Agenda for Children & Young People Committee on Monday, 9th March, 2015, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and draft minutes
PDF 231 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall
Contact: Lisa Johnson Senior Democratic Services Officer
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Procedural Business (a) Declaration of Substitutes: Where Councillors are unable to attend a meeting, a substitute Member from the same Political Group may attend, speak and vote in their place for that meeting.
(b) Declarations of Interest:
(a) Disclosable pecuniary interests not registered on the register of interests; (b) Any other interests required to be registered under the local code; (c) Any other general interest as a result of which a decision on the matter might reasonably be regarded as affecting you or a partner more than a majority of other people or businesses in the ward/s affected by the decision.
In each case, you need to declare (i) the item on the agenda the interest relates to; (ii) the nature of the interest; and (iii) whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest or some other interest.
If unsure, Members should seek advice from the committee lawyer or administrator preferably before the meeting.
(c) Exclusion of Press and Public: To consider whether, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, or the nature of the proceedings, the press and public should be excluded from the meeting when any of the following items are under consideration.
NOTE: Any item appearing in Part Two of the Agenda states in its heading the category under which the information disclosed in the report is exempt from disclosure and therefore not available to the public.
A list and description of the exempt categories is available for public inspection at Brighton and Hove Town Halls. Minutes: 74(a) Declaration of Substitutes
74.1There were none
74(b) Declarations of interest
74.2 There were none
74 (c) Exclusion of Press and Public
74.3 In accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the Act”), the Committee considered whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during an item of business on the grounds that it was likely, in view of the business to be transacted or the nature of proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present during that item, there would be disclosure to them of confidential information (as defined in section 100A(3) of the Act) or exempt information (as defined in section 100(I) of the Act).
74.4 RESOLVED- That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 89 on the agenda.
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(a) To consider the Minutes of the Children & Young People Committee meeting held on 12 January 2015 (copy attached).
(b) To consider the Minutes of the Joint Children & Young People and Health & Wellbeing Board meeting held on 3 February 2015 (copy attached) Additional documents: Minutes: 75.1 RESOLVED: That the Chair be authorised to sign the Part One Minutes of the meeting held on 12 January 2015 as a correct record.
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Chair's Communications Minutes: 76.1 The Chair was pleased to advise the Committee that Riziki Millanzi had received a letter from the Prime Minister praising her for her contribution to volunteering, saying that the country really needed people to band together to do this kind of community work. Riziki was a member of the Youth Council, and had recently become a Trustee of the Trust for Developing Communities (TDC) while maintaining her work with Bevendean Activity Group and Brighton & Hove Youth Collective. The Chair congratulated Riziki on her achievements.
76.2 The Chair advised the Committee that from June 2015 the Children & Young People Committee would hold its meetings at the Friends Meeting House in Ship Street Brighton rather than at the Council Chamber at Hove Town Hall which was being closed at the end of March 2015.
76.3 The Chair said that the allocation of Year 7 Secondary School places had recently been made, and she was pleased to say that 96% of children received one of their preferred schools, and fewer children than last year were directed to a school they had not expressed a preference for.
76.4 The Chair said that as this would be the last meeting of the Committee before the election she wanted to thank everyone who had been on the Committee over the last four years, and the officers for their work and support. |
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Call Over (a) Items (x – x) will be read out at the meeting and Members invited to reserve the items for consideration.
(b) Those items not reserved will be taken as having been received and the reports’ recommendations agreed. Minutes: 77.1 It was agreed that all items be called.
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Public Involvement To consider the following matters raised by members of the public:
(a) Petitions: to receive any petitions presented to the full council or at the meeting itself;
(b) Written Questions: to receive any questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 2 March 2015;
(c) Deputations: to receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 2 March 2015. Minutes: 78a Petitions
78.1 There were none
78b Written Questions
78.2 There were none.
78c Deputations
78.3 There were none.
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Member Involvement To consider the following matters raised by Councillors:
(a) Petitions: to receive any petitions submitted to the full Council or at the meeting itself; (b) Written Questions: to consider any written questions; (c) Letters: to consider any letters; (d) Notices of Motion: to consider any Notices of Motion referred from Council or submitted directly to the Committee. Minutes: 79a Petitions
79.1 There were none.
79b Written Questions
79.2 There were none.
79c Letters
79.3 There were none.
79d Notices of Motion
79.4 There were none.
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Children's Services Partnership Forum Report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services (copy attached)
Contact Officer: Carolyn Bristow Tel: 01273 293736 Ward(s) Affected: All Additional documents: Minutes: 80.1 The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services, which provided an update on the function and work of the Children’s Partnership Forum. The report was introduced by the Executive Director for Children’s Services.
