Agenda and minutes

Venue: Brunswick Room - Guildhall, Bath. View directions

Contact: Mark Durnford  01225 394458

Items
No. Item

13.

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

14.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE

The Chair will draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out under Note 6.

 

Minutes:

The Chair drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

15.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND SUBSTITUTIONS

Minutes:

Councillors Cochrane and Millar had sent their apologies to the Panel. Councillors Hale and Romero were their respective substitutes for the duration of the meeting.

 

Rebecca Thompson, Youth Parliament Representative had also sent her apologies to the Panel.

16.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest,  (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officer or a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

Minutes:

There were none.

17.

TO ANNOUNCE ANY URGENT BUSINESS AGREED BY THE CHAIRMAN

Minutes:

There was none.

18.

ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC OR COUNCILLORS - TO RECEIVE DEPUTATIONS, STATEMENTS, PETITIONS OR QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS OF THIS MEETING

At the time of publication no notifications had been received.

 

Minutes:

Penny Hay and Dr Melanie Macer gave a presentation to the Panel on the subject of the Child Friendly City. A copy of the presentation can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book and online as an attachment to these minutes, a summary is set out below.

 

Vision for Bath and North East Somerset:

  Key aspect of the Creative and Cultural Strategy

  Current focus on public spaces, access to arts, culture and play opportunities and children making a contribution to their city

  Step change from viewing children as passive (or a burden) to ‘a vital city asset’ whose creativity and ideas can help develop solutions

  Children and young people as responsible, active and model citizens.

 

 

UNICEF Child Friendly Cities:

Global initiative to develop child friendly cities/communities

A child friendly city is actively engaged in fulfilling the potential of every young citizen to:

  Influence decisions about their city

  Develop leadership skills

  Participate in family, community and social life

  Walk safely in the streets on their own

  Meet friends and play responsibly

  Nurture green spaces for plants and animals

  Participate in cultural and social events 

 

History:

 

  Since 2013 the Bath Child Friendly City initiative has been driven by cultural and educational organisations: 5x5x5=creativity, Bath Area Cultural Forum, the egg theatre, Mentoring Plus, Bath Spa University and local schools

  Launch event with RSA Kickstarter Crowdsourcing 18 September 2013

  Forest of Imagination 2014 and 2015

  Intergenerational event with children and young people 1 October 2014

  Glow exhibition 2015 and on-going consultation with children and young people

  Proposed International Festival