Agenda, decisions and minutes
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Contact: Simon Copley Democracy Officer
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Declarations of Interest At this point Members are asked to declare any personal or prejudicial interests they may have in the business on this agenda. Minutes: 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 non-prejudicial interests detailed on the sheet attached to the agenda.
Councillor Gunnell declared the following additional interests:
Councillor Merrett declared the following declarations of interest in addition to those circulated with the agenda:
Councillors Gunnell and Merrett withdrew from the meeting when specific budget proposals in which they had a prejudicial interest were being considered.
Councillors Runciman and Funnell declared personal non-prejudicial interests in Agenda item 7 (Annual Report of the City of York Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education) as members of SACRE.
The following additions were made to the interests detailed on the sheet attached to the agenda:
Councillor Gunnell – Member of the Management Committee for York Playspace, a member of the Management Committee for the Danesgate Centre and an employee of York CVS.
Councillor D’Argorne - Member of the Management Board for the Melbourne Centre. |
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Exclusion of Press and Public To consider excluding the press and public from the meeting during consideration of the following:
(i) Annex C of Agenda Item 10 (Report on the Commissioning of Services through the Children’s Early Intervention Fund and Better Play Grants) on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). This information is classed as exempt under Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006.
(ii) Annex C of Agenda Item 11 (“Quality and Access for all Young Children” – Allocations of Capital Grant) on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). This information is classed as exempt under Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006. Minutes: RESOLVED: That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Column 3 of Annex C of Agenda Item 10 (Report on the Commissioning of Services through the Children’s Early Intervention Fund and Better Play Grants) and Column 5 of Annex C of Agenda Item 11 (“Quality and Access for all Young Children” – Allocations of Capital Grant) on the grounds that they contain information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). This information is classed as exempt under Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006. |
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To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 4 December 2008. Minutes: RESOLVED:That the minutes of the last meeting of the Executive Member for Children and Young People’s Services and Advisory Panel, held on 4 December 2008 be approved and signed as a correct record subject to minute 39 (i) being amended to read...”That the performance of services within the directorate funded through the Children’s Services budget be noted, taking on board the comments above, and thanks to Officers be recorded…” and the action points in minute 39 being amended to include…”To develop indicators relating to vocational qualifications for looked after children”. |
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Public Participation 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 Friday 16 January 2009 at 5pm. Minutes: It was reported that there had been two registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme and that a request to address the meeting had also been received from one of the Heworth ward councillors.
· Colin Stroud, Chief Executive of York Council for Voluntary Services, spoke on the issue of funding for voluntary organisations generally and the proposed reduction in funding for the community accountancy scheme specifically – agenda item 5 (Revenue and Capital Budget Estimates – Annex 3b CS53). (i) Members’ attention was drawn to the important role that the voluntary organisations played in the delivery of services to children and young people. It was stressed that even a small cut in their funding could have a significant impact on service delivery. (ii) A leaflet was circulated detailing the work that the CVS Accountancy Service carried out, including support for childcare providers in managing their budgets. Members were informed of the impact that the cut in funding could have on the service. A meeting had been arranged with officers to discuss the issue, as the CVS believed that the proposed cut in funding may be due to a misunderstanding regarding service delivery against the contract.
· Alison Shepherd and Councillor Potter spoke on behalf of York Playspace in respect of agenda item 10 (Commissioning of Services through the Children’s Early Intervention Fund). Concerns were expressed regarding the recommendation that funding not be allocated to continue to deliver the Chill Out Zones at the 68 Centre in Heworth and to fund the Play Strategy and Development work that Playspace carried out in the city. Information was circulated on the work of the organisation. Councillor Potter emphasised the need for the provision offered by Playspace to continue, particularly as there were incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area served by the Chill Out Zone and the importance of early intervention was recognised in tackling these issues. A request was made for the recommendations to be reconsidered in the light of the impact that they would have on Playspace and on young people in the community. |
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Revenue & Capital Budget Estimates - 2009/10
This report presents the 2009/10 budget proposals for Children & Young People’s Services. Additional documents:
Decision: Advice of the Advisory Panel
That the Executive Member be advised:
(i) That the budget proposals included within the report be noted. (ii) That the comments that had been made regarding the proposals be noted. (iii) That it be noted that Members of the Labour Group reserved their position for Budget Council.