80.2 Members of the Committee thanked the Director for the report and welcomed the creation of the Children’s Partnership Forum. A number of the Committee Members had attended the first meeting of the Forum and all said it had been very useful.
80.3 Councillor Wealls noted that one of the areas discussed was Apprenticeships for people with SEN, and asked if the Council provided such opportunities. The Executive Director of Children’s Services said that issue had recently been discussed and opportunities for appropriate apprenticeships would be looked into.
80.4 RESOLVED: That the Committee noted and supported the ongoing work of the Partnership Forum. |
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SCHOOL OFSTED PRESENTATION This is a Standing Item and provides an opportunity for officers to update the Committee on Ofsted reports received since the last meeting of the Committee, and on other relevant issues. This will take the form of an oral update
Contact Officer: Jo Lyons Tel: 01273 293514 Ward(s) Affected: All Minutes: 81.1 The Head of Standards & Achievement Education & Inclusionprovided an update of schools that had undergone an Ofsted Inspection since the last meeting of the Children & Young People Committee.
81.2 The Committee were advised that five schools had been inspected, Hertford Junior, The Connected Hub, Coombe Road Primary, West Blatchington Primary and Peter Gladwin Primary. The Head of Standards & Achievement Education & Inclusionwas pleased to say that Hertford Primary, The Connected Hub and West Blatchington Primary had all improved from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’. Coombe Road Primary had remained at ‘Requires Improvement’, and the results for Peter Gladwin Primary were not yet available.
81.3 The Committee were advised that, as of 1 March 2015, 18 schools in the city were rated as Outstanding, 64 as Good, 17 as Requires Improvement and 1 as Inadequate.
81.4 The Committee noted the presentation.
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School Admission Arrangements 2016/17
Report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services (copy attached)
Contact Officer: Michael Nix Tel: 01273 290732 Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED: That the Committee agreed that:
(1) The proposed school admission numbers as set out in the consultation documents be adopted for the admissions year 2016/17
(2) The admission priorities for Community Schools as set out in the consultation documents be adopted for all age groups
(3) The Council should review the final version of the Cardinal Newman Catholic School and King’s School admission arrangements (as amended in light of the Diocesan response and parental and school responses) to decide whether it should comment further.
(4) The co-ordinated schemes of admission be approved
(5) The city boundary be retained as the relevant area for consultation for school admissions Minutes: 82.1 The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services, which provided information on the admission arrangements for Brighton & Hove Schools in 2016/17. The report was introduced by the Head of Education Planning and Contracts.
82.2 Councillor Pissaridou asked how many years Dorothy Stringer and Varndean had been directed to take additional pupils over and above their Published Admission Number. The Head of Education Planning and Contracts advised that the two schools had been directed once.
82.3 RESOLVED:
That the Committee agreed that:
(1) The proposed school admission numbers set out in the consultation documents be adopted for the admissions year 2016/17
(2) The admission priorities for Community School set out in the consultation documents be adopted for all age groups.
(3) The Council should review the final version of the Cardinal Newman Catholic School and King’s School admission arrangements (as amended in light of the Diocesan response and parental and school responses) to decide whether it should comment further.
(4) The co-ordinated schemes of admissions be approved.
(5) The city boundary be retained as the relevant area for consultation for school admissions. |
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The Pupil Premium in Brighton & Hove schools
Report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services (copy attached) Additional documents: Minutes: 83.1 The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services, regarding Pupil Premium (PP). The report outlined the national context of the PP, the achievement of the pupils who were in receipt of PP, what school leaders were expected to do and how the local authority was supporting and challenging them. The report was introduced by the Head of Standards and Achievement, Education and Inclusion.
