Item 3

AT A MEETING of the EDUCATION POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE of the HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on 15 March 2005.

PRESENT:

M.J. Kendal (Chairman); Mrs A.E. Bailey; I.F.E. Beagley; D.J. Belfield; T. Blackshaw; F.J. Bright; P.R. Brown; Mrs E.M. Byrom; Ms. P. Clarke; Ms. R. Clarke;

T. Coupland; B.D. Dash; J.J. Dawson; R.J. Ellis; Mrs. J.K. Frankum; J. Gawthorpe;

Mrs. M. Humber; Mrs R. Jenkins; S.W. Juniper; Jo Kelly; R. Kimber; Mrs C.A. Leversha; D. Mayer; Mrs. A. McNair Scott; Mrs. P.G. Peskett; G.W. Porter; Mrs. E.M.F. Randall; Rev. D.M. Turner; J.G.L. Wall; Mrs P.A. West; D.I. White; D.F. Wright.

Social Care Policy Review Committee

Also invited to this meeting were the Social Care Policy Review Committee as a number of items concerned the development of services for children and the educational provision being made or planned, for vulnerable children and young people (Minutes 264 to 271 refer).

Those Members present from item 10 were: Mrs. P.G. Banks; A.G. Dowden; E.F. Gale, MBE; Mrs. P.G.E. Holden-Brown; A.R. Ludlow; Mrs. V. Steel. Also, Felicity Hindson, MBE Executive Member for Social Care.

255 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 such interests were declared by any Members.

256 MINUTES

The Minutes of the Committee held on 18 January 2005 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

257 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman and a number of individual Members paid warm tributes to former County Councillor and Executive Member for Education, Don Allen, who had died on 12 February 2005. Those at the meeting stood for a minute's silence as a mark of respect to his memory. Members were unanimous in wishing to continue the award to School Governors instituted by Councillor Allen and that in future it be called the Don Allen Governors Award. In addition, in response to some Members' wishes, the County Education Officer agreed to investigate the possibility of naming an appropriate school or school building in the County after the late Don Allen. The Chairman reported that a communication had been received from the Chairman of Governors of Berrywood Primary School against the proposal to relocate Kings Copse Primary School in entirely new buildings on its present site. A copy of the communication was circulated at the meeting (Item 5(i) in the Minute Book). He went on to mention that the Schools Adjudicator was currently considering the proposals on Ampfield CE Primary School, including meeting parents and others at the school later that day . The Cabinet of the County Council would also be considering this at its meeting on 21 March 2005. Finally, the Committee were thanked for this their last meeting, prior to the County Council elections on 5 May 2005. Also, the Chairman was thanked for his part in the way the Committee had operated over the past four years.

258 DEPUTATIONS

The Committee received a deputation on behalf of Mrs Kim Day, the Chairman of Governors of Kings Copse Primary School in favour of the proposed strategy for primary school provision in the Hedge End, West End and Botley areas (Minute 259 refers). Due to an accident the previous day, Mrs Day was unable to be at the PRC meeting so it was agreed that Mrs Esther Jones, Headteacher of Kings Copse Primary School should read the statement which the Chairman of Governors had prepared. A copy of the presentation was circulated at the meeting (Item 4 in the Minute Book).

259 STRATEGY FOR THE PRIMARY SCHOOL PROVISION IN THE HEDGE END, WEST END AND BOTLEY AREAS

The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 5 in the Minute Book) on the outcome of consultation on a strategy designed to improve primary school provision and investment in the Hedge End, West End and Botley areas. The County Education Officer summarised the main proposals of the strategy. These included the establishment of a new primary school on the Dowds Farm development at Hedge End to cater for the forecast increase in pupil numbers as a result of new dwellings due to be built at this site. Also, capital investment at other schools in the area, as detailed in the report, so as to rationalise and improve teaching and other learning facilities through the provision of specialist accommodation and the replacement of temporary classrooms.

During a full and detailed discussion Members were reminded that the provision of a new school at Dowds Farm, together with a proposed reduction in the capacity of Kings Copse and Shamblehurst Primary Schools would more readily match school places to local demand. The Committee welcomed and supported the strategy as an innovative way forward. They were reassured that issues raised during consultation by school governors in relation to school catchment areas, pressure on places at Wildern Secondary School, additional early years education places in the north of the area and the siting of a Special Educational Needs resources base for visually impaired primary aged children would be the subject of further discussion with the appropriate parties concerned. Accordingly, it was

RESOLVED:

That the Executive Member for Education be advised on the following proposals:

(i) That public notices be published for the establishment of a new one form entry community primary school at Dowds Farm, Hedge End with effect from September 2007.