Decision of the Executive Member
RESOLVED: That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.
REASON: As part of the consultation on the Children & Young People’s Services budget for 2009/10. Minutes: Members received a report that presented the 2009/10 budget proposals for Children & Young People’s Services. The report included:
The Executive Member was asked to consider the budget proposals included in the report and identify their preferences, including the proposals in Annexes 2, 3 and 7, which would be considered by the Executive as part of the intended budget. In particular Member advice was sought on the items listed for consultation in Annex 5, which did not, at present, form part of the intended budget. Members of EMAP were invited to provide comments on the budget proposals in the report.
Members of the Labour Group reserved their position for Budget Council.
Discussion took place regarding the proposed reduction in funding for the community accountancy scheme (Annex 3b – CS53). It was noted that the proposed reduction was not a judgement on the quality of the service provided but was intended to reflect a decrease in the SLA requirements in terms of the quantity of work. The reduction would not take place until 1 July 2009 to enable time for the organisation to make any necessary adjustments. A meeting had been arranged with the service to discuss the matter.
Clarification was sought regarding the proposed reduction in the Looked After Children IT Budget (Annex 3a – CS09). It was noted that grant funding may be available to replace some of the proposed reduction in funding but that this could not be guaranteed.
Advice of the Advisory Panel
That the Executive Member be advised:
(i) That the budget proposals included within the report be noted. (ii) That the comments that had been made regarding the proposals be noted. (iii) That it be noted that Members of the Labour Group reserved their position for Budget Council.
Decision of the Executive Member
RESOLVED: That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.
REASON: As part of the consultation on the Children & Young People’s Services budget for 2009/10. |
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Annual Performance Assessment 2008 This report briefs the Executive Member and Advisory Panel on the outcome of York’s Annual Performance Assessment for 2008. Additional documents: Decision: Advice of the Advisory Panel
That the Executive Member be advised:
(i) That the contents of the report be noted.
(ii) That staff be congratulated on the excellent outcome of the APA.
Decision of the Executive Member
RESOLVED: That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.
REASON: To inform Members of the outcome of the Annual Performance Assessment. Minutes: Members received a report briefing them on the outcome of York’s Annual Performance Assessment (APA) for 2008. The APA is the nationally determined Ofsted process by which judgements are made on the quality of local children and young people’s services. The judgements contribute to the overall council rating each year.
Members were delighted to note that the authority had achieved the best possible result and its performance had only been matched by two other authorities in the country.
Advice of the Advisory Panel
That the Executive Member be advised:
(i) That the contents of the report be noted.
(ii) That staff be congratulated on the excellent outcome of the APA.
Decision of the Executive Member
RESOLVED: That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.
REASON: To inform Members of the outcome of the Annual Performance Assessment. |
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This report presents details of the work of the City of York Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) from January to December 2008. Additional documents: Decision: Advice of the Advisory Panel
That the Executive Member be advised that the contents of the Annual Report of the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education be noted.
Decision of the Executive Member
RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.
REASON: In accordance with the request from SACRE that the annual report be presented to EMAP. Minutes: Members received a report detailing the work of the City of York Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) from January to December 2008.
Advice of the Advisory Panel
That the Executive Member be advised that the contents of the Annual Report of the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education be noted.
Decision of the Executive Member
RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.
REASON: In accordance with the request from SACRE that the annual report be presented to EMAP. |
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An Update on "myplace" This report provides an update on preparations for a myplace bid, following the decision in September 2008 to postpone this until the second round in 2009, and informs Members of the appointment of a local community architect to assist with the process. Decision: Advice of the Advisory Panel
That the Executive Member be advised:
(i) That the report be noted. (ii) That negotiations with Network Rail be progressed as a priority.
Decision of the Executive Member
RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.