83.2 Councillor Wealls noted the information provided in the report and was concerned at the attainment of disadvantaged pupils at Varndean and Longhill secondary schools. The Head of Standards and Achievements Education and Inclusion said that those schools were aware of the issues and were focusing on supporting those vulnerable children.
83.3 Councillor Pissaridou noted the figures provided in the report and was concerned that the gap on attainment between those on Free School Meals (FSM) and not on FSM hadn’t really changed since 2011. The Chair said that data was available prior to 2011 and could be provided. The Authority was also concerned at the disparity and had prepared a strategy, ‘Closing the Gap in Educational Achievement for Vulnerable Groups in the City’, (which was provided with the report), and were providing training for school governors and support for Head Teachers.
83.4 Maram Takriti noted that the results for Brighton Aldridge Community Academy were very good. The Head of Standards and Achievements Education and Inclusion agreed and said that the Authority had asked the school to share their good practice with others.
83.5 Amanda Mortensen asked if all families eligible for FSM were being identified. The Head of Standards and Achievements Education and Inclusion said that schools did their best to do that and the numbers identified had continued to grow.
83.6 Councillor Simson suggested that for small schools it might be useful to work in partnership with others, sharing ideas and good practice. Martin Jones thought it would also be useful for school governors to work together. The Assistant Director Education and Inclusion agreed.
83.7 RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the report.
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Education Capital Resources and Capital Investment Programme 2015/16
Report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: Resolved:
(1) That the level of available capital resources totalling £18.383 million for investment relating to education buildings financed from capital grant, revenue contributions and reserves set aside for primary places be noted.
(2) That the Committee agreed the allocation of funding as shown in Appendices 1 and 2 and recommend this to Policy & Resources Committee on 19 March 2015 for inclusion within the Council’s Capital Investment Programme 2015/16.
Minutes: 84.1 The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services, which informed the Committee of the level of available capital resources allocated to this service for 2015/16 and recommended a Capital Investment Programme for 2015/16. The report was introduced by the Head of Education Planning and Contracts.
84.2 Councillor Simson asked how the authority ensured that the Voluntary Aided schools received the same level of support as Community Schools for areas such as Health and Safety or use of solar panels etc. The Head of Education Planning and Contracts said the Authority worked closely with the Dioceses to agree programmes and provide support where needed.
84.3 Councillor Wealls referred to Appendix 2 and asked whether the provision of £10m for ‘Additional Secondary Provision’ would be sufficient. The Head of Education Planning and Contracts said that the table showed funding up to 2016/17 and that the £11.4m already announced for 2017/18 and further years’ allocations would also be available mainly to provide additional secondary places.
84.4 Councillor Wealls noted that the programme included boiler replacement for a number of schools, and asked whether the Council would consider borrowing money to enable more schools to have a new boiler installed which, through energy efficiency, could lead to savings. He also suggested that schools could be lent money to enable them to purchase solar panels. The Executive Director of Children’s Services said that there was already an established scheme to lend schools money where necessary, and all requests would be considered.
84.5 Councillor Pissaridou noted the cost of expanding existing schools and asked if it would not be cheaper to build a new school. The Head of Education Planning and Contracts said that the issue with building a new school/s was finding the right location as well as the cost.
84.6 Resolved:
(1) That the level of available capital resources totalling £18.383 million for investment relating to education buildings financed from capital grant, revenue contributions and reserves set aside for primary places be noted.
(2) That the Committee agreed the allocation of funding as shown in Appendices 1 and 2 and recommend this to Policy & Resources Committee on 19 March 2015 for inclusion within the Council’s Capital Investment Programme 2015/16.
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Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
(1) That the Committee noted the responses to the consultation undertaken in regard to the proposal to amalgamate Davigdor Infant and Somerhill Junior Schools in Hove to become an all through primary school with effect from 1 September 2015.
(2) That the Committee agreed to the publication of the required Statutory Notices to progress this proposal.
(3) That following the statutory notice period the matter is reported further to the meeting of Children and Young People Committee on 1 June 2015 for a final decision.
