and Junior Schools.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
224 QUESTIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR EDUCATION
There were no questions.
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