Agenda, decisions and minutes

At this point in the meeting, the Executive Member is asked to declare:

·        any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests

·        any prejudicial interests or

·        any disclosable pecuniary interests

which he might have in respect of business on this agenda.

The Executive Member was asked to declare any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests, any prejudicial or any disclosable pecuniary interests that he may have in respect of business on the agenda.  None were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Decision Session held on 19 January 2016.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Decision Session held on 19 January 2016 be approved and signed by the Executive Member as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting, members of the public who have registered their wish to speak at the meeting can do so. The deadline for registering is on Thursday 28 January 2016 at 5.00 pm.

Members of the public may register to speak on :-

·        an item on the agenda

·        an issue within the Executive Member’s remit;

Filming, Recording or Webcasting Meetings

Please note this meeting will be filmed and webcast and that includes any registered public speakers, who have given their permission.  This broadcast can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

Residents are welcome to photograph, film or record Councillors and Officers at all meetings open to the press and public. This includes the use of social media reporting, i.e. tweeting.  Anyone wishing to film, record or take photos at any public meeting should contact the Democracy Officer (whose contact details are at the foot of this agenda) in advance of the meeting.

The Council’s protocol on Webcasting, Filming & Recording of Meetings ensures that these practices are carried out in a manner both respectful to the conduct of the meeting and all those present.  It can be viewed at: https://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/file/6453/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_council_meetingspdf

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

This report presents York Learning’s self assessment report (SAR) for the academic year 2014/15.The self assessment report is part of the service’s quality improvement arrangements and is presented as part of the governance arrangements for the service.

Resolved:  That, subject to the agreed amendments, the Self Assessment Report and Quality Improvement Plan be approved.

Reason:     To strengthen the service’s governance arrangements in light of Ofsted requirements.

The Executive Member gave consideration to a report which presented York Learning’s self assessment report (SAR) for the academic year 2014/15.  The self assessment report formed part of the service’s quality improvement arrangements and was presented as part of the governance arrangements for the service.

Officers stated that, having recently participated in a peer challenge process, and having reflected further on the draft self assessment form, it was proposed that some of the provisional judgement gradings be amended as follows:

·        Effectiveness of leadership and management across all areas – Grade 3 (requires improvement)

·        16-18 Foundation Learning outcomes for learners – Grade 4 (inadequate)

·        Apprenticeship outcomes – Grade 4 (inadequate)

Officers stated that the revised judgements reflected the new inspection regime and the outcomes that learners had achieved.  Plans were in place to address and improve performance in these areas and this was already taking place.  They believed that the service could demonstrate that it had the capacity to improve.

The Executive Member questioned officers on the following issues:

·        Referring to paragraph 9 of the report, officers were questioned about the increase in the number of learners on full-time courses rather than part-time courses and were asked if this excluded those who may not be able to attend on a full-time basis.  Officers stated that full-time attendance gave better outcomes and enabled the service to offer work experience as part of the programme.  Full-time provision also enabled the service to better secure funding.  A full assessment of the young person’s needs was carried out when determining the most appropriate provision for them.   Legislation did, however, require young people to be in full time education until they were seventeen years old.  The service was still able to offer traineeships to those for whom full-time courses were not suitable.

·        The Executive Member questioned officers about the significant challenge for some learners in achieving an English and Maths qualification at grade C.  Officers gave details of the functional skills qualifications that were also available and the work that was taking place to redesign the curriculum to take a more project based approach.

·        Referring to the reference in the report that there was some teaching where no improvements had been demonstrated, the Executive Member asked officers how this issue was being addressed.  Officers outlined the procedures that were in place and stated that this issue was only in respect of one or two classes.

·        Referring to 16-18 Foundation Learning, the Executive Member noted the references in the areas for improvement to a disproportionate emphasis on the final assessment and to the fact that only 25% of learners achieved a positive progression outcome.  Officers were asked how the service ensured that it recognised and supported learners’ other needs as well as focussing on achievement.   Officers stated that they worked closely with agencies such as Connexions and they also signposted learners to other relevant providers.  Staff were very aware of the need to ensure that learners received appropriate social and emotional support to enable them to achieve  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

This report seeks the approval of the Executive Member to update the way the Council monitors Section 106 (s.106) agreements and how it allocates the funds received.

Resolved:  (i)      That a comprehensive list detailing all open

space s.106 agreements, including any payments due, received or used be published on the Council’s web site as set out in paragraph 9 of the report and that the list be updated at regular intervals.

                   (ii)      That the additional priorities for use of open

space s.106 payments, as set out in paragraph 11 of the report, be approved subject to the wording of bullet point 1 being amended to provide greater clarity.

Reason:              To improve the efficiency and transparency of use of s.106 payments.

The Executive Member considered a report which sought his approval to update the way in which the Council monitored Section 106 (s.106) agreements and how it allocated the funds received.

The Executive Member considered the options detailed in paragraphs 14 to 16 of the report.

Referring to paragraph 11 of the report, the Executive Member requested that the wording of the first bullet point be amended to provide greater clarity.

The Executive Member stated that he welcomed the proposed arrangements and was pleased to note that the information could be made publically available soon after the meeting. 

Resolved:  (i)      That a comprehensive list detailing all open

space s.106 agreements, including any payments due, received or used be published on the Council’s web site as set out in paragraph 9 of the report and that the list be updated at regular intervals.

                   (ii)      That the additional priorities for use of open

space s.106 payments, as set out in paragraph 11 of the report, be approved subject to the wording of bullet point 1 being amended to provide greater clarity.

Reason:              To improve the efficiency and transparency of use of s.106 payments.

This report provides options for the future management of Rowntree Park tennis courts.

Resolved:  That Rowntree Park Tennis Club be granted a three year lease to manage the tennis courts in Rowntree Park.

Reason:     To ensure that the tennis courts remain sustainable and continue to provide a quality sports facility for York residents.      

The Executive Member considered a report which provided options for the future management of Rowntree Park tennis courts.

It was noted that, in May 2015, an agreement had been reached with the Rowntree Park Tennis Club, in partnership with Tennis For All, to manage the courts on a trial basis for one year.  The Club was now seeking to extend this arrangement with a three-year lease on the courts.

The Executive Member considered the following options:

Option a:    To grant the Rowntree Park Tennis Club a three year lease

Option b:    Not to grant the club a lease and revert back to day to day management by the Council

Referring to the pay and play booking arrangements that would be in place for those wishing to use the courts but who were not members of the tennis club, the Executive Member requested that officers explore the possibility of the Rowntree Cafe collecting payments for those who did not have access to the online payment system that would be in place or providing access to this facility.  It was, however, noted that because of the opening hours of the cafe, this may not always be feasible.¹

Resolved:  That Rowntree Park Tennis Club be granted a three year lease to manage the tennis courts in Rowntree Park.

Reason:     To ensure that the tennis courts remain sustainable and continue to provide a quality sports facility for York residents.