Agenda item

To deal with the following questions to the Executive Leader and / or other Executive Members, in accordance with Standing Order 11.3(a):

(i)         To the Executive Member for Corporate Services, from Cllr Scott

“Does the Executive Member believe in openness and transparency in local democracy and in the operation of the Council?”

(ii)               To the Executive Member for Children & Young People’s Services, from Cllr Douglas

“Can the Executive Member provide details of how many Physical Education (PE) sessions have been cancelled at each primary and at each secondary school operating under the Local Education Authority (LEA), due to the timetabling of extra activities such as concerts, plays and visits, during the last academic year, both as a total and as a percentage of all timetabled PE sessions?

(iii)             To the Executive Member for Children & Young People’s Services, from Cllr Waudby

“Can the Executive Member tell Council more about The Fostering Network annual conference which she attended in York earlier this month?”

(iv)              To the Executive Member for Children & Young People’s Services, from Cllr Jamieson-Ball

“Can the Executive Member tell Council what steps are being taken to tackle youth unemployment in the city?”

(v)                To the Executive Member for Children & Young People’s Services, from Cllr Aspden

“Can the Executive Member give Council details of the recent GCSE results achieved by pupils in the city?”

Five questions had been submitted to Executive Members under Standing Order 11.3(a).  The questions were put and answered as follows:

(i)         To the Executive Member for Resources, from Cllr Scott:

“Does the Executive Member for Resources believe in openess and transparency in local democracy and in the operation of the Council?”

Reply

“Yes.”

(ii)               To the Executive Member for Children & Young People’s Services, from Cllr Douglas

“Can the Executive Member provide details of how many Physical Education (PE) sessions have been cancelled at each primary and at each secondary school operating under the Local Education Authority (LEA), due to the timetabling of extra activities such as concerts, plays and visits, during the last academic year, both as a total and as a percentage of all timetabled PE sessions?

Reply

“The information that the Shadow Member requests is not currently collected and reported.   To do so would be a highly time consuming and intensive task - I would be extremely reluctant to ask for this to be done, given the additional demands it would make on the time of school leaders, along with the distraction that it would cause from core activities.

The evidence suggests that physical activity within our schools is well promoted - our Children and Young Peoples Plan describes progress on the Healthy Schools agenda, which has been nationally recognised. 

We have made steady improvements to indoor and outdoor sports facilities in schools and the proportion of students who get an average of 2 hours per week quality PE and schools sports is now over 90%. 

This Liberal Democrat administration has a firmly stated ambition to continue to work with schools and governing bodies to ensure that arts and sports play a key role in the opportunities provided for enjoying and achieving in our schools.  We intend to keep this a priority.

(iii)             To the Executive Member for Children & Young People’s Services, from Cllr Waudby

“Can the Executive Member tell Council more about The Fostering Network annual conference which she attended in York earlier this month?”

Reply

“I was delighted to be asked to speak at the National Fostering Network Conference in York recently and to give a councillor’s perspective.   It has been clear to me for many years that all children need a family in which to grow up and – if their own family is not available, a foster family gives the best alternative. 

As in every other authority, the numbers of children coming into our care have increased significantly in the last few years, especially following the publicity after the baby P case. This brings increased pressure on the children’s social care budget.

To cope with this demand we have steadily increased the umber of foster carers that we have – there are now 95 - and a greater proportion than ever of the children we look after are able to access foster care.  In 2006/7 it was 70.92% - it is now 85.78%.

This Liberal Democrat Administration is firmly committed to keeping children who come into our care in the city wherever possible so that they can keep in touch with their friends and family and have some continuity in their lives.  We will continue to recruit foster carers.

I am indebted to all foster carers who dedicate their lives and – very often – those of their own children, for their commitment to the young people of the city, demonstrated all year round.”

(iv)              To the Executive Member for Children & Young People’s Services, from Cllr Jamieson-Ball

“Can the Executive Member tell Council what steps are being taken to tackle youth unemployment in the city?”

Reply

“A recent meeting held in LCCS brought together representatives of the local authority, the Economic Development Unit, Learning City York, the National Apprenticeships Service and those involved in the 14 to 19 strategy, recognising that problems at 14 to 19  can lead to later unemployment.

The meeting focused particularly on apprenticeships and promoting take up in York and the local area by raising the awareness of employers in York of the advantages this brings. The role of the Diplomas in linking to apprenticeships was also discussed and the importance of giving early information, advice and guidance to young people.

The 18 to 24 age group is more vulnerable to the recession as they may have few qualifications and little experience. Although the situation in York is no worse than other parts of the country, plans are being made to increase opportunities to build skills for jobs and prepare for employment.

At a recent post 16 event, held at York Racecourse, 1500 young people and their parents came to seek advice about opportunities for training and education as well as apprenticeships and jobs. It is hoped that this will become an annual event.

The group will meet regularly to review progress in this area.”

(v)                To the Executive Member for Children & Young People’s Services, from Cllr Aspden

“Can the Executive Member give Council details of the recent GCSE results achieved by pupils in the city?”

Reply

“This year’s GCSE results were the best ever and I must pay tribute to the hard work of everyone in the schools, staff and students alike, and the work of the central team who support them.  These results are also significantly above the England average and reflect well on the education provided in York’s schools, which is recognised by Ofsted as amongst the country’s best.

%5+A*-C grades

The percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more A* to C grades has increased significantly compared to 2008. The 2009 City of York figure is 73.4% compared to 68.5% in 2008.  The England average last year was 65.3% (the last year for which figures were available).

%5+A*- C grades including English and Maths

The percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more A* to C grades including English and Maths has also increased significantly to 59.5% from 53.8% in 2008.  The England average last year was 47.6% (this is the last year for which figures are available).”