(ii) That the catchment area for the new school at Dowds Farm be defined to serve the new development.


(iii) That land surplus to requirements at Kings Copse School be released for disposal and a replacement one form entry primary school be built on the Kings Copse site.


(iv) That part of the capital receipts arising from the sale of land at Kings Copse be used to rationalise and improve the teaching and learning facilities at Freegrounds Infant School and Shamblehurst Primary School.


(v) That discussions continue with Eastleigh Borough Council and the developers of the Dowds Farm site, and discussion be entered into with Berrywood Primary School's governing body, in respect of future early years provision in the area.


(vi) That discussions take place with Botley CE Primary School governing body and Kings Copse Primary School governing body to inform a decision regarding the location of SEN resourced provision for visually impaired primary age children in the area.


(vii) That discussions take place with Eastleigh Borough Council in respect of the proposed land disposals regarding planning obligations and associated financial contributions, with a view to maximising investment in education provision in the area.

260 DETERMINATION OF SCHOOL ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS : 2006/07

The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 6 in the Minute Book) on consultations held with governing bodies and neighbouring local education authorities in relation to proposed admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled mainstream schools for 2006/07. It was noted that all the recommendations had been supported by the Hampshire Admission Forum. Members supported the proposals in the report, but drew attention to some ambiguities in the way primary and secondary schools had been shown in the enclosed tables. The County Education Officer noted the textual comments made and undertook to raise these with the appropriate officers concerned.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive Member for Education be advised that the Education Policy Review Committee supports the following in relation to admission arrangements for 2006:

(i) that the County Council adopt:


· the revised admission policies for community and voluntary controlled schools, including published admission numbers for community and voluntary controlled schools, set out in Annexes A, B, C and D;


· the schemes for co-ordinating primary and secondary admissions, set out in Annexes E and F;


· the school specific criteria listed in Annex G;


and


(ii) that the County Education Officer, on behalf of the County Council and having regard to any advice from the Admission Forum, be empowered:


· to authorise the publication of local notices in those instances where there is agreement with governors of community and voluntary controlled schools that a lower PAN should be published;


· to lodge an objection to the Schools Adjudicator in respect of any aspect of an admission authority school's or neighbouring LEA's admission arrangements which appear to be at variance with legal requirements or Code of Practice advice, taking into account factors at the school, the possible effect on admissions to other schools and the outcome of further consultations.

261 BUDGET MONITORING 2004/05

The Committee received and noted the report of the County Treasurer and County Education Officer (Item 7 in the Minute Book) giving an update on the projected end of year spend for 2004/05 as compared to the revised budget for the Education Service. It included an identification of cost pressures.

262 EDUCATION IN HAMPSHIRE IN THE SECONDARY YEARS

The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 8 in the Minute Book) giving a brief account of the purpose and scope of the document entitled "Education in Hampshire in the Secondary Years" and seeking Members' approval to further consultation on the document, prior to it being considered by Cabinet.

During a full discussion the Committee highlighted a number of points and drew particular attention to the new relationship issues facing 11-16 schools as a result of the Local Education Authority/Local Skills Council Strategy for developing 14-19 Education and Training as a single phase. They welcomed the report and felt it would provide a good basis for further consultation.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive Member for Education be advised to approve further consultation with schools and other agencies on the document entitled "Education in Hampshire in the Secondary Years", before the paper is considered by Cabinet.

263 A NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH SCHOOLS: NATIONAL ROLL-OUT

The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 9 in the Minute Book) on a national trial exploring new relationships with secondary schools. Members welcomed the new ways of supporting and challenging secondary schools through extending work which the County Council had taken forward as a national leader.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive Member for Education be advised to agree that the New Relationship with Schools be implemented for all secondary schools in Hampshire from September 2005 and to endorse the approach as set out in the report.

264 BEST VALUE REVIEWS : EDUCATION WELFARE SERVICE AND EDUCATION OTHER THAN AT SCHOOL

The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 10 in the Minute Book) on the progress in implementing the improvement plans of the Best Value Reviews of the Education Welfare Service (EWS) and the provision for Education Other Than At School (EOTAS). During discussion Members sought more detailed information on the EWS improvement outcomes and were informed by the County Education Officer that such information would be included in future reports related to Children Services.

