Archived decisions

1.

APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Roger Kimber and David Jones, Head Teacher of Toynbee School who unfortunately was under going medical treatment and would not be able to participate further in the review. Best wishes were made for his speedy recovery.

2.

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.

3.

CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman welcomed those in attendance and in particular thanked the witnesses for their time and contribution to the Review Group.

The Chairman advised that the Children and Young People Select Committee identified the topic of school exclusions for an in-depth scrutiny review in February 2007. The Review Group would seek evidence to:

· Identify areas for improvement in Hampshire policies and practices on the prevention and management of exclusions

· Identify ways in which the County Council can work more effectively with partners in the prevention and management of exclusions

· Help to prepare Hampshire for the forthcoming changes in the law surrounding exclusions in September 2007

4.

DEPUTATIONS

No deputations were made under this item.

5.

ORAL EVIDENCE

The Review Group received oral evidence from the following witnesses:-

· Inspector Martin Laux (Refer to Witness Document No: 1)

· Barry Harwood, Trosant Junior School, Havant (Refer to Witness Document No: 2)

· John Perkins, Blackfield Primary (Refer to Witness Document No: 3)

· Sarah Pidden, Broadoaks, Basingstoke (Refer to Witness Document No: 4)

· Judy Halpin, Clifford Centre (Refer to Witness Document No: 5)

· Richard Jones, Behaviour Support Team (Area 3) (Refer to Witness Document No: 7)

[Witness No 6 - Debra Crook, Behaviour Support Team - gave apologies]

The evidence given covered a range of issues including effective partnerships, equality of provision and working with parents. Specific reference was made to:

Resources and Facilities - Collaboration between partners was considered vital to meet new requirements to provide education from the 6^th day of exclusion. There was also discussion about the need for adequate teacher training to address the needs of children with the intention of reducing the number of exclusions. It was also felt that there needed to be greater awareness training around the protocols etc.

Co-ordinaton of Partnerships - Locality Team structure generally welcomed which along with Common Area Assessment (CAF) would impact positively on the co-ordination of partnerships. Lead Agency role was considered vital with good partner relations. There was general consensus that the role was best placed with educational establishments and/or the YOT if they were involved.

Partnership Information and IT - Information sharing was high on the agenda and there was general consensus that more could be achieved. Discussion centred on information sharing protocols.

Partnerships: initiatives for preventing exclusions - General understanding that the new arrangements would not result in a rise in permanent exclusions. Concerns were raised about early identification of pupils with SEN, mental health problems and disabilities. In particular concerns were raised about accessing specialist services such as CAMHS. It was considered that further funding should be assigned to this service. There was also discussion about the timescales for statements. Initiatives such as the Family and School Support Team (FAAST) were discussed and it was considered important that any good practices be taken on board.

Partnerships with the Police and Youth offending Team (YOT) - General consensus that improvements in information sharing could be made between all parties. In particular the Police considered that engagement with schools was important.. There was discussion about the benefits of Safer School Partnerships and the various methodologies that the Police use to counter exclusions and the resultant behaviour of children. Youth Inclusion and Support Panels (YISPS) support was commended.

Equality of access to support and services at different stages of school life - Discussion centred on the various initiatives to aid primary-secondary transfer. At one school a "Transition" post had been created and had proved very effective. There also some consensus that some children are not ready for secondary school and should be held back until such time. In particular it was felt that a development profile and a standard pro-forma would help in the process.

Working with Parents and Carers -The support and engagement of parents were considered important. In one school "Home-School link" officers were employed and had proved invaluable.

Transportation - General consensus that school transportation policies do not fit with the new requirements for excluded children.

The oral evidence giving session also covered other general matters concerning healthy living lifestyles, possible links between social deprivation and exclusions, alternatives to exclusion and issues surrounding informal exclusions.

Members questioned the witnesses based on their written and oral submissions, copies of the written evidence appear in the Minute Book. The session was recorded and is stored securely as part of the public record.