Issue - meetings

This report presents an update on further progress within the city in taking forward the Machinery of Government (MOG) changes, including the transfer to the Local Authority of funding for 16-19 education, and the 14-19 curriculum reforms.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)                 That the Stage 2 Submission from the North and East Yorkshire Sub Regional Grouping and the associated arrangements for sub regional working be endorsed.

(ii)               That the opportunities and challenges presented by the Machinery of Government changes, the sound initial position of the Local Authority, LSC and sub regional partners and the progress already made be noted.

(iii)             That the continuing good progress on developments linked to the 14-19 curriculum reforms, including successful completion of activities signposted in the report of 6 November 2008 be noted.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:      To ensure that the Local Authority is in position to assume new statutory responsibilities associated with the post 16 funding transfer, that it can continue to make progress to this end through the tracking and transition years and that progress towards the 2013 learner entitlement in the city can be maintained.

Members received a report that presented an update on further progress within the city in taking forward the Machinery of Government (MOG) changes, including the transfer to the Local Authority of funding for 16-19 education, and the 14-19 curriculum reforms, since the report presented to the committee on 6 November 2008.

Dr Birkinshaw drew attention to a number of points within the report:

·        It was important to separate commissioners from providers.

·        Concerns were expressed in respect of aspects of Archbishop Holgate’s School post-16 Applied Learning Centre provision. The proposal to offer A Levels in Applied Science (Double Award) and Mathematics were at variance with the school’s previously stated intentions.  Although some pure engineering degrees did require A Level mathematics, not all engineering degrees did so.  A neighbouring school was willing to facilitate a timetable that would enable students from Archbishop Holgate to take A Level mathematics.  The comment in respect of a BTEC being too closely aligned to technician careers was unwelcome as there was a move away from viewing BTECs in this way. 

·        The information provided at the stakeholder consultation event had been useful and it was disappointing to note that the event had not been well attended.  Consideration needed to be given as to how to address this issue when future events were arranged.

·        There was a lack of parity in the funding per head for students who attended college when compared to those who attended Sixth Form.   It was not possible to compare “like for like” when considering issues in respect of schools and colleges.

·        There were serious concerns in respect of funding for capital projects at colleges. 

Officers stated that the concerns that had been raised regarding the A Level provision offered at Archbishop Holgate had been noted and that they had been assured that the Applied Science Award was being offered only as an interim measure until the introduction of the Science Diploma.  The issues in respect of timetabling of A Level Mathematics at other establishments could be overcome. The Local Authority did not support the school’s view in respect of BTEC provision being too closely aligned to technician careers.  It was hoped that the issues raised could be addressed as the Local Authority was pleased that the school was developing its Sixth Form provision, as this would allow greater breadth of opportunities to learners in York.  The Local Authority acknowledged that the disparity in funding between schools and colleges was a significant issue.

Members expressed their thanks to the 14-19 Partnership Manager and to other officers involved in implementing the 14-19 reforms for the work that they were carrying out.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)                 That the Stage 2 Submission from the North and East Yorkshire Sub Regional Grouping and the associated arrangements for sub regional working be endorsed.

(ii)               That the opportunities and challenges presented by the Machinery of Government changes, the sound initial position of the Local Authority, LSC and sub regional partners and the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63