Agenda, decisions and minutes

At this point Members are asked to declare any personal or prejudicial interests they may have in the business on this agenda.

Members were invited to declare at this point in the meeting any personal or prejudicial interests they might have in the business on the agenda, in addition to the general personal non-prejudicial interests detailed on the sheet attached to the agenda. [Amended at the meeting on 4/9/08]

Councillor AspdenMember of National Union of Teachers (NUT)

                                                            Employee of North Yorkshire County Council

                                                            Member of the Management Committee of the Danesgate Centre

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 10 June 2008.

RESOLVED:             That the minutes of the last meeting of the Executive Member and Advisory Panel held on 10 June 2008 be approved and signed by the Chair and the Executive Member as a correct record subject to the following amendments:

·                    Minute 7 (Service Plan Performance Year End 2007/08 Report) the addition of resolution (v) “That an additional local Performance Indicator showing the percentage of care leavers that gain other qualifications be added to the Service Plan” 

·                    Minute 10 (Joseph Rowntree New School – Final Business Case) the addition at the end of the third paragraph of the words “to ensure a low carbon footprint”.

At this point in the meeting members of the public who have registered their wish to speak regarding an item on the agenda or an issue within the Panel’s remit can do so. Anyone who wishes to register or requires further information is requested to contact the Democracy Officer on the contact details listed at the foot of this agenda. The deadline for registering is Wednesday 16 July 2008 at 5pm.

It was reported that there had been no registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

This report provides an update on the development of the commissioning approach for the Children’s Early Intervention Fund and the links to the wider commissioning agenda in the city through Children’s Trust arrangements.  It recommends an extension of transitional arrangements for work currently funded through the Children’s Early Intervention Fund, subject to robust monitoring, to secure the continuing legacy of work undertaken by the Children’s Fund in York.

Members received a report which provided an update on the development of the commissioning approach for the Children’s Early Intervention Fund and the links to the wider commissioning agenda in the city through Children’s Trust arrangements.  It recommended an extension of transitional arrangements for work currently funded through the Children’s Early Intervention Fund, subject to robust monitoring, to secure the continuing legacy of work undertaken by the Children’s Fund in York.

Officers confirmed that the six month extension should read until 31 March 2009 and not 2008 in the report.

The report presented the following options for consideration:

·  Option 1 – to extend the transitional funding period of the Children’s Early Intervention Fund for 6 months until 31 March 2009, subject to the monitoring process outlined in the report, and to proceed with the commissioning of the Children’s Early Intervention Fund through the Integrated Commissioning Framework;

·  Option 2 – to not extend the transitional funding period.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)           That Option 1 be agreed and the transitional funding period of the Children’s Early Intervention Fund be extended for 6 months until 31 March 2009, subject to the monitoring process outlined in the report, and the Children’s Early Intervention Fund be commissioned through the Integrated Commissioning Framework.

Decision of the Executive Member

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

REASON:This option will ensure that the commissioning process for Children’s Early Intervention Fund can link into the wider commissioning process. It will ensure that the legacy of the Children’s Fund can be built upon by facilitating the development and evolution of current work.

Members received a report, which provided an update on the development of the commissioning approach for the Children’s Early Intervention Fund and the links to the wider commissioning agenda in the city through Children’s Trust arrangements.  It recommended an extension of transitional arrangements for work currently funded through the Children’s Early Intervention Fund, subject to robust monitoring, to secure the continuing legacy of work undertaken by the Children’s Fund in York.

Officers confirmed that the process had taken longer than anticipated owing to a number of complex issues.  They pointed out that the six month extension should read until 31 March 2009 and not 2008 as in the report.

Some Members expressed disappointment at the proposed extension for the commissioning of the works. Officers confirmed that monitoring was carried out every 3 months and that they would report back to Members early next year on progress.

The report presented the following options for consideration:

·  Option 1 – to extend the transitional funding period of the Children’s Early Intervention Fund for 6 months until 31 March 2009, subject to the monitoring process outlined in the report, and to proceed with the commissioning of the Children’s Early Intervention Fund through the Integrated Commissioning Framework;

·  Option 2 – to not extend the transitional funding period.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)           That Option 1 be agreed and the transitional funding period of the Children’s Early Intervention Fund be extended for 6 months until 31 March 2009, subject to the monitoring process outlined in the report, and the Children’s Early Intervention Fund be commissioned through the Integrated Commissioning Framework. ^1.

Decision of the Executive Member

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

REASON:This option will ensure that the commissioning process for Children’s Early Intervention Fund can link into the wider commissioning process. It will ensure that the legacy of the Children’s Fund can be built upon by facilitating the development and evolution of current work.