RESOLVED:

(i) That the Policy Review Committee advises the Executive Member for Education that sufficient progress has been made on the implementation of the Education Welfare Service Best Value Review improvement plan and that there is no longer a need to report annually to the Policy Review Committee or Executive Member.


(ii) That the Policy Review Committee advises the Executive Member for Education that, in view of the short time scale between the approval of the EOTAS implementation plan and this report to the Policy Review Committee, a further report is brought to the appropriate Committee and the Executive Member at the same time next year.

265 EDUCATIONAL POLICIES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 11 in the Minute Book) on the key elements (Inclusion Policy, Behaviour Support Policy and Special Educational Needs Policy) of Hampshire's Education Strategy for supporting the needs of all children and young people. It was noted that following the publication of the Children Act 2004, there had been a renewed focus on how Local Authorities met the needs of vulnerable children in partnership with other agencies. The three policies sought to set out a clear direction for detailed planning both within and between services. During discussion the County Education Officer noted a number of issues and a request was made that the County Council should improve support for its youth work with younger children. Accordingly, it was

RESOLVED:

(i) That the Inclusion Policy, Behaviour Support Policy and Special Educational Needs Policy are reaffirmed.


(ii) That the Policy Review Committee advises the Executive Member for Education that the County Council looks to strengthening provision for youth work with 8 to 13 year olds.

266 PROGRESS REPORT ON SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 12 in the Minute Book) on progress in supporting school attendance.

RESOLVED:

(i) That the report on school attendance be noted.


(ii) That the Education Policy Review Committee note that, on 23 December 2004, the County Education Officer, empowered by the Executive Member for Education on behalf of the County Council adopted the Code of Conduct for the Issuing of Penalty Notices as set out in Appendix A to the report in respect of Unauthorised Absence.

267 PROGRESS REPORT ON THE EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF CHILDREN LOOKED AFTER IN HAMPSHIRE

The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 13 in the Minute Book) giving an overview of the issues affecting the educational achievement of Children Looked After in Hampshire.

RESOLVED:

That the contents of the report be noted and the new and ongoing work of the Team for the Education of Children in Care be welcomed.

268 PROGRESS REPORT ON THE EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF ETHNIC MINORITY CHILDREN AND CHILDREN FOR WHOM ENGLISH IS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 14 in the Minute Book) giving an overview of the issues affecting the educational achievement of ethnic minority children and children for whom English is an additional language.

RESOLVED:

(i) That the Policy Review Committee notes the report and commends the Ethnic Minority Achievement Service for the work carried out in raising ethnic minority achievement.


(ii) That the Policy Review Committee asks the County Education Officer to prepare a policy that includes options for raising achievement of ethnic minority children and children for whom English is an additional language and extending data analysis.

269 THE EDUCATION OTHER THAN AT SCHOOL (EOTAS) SERVICE AND SCHOOL EXCLUSIONS 2003 - 04

The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 15 in the Minute Book) on the EOTAS Service for the 2003/4 academic year.

RESOLVED:

(i) That the report be noted.


(ii) That the Policy Review Committee advises the Executive Member for Education to support the EOTAS service in continuing to work pro-actively with schools and other services and agencies in providing effective behaviour management support and advice in order to reduce the level of permanent exclusion.


(iii) That any resource implications identified in or as a result of this report be subject to consideration as part of the Education Department budget strategy.

270 EXTENDED SCHOOLS

The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 16 in the Minute Book) about a Government initiative to promote extended schools and explains the support being offered to schools through a Standards Fund grant and puts forward a strategic framework for the development of extended schools in Hampshire. Members welcomed the opportunities for extended schools to provide services and activities to pupils, their families and their local communities during the school day, before and after school hours, at weekends and during school holidays. They were introduced to David Wright , the new Education Officer (Extended Schools) who had been appointed on a fixed term contract from 1 January 2005 to 31 March 2008 and looked forward to future reports on this item.

RESOLVED:

That the emerging strategy for supporting the development of extended schools in Hampshire be noted, together with how it relates to the wider implementation of the Children Act 2004.

271 LOCAL PUBLIC SERVICE AGREEMENT (LPSA) 2

The Committee considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 17 in the Minute Book) on progress concerning the County Council's application for a second Local Public Service Agreement involving the education service.




RESOLVED:

That the progress that has been made in promoting an LPSA2 submission from the County Council be noted.

272 QUESTIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR EDUCATION

No questions had been notified on this item.

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