REASON: Additional investment in youth facilities in the city is in line with corporate priorities, and the views of residents and young people themselves. Minutes: Members received a report updating them on preparations for a myplace bid, following the decision in September 2008 to postpone this until the second round in 2009. Phil Bixby, a local community architect, had been appointed to assist with the process and he updated Members on the progress that had been made. The priority was to liaise with Network Rail so as to secure their formal approval for the project, including the granting of a long lease and the removal of any technical hurdles. Consideration also had to be given as to the management of the project and how to involve young people in the project’s development.
It was noted that although the preferred option was to use a site based around the Railway Institute facilities, a substitute plan was also being put into place as a contingency.
Phil Bixby was thanked for his attendance at the meeting and for the work that he was carrying out.
Advice of the Advisory Panel
That the Executive Member be advised:
(i) That the report be noted. (ii) That negotiations with Network Rail be progressed as a priority1.
Decision of the Executive Member
RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.
REASON: Additional investment in youth facilities in the city is in line with corporate priorities, and the views of residents and young people themselves. |
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The School Crossing Patrol Service in York This report has been prepared at the request of Members to respond to queries raised regarding the recruitment of School Crossing Patrol Officers (SCPO’s). Additional documents: Decision:
Advice of the Advisory Panel
That the Executive Member be advised:
(i) That the contents of the report be noted. (ii) That a request be made for the planned road safety reviews to be carried out within a clear timetable. (iii) That City Strategy EMAP be advised of the concerns raised and requested to monitor the situation as the School Crossing Patrol Service now fell within their remit.
Decision of the Executive Member
RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.
REASON: To ensure that the Executive Member is informed of situation with regard to the School Crossing Patrol Service.
Minutes: Members received a report that had been prepared at their request in response to queries raised regarding the recruitment of School Crossing Patrol Officers (SCPO’s). The report included information on the number of SCPO vacant posts within the city; the measures previously taken to recruit to these vacant posts; and options for filling these vacancies in the future. Responsibility for delivering the School Crossing Patrol Service had transferred from Learning Culture and Children’s Services to City Strategy with effect from 1 January 2009 and the report set out the reasons for this decision and the benefits that this would provide to the service.
Officers were asked if action had been taken to work with schools to seek to fill some of the vacancies through providing the opportunity for one person to work in more than one post at a school to increase their working hours. An example of this would include a midday supervisor or teaching assistant also being employed as a school crossing patrol officer. Members were informed that this option was suggested to schools but it was sometimes not feasible because the hours were not always compatible. Where vacancies remained unfilled recruitment was targeted at members of the local community, including the use of school or parish newsletters.
It was noted that some of the sites with vacancies were currently “under review” and were awaiting an assessment as to whether a school crossing patrol officer was required or if alternative safety measures were more appropriate. Clarification was sought as to when the reviews would be carried out. Officers advised that there was no specified timescale as the reviews also required detailed input from the Traffic Management Team (City Strategy), Road Safety Team (City Strategy) and North Yorkshire Police.
Advice of the Advisory Panel
That the Executive Member be advised:
(i) That the contents of the report be noted. (ii) That a request be made for the planned road safety reviews to be carried out within a clear timetable. (iii) That City Strategy EMAP be advised of the concerns raised and requested to monitor the situation as the School Crossing Patrol Service now fell within their remit1.
Decision of the Executive Member
RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.
REASON: To ensure that the Executive Member is informed of situation with regard to the School Crossing Patrol Service. |
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This report sets out the commissioning process for the Children’s Early Intervention Fund (EIF), which has on this occasion been linked to the Better Play Grants (BPG), and the funding recommendations of the panel set up to consider applications for the joint EIF/BPG fund. Additional documents:
Decision: Advice of the Advisory Panel
That the Executive Member be advised:
(i) That the recommendations for commissioning projects through the Children’s Early Intervention Fund and Better Play grants, described as Option A in the report and set out at Annex B, be accepted.
(ii) That the comments made regarding the value of the Playspace organisation be noted.
(iii) That officers be requested to work with York Playspace in consultation with the Executive Member, the Shadow Executive Member and the Chair to examine how services could be sustained with the funds allocated and to explore what additional funds could be accessed.
Decision of the Executive Member
RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.
REASON: To deliver a programme of preventative and early intervention work which will more fully meet the emerging needs of children and young people in the city from now until 2011. Minutes: Members received a report setting out the commissioning process for the Children’s Early Intervention Fund (EIF) which had, on this occasion, been linked to the Better Play Grants (BPG). The report also detailed the funding recommendations of the multi-agency panel set up to consider applications for the joint EIF/BPG fund.
Consideration was given to the following options:
Concerns were expressed regarding the proposed cuts in funding to Playspace. Views were put forward that the loss of the funding may jeopardise the future of this valued organisation and the excellent work that they were carrying out in the community. Officers stated that it had been the panel’s view that the application in respect of Strategic Play Development did not provide sufficient evidence of ability to promote change in the sector and that funding would be better allocated to provision rather than indirectly on infrastructure. The Panel did, however, wish to continue commissioning Chill Out Zones at Moor Lane/Tang Hall. It was not recommended that funding be allocated for the Chill Out Zones at the 68 Centre in Heworth as there were similar types of provision in the area. Dialogue was taking place with Playspace to look at ways forward, including the possibility of seeking alternative sources of funding.
Members commented that although provision was available at Bellfarm, there was a reluctance by young people to use facilities outside of their own community.
It was noted that Members were not challenging the process by which the recommendations had been drawn up but were concerned at the implications for Playspace.
Advice of the Advisory Panel
That the Executive Member be advised:
(i) That the recommendations for commissioning projects through the Children’s Early Intervention Fund and Better Play grants, described as Option A in the report and set out at Annex B, be accepted.
(ii) That the comments made regarding the value of the Playspace organisation be noted.
(iii) That officers be requested to work with York Playspace in consultation with the Executive Member, the Shadow Executive Member and the Chair to examine how services could be sustained with the funds allocated and to explore what additional funds could be accessed1.
Decision of the Executive Member
RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.
REASON: To deliver a programme of preventative and early intervention work which will more fully meet the emerging needs of children and young people in the city from now until 2011. |
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“Quality and Access for all Young Children” – Allocations of Capital Grant This report seeks approval of bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) sector to use the new “Quality and Access for All Young Children Capital Grant Allocation”. These bids have been recommended by a panel established for this purpose. Additional documents:
Decision:
Advice of the Advisory Panel
That the Executive Member be advised:
(i) That the recommendations of the panel for the first tranche of bids for the Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation be accepted as set out in the annexes as follows: · Annex A approved · Annex B accepted in principle but requires additional information · Annex C requires substantial reworking and should be declined at this stage
(ii) That approval be given for the Early Years and Extended Schools Service to bulk purchase certain items under £2500 and distribute them directly to settings.
Decision of the Executive Member
RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.
REASONS: (i) To enable the further development of early years provision in York, in accordance with government guidelines.
(ii)To obtain economies of scale in the purchase of certain items. Minutes: Members received a report seeking their approval to bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) sector to use the new “Quality and Access for All Young Children Capital Grant Allocation”. The bids had been recommended by a panel established for this purpose.
Members had the option of approving or rejecting the bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector, as recommended by the panel.
Members were pleased to note the variety of provision available as this enabled parents and carers to make choices as to the environment that best suited their child.
Advice of the Advisory Panel
That the Executive Member be advised:
(i) That the recommendations of the panel for the first tranche of bids for the Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation be accepted as set out in the annexes as follows: · Annex A approved · Annex B accepted in principle but requires additional information · Annex C requires substantial reworking and should be declined at this stage
(ii) That approval be given for the Early Years and Extended Schools Service to bulk purchase certain items under £2500 and distribute them directly to settings.
Decision of the Executive Member
RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.
REASONS: (i) To enable the further development of early years provision in York, in accordance with government guidelines.
(ii)To obtain economies of scale in the purchase of certain items. |
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Chair's Comments Minutes: Members were informed that Simon Copley would be leaving his post as Democracy Officer to take up a promoted post at Ryedale District Council. Members expressed their appreciation of the work that he had carried out and wished him well for the future. |