This report describes the current situation at the Danesgate Site, sets the situation in the context of the Behaviour Support Service and puts forward proposals for a restructuring at the Site that will meet the needs of learners at risk of exclusion or those that have been excluded.  The key proposal within the report is to merge the Pupil Support Centre and the Bridge Centre so that there is one Headteacher in one single school. 

Members received a report which described the current situation at the Danesgate Site, set the situation in the context of the Behaviour Support Service and put forward proposals for a restructuring at the Site that would meet the needs of learners at risk of exclusion or those that have been excluded. 

The report presented the following options for consideration:

·  Option 1 - to merge the Pupil Support Centre and the Bridge Centre so that there was one headteacher in one single school;

·  Option 2 – to maintain the status quo, with two headteachers and two schools.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)           That Option 1 be approved, with the proposed merger of the Bridge Centre and the Pupil Support Centre and the leadership restructuring of the Behaviour Support Service leading to one headteacher in a single school on the Danesgate Site;

(ii)     That a further report be presented in the Autumn Term 2008 with updates on further consultation.

Decision of the Executive Member

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

REASON:To ensure that the Council discharges its statutory obligations in the most efficient and effective manner, consistent with the vision of a strategic and co-ordinated Behaviour Support Service that meets the needs of learners at risk of exclusion or those who have been permanently excluded.

Members received a report which described the current situation at the Danesgate Site, set the situation in the context of the Behaviour Support Service and put forward proposals for a restructuring at the site that would meet the needs of learners at risk of exclusion or those that have been excluded. 

Officers confirmed that the proposals would improve provision for vulnerable pupils and give better value for money. The merger of the Pupil Support Centre and the Bridge Centre with one Head teacher would provide strategic leadership and co-ordinated management across the schools ensuring improved provision for all pupils. It was confirmed that extensive and in depth consultation had been carried out with a wide range of partners and head teachers and that a lot of support had been provided by the Local Education Authority to existing staff.

Members referred to a press article on the merger and to incorrect information contained within it, which had caused unnecessary anxiety and problems.

Members questioned the choice of only one school Westfield for the acceptance of permanently excluded primary school pupils. Officers confirmed that the number of permanent exclusions had reduced and that these pupils were moved back to mainstream school as soon as possible. They also questioned what additional qualities would be required in the new Head teacher. Officers confirmed that they would be looking for a particular skill set of high quality leadership and management with a proven track record.

The report presented the following options for consideration:

·  Option 1 - to merge the Pupil Support Centre and the Bridge Centre so that there was one head teacher in one single school;

·  Option 2 – to maintain the status quo, with two head teachers and two schools.

The Executive Member thanked all staff at these two sites for their hard work and in particular she thanked the two Head teachers for their leadership.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

⁽ⁱ⁾              That Option 1 be approved, with the proposed merger of the Bridge Centre and the Pupil Support Centre and the leadership restructuring of the Behaviour Support Service leading to one head teacher for a single school on the Danesgate Site; ^1.

⁽ⁱⁱ⁾            (ii)         That a further report be presented in the Autumn Term 2008 with updates on further consultation. ^2.

Decision of the Executive Member

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

REASON:To ensure that the Council discharges its statutory obligations in the most efficient and effective manner, consistent with the vision of a strategic and co-ordinated Behaviour Support Service that meets the needs of learners at risk of exclusion or those who have been permanently excluded.

This report presents an update on progress within the city in taking forward the 14–19 Curriculum Reforms, including increasing the range of provision available and raising the participation rates and attainment of young people.  It also updates Members on developments at Archbishop Holgate’s School, as a result of the school’s “presumption” to develop post-16 provision.

Members received a report which presented an update on progress within the city in taking forward the 14–19 Curriculum Reforms, including increasing the range of provision available and raising the participation rates and attainment of young people.  It also updated them on developments at Archbishop Holgate’s School, as a result of the school’s “presumption” to develop post-16 provision.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)           That the developments in 14-19 education across the partnership and the partnership’s agreements to date on capital expenditure be noted and it be agreed that future expenditure be included in the Directorate’s mainstream capital monitoring procedures.

(ii)         That an interim update report on the Curriculum Reforms be brought to the next meeting of the Panel;

Decision of the Executive Member

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

REASON:The Local Authority (LA) has the key strategic role and is the lead partner within the 14-19 partnership across the City  and members should be aware of the LA's responsibilities, decisions, and financial plans.

Members received a report which presented an update on progress within the city in taking forward the 14–19 Curriculum Reforms, including increasing the range of provision available and raising the participation rates and attainment of young people.  It also updated them on developments at Archbishop Holgate’s School, as a result of the school’s “presumption” to develop post-16 provision.

Officers confirmed that the 14-19 Curriculum Reforms set out a national learner entitlement, which was to be in place for September 2013. There was also a requirement for all young people to remain in education or training to 17 from 2013 and 18 from 2015. They confirmed that all future provision had been proposed following discussion with schools and colleges.

Officers referred to the Government Office for Yorkshire and Humber Progress Checks, which had highlighted the following areas:

·         NEET (not in education, employment or training) (our exceptionally low figure is decreasing below target trend)

·        Achievement of Level 2 at age 19 (there is little improvement from the high rate of achievement at age 16)

·        Achievement of Level 3 at age 19 (whilst remaining well above national and regional averages this fell last year).

Members questioned the following points:

·        Involvement of members in progressing these reforms;

·        The achievements of Level 2 and 3 at age 19;

·        Introduction of an Extended 14-19 Diploma;

·        Timescales and reporting back;

·        The downturn in the building trade in relation to apprenticeships

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)           That the developments in 14-19 education across the partnership and the partnership’s agreements to date on capital expenditure be noted and it be agreed that future expenditure be included in the Directorate’s mainstream capital monitoring procedures. ^1.

(ii)         That an interim update report on the Curriculum Reforms be brought to the next meeting of the Panel; ^2.

Decision of the Executive Member

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

REASON:The Local Authority (LA) has the key strategic role and is the lead partner within the 14-19 partnership across the City and members should be aware of the LA's responsibilities, decisions, and financial plans.

This report seeks approval for a second tranche of Extended Schools Projects and for the process and criteria for bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector to use the new “Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation”. 

Members received a report which sought approval for a second tranche of Extended Schools Projects and for the process and criteria for bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector to use the new “Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation”. 

In relation to Extended Schools Capital, Members had the option to approve or not approve any of the recommended allocation of the Phase 2 Capital to the three additional projects at Wheldrake CE School, Headlands Primary School and Lord Deramore’s Primary School.  With regards to the Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation, Members had the options of approving or amending the process and criteria for bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector to use the new “Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)           That, in relation to Extended Schools Capital, the three additional capital projects at Wheldrake CE School, Headlands Primary School and Lord Deramore’s Primary School be approved;

(ii)         That, in relation to the Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation, the process and criteria for bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector to access this new capital grant be approved;

(iii)       To approve the addition in the Early Years Capital Grant Application Pro-Forma, in questions 4 and 6, of how the proposal would also benefit disabled and SEN children.

Decision of the Executive Member

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

REASON:(i) To ensure that the extended schools agenda in York continues to progress;

                          (ii) (iii) To further improve the quality and inclusiveness of our child care settings.

Members received a report, which sought approval for a second tranche of Extended Schools Projects and for the process and criteria for bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector to use the new “Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation”. 

Officers reported that in June 2008 the DCSF had made available an additional £651k of extended school capital resources for York spread over the next 3 years. It was confirmed that three schemes had been worked up following the first phase of funding in readiness but that all schemes went through vigorous checks prior to approval.

It was reported that it was for the Local Authority to decide how best to use the new Capital Grant for maximum impact and value for money and that the new grant had three aims:

·        To improve the quality of the learning environment in early years settings to support delivery of the EYFS, with a particular emphasis on improving play and physical activities; and ICT resources

·        To ensure all children, including disabled children, are able to access provision

·        To enable PVI providers to deliver the extension to the free offer for 3 and 4 year olds and to do so flexibly.

In relation to Extended Schools Capital, Members had the option to approve or not approve any of the recommended allocation of the Phase 2 Capital to the three additional projects at Wheldrake CE School, Headlands Primary School and Lord Deramore’s Primary School.  With regards to the Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation, Members had the options of approving or amending the process and criteria for bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector to use the new “Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation.

Members made the following points:

·        Would the proposed projects recommended for allocation of the Phase 2 capital still be top priority if all projects were re-examined;

·        The Capital Grant application pro-forma needed to request evidence to show how the proposals would also benefit disabled and SEN children.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)           That, in relation to Extended Schools Capital, the three additional capital projects at Wheldrake CE School, Headlands Primary School and Lord Deramore’s Primary School be approved; ^1.

(ii)         That, in relation to the Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation, the process and criteria for bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector to access this new capital grant be approved; ^2.

⁽ⁱⁱⁱ⁾           To approve the addition in the Early Years Capital Grant Application Pro-Forma, in questions 4 and 6, of how the proposal would also benefit disabled and SEN children. ^3.

Decision of the Executive Member

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

REASON:(i) To ensure that the extended schools agenda in York continues to progress;

                          (ii) (iii) To further improve the quality and inclusiveness of our childcare settings.