Minutes: 85.1 The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services on the proposal to amalgamate Davigdor Infant and Somerhill Junior Schools in Hove, into an all through primary school from 1 September 2015. The report confirmed the outcome of consultation on that proposal and sought approval to proceed to the next stage of the statutory process which was the publication of Statutory Notices. The report was introduced by the Head of Education Planning and Contracts.
85.2 RESOLVED:
(1) That the Committee noted the responses to the consultation undertaken in regard to the proposal to amalgamate Davigdor Infant and Somerhill Junior Schools in Hove to become an all through primary school with effect from 1 September 2015.
(2) That the Committee agreed to the publication of the required Statutory Notices to progress this proposal.
(3) That following the statutory notice period the matter is reported further to the meeting of Children and Young People Committee on 1 June 2015 for a final decision.
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Childcare Sufficiency in Brighton & Hove Report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services (copy attached) Additional documents: Minutes: 86.1 The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services which informed the Committee about childcare sufficiency in Brighton & Hove, and on the progress regarding access to the early years free entitlement by eligible two year olds in the city. The report was introduced by the Childcare Strategy Manager.
86.2 Councillor Wealls asked if the Authority had a responsibility to provide childcare, and was advised that it was responsible for ensuring there was sufficient provision in the city.
86.3 Councillor Pissaridou noted that a parental survey to determine childcare demand was not carried out and asked why. The Childcare Strategy Manager said that as other data did not indicate a general shortage of childcare it was decided that it would have been too expensive and time consuming.
86.4 Councillor Simson noted that Childminding provision in East Brighton was very low and asked why that was. The Childcare Strategy Manager said it was probably to do with demand, but noted that other Childcare provision in that area was high.
86.5 RESOLVED:
That the Committee:
(1) Noted the publication of Brighton & Hove’s Childcare Sufficiency Assessment and how the Local Authority is securing sufficient childcare places.
(2) Noted the position regarding access to the early years free entitlement by eligible two year olds. |
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Brighton & Hove Children's Services Participation & Engagement Strategy 2015 - 2018 Report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
(1) That the Committee agreed to the draft Participation and Engagement Strategy.
(2) That the Committee agreed to a final period of consultation with key stakeholders.
(3) That the Committee delegated to the Director of Children’s Services responsibility for finalising and implementing the strategy through the Council’s commissioning, business planning and partnership arrangements. Minutes: 87.1 The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services, which provided a draft of the Children’s Service Participation and Engagement Strategy. The report was introduced by the Assistant Director of Children’s Services Stronger Families Youth and Communities and the Practice Manager, Participation.
87.2 Mr Glazebrook asked if the consultation process had been agreed. The Assistant Director of Children’s Services Stronger Families Youth and Communities said that discussions had taken place, but no final format had been agreed.
87.3 Mr Jones noted that the draft Strategy made reference to ‘Champions’, and asked who that would be. He was advised that that would include anyone who was able to promote the Strategy such as Councillors, Parent Representatives, and members of the Voluntary Sector etc.
87.4 RESOLVED:
That the Committee:
(1) Agreed to the draft Participation and Engagement Strategy
(2) Agreed to a final period of consultation with key stakeholder as described in paragraph 5.4 of the report.
(3) Delegated to the Director of Children’s Services responsibility for finalising and implementing the strategy through the Council’s commissioning, business planning and partnership arrangements. |
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Items Referred For Council To consider items to be submitted to the 26 March 2015 Council meeting for information.
In accordance with Procedure Rule 24.3a, the Committee may determine that any item is to be included in its report to Council. In addition, any Group may specify one further item to be included by notifying the Chief Executive no later than 10am on the eighth working day before the Council meeting at which the report is to be made, or if the Committee meeting take place after this deadline, immediately at the conclusion of the Committee meeting
Minutes: 88.1 It was agreed that Item 83 The Pupil Premium in Brighton & Hove Schools be referred to the Council meeting due to be held on 26 March 2015 for information. |
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Part Two Minutes To consider the part two minutes of the meeting held on 12 January 2015. Minutes: 89.1 RESOLVED: That the Chair be authorised to sign the Part Two Minutes of the meeting held on 12 January 2015 as a correct record. |
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Part Two Proceedings Minutes: 90.1 RESOLVED: That the information contained in Item 89 remain exempt from disclosure to the press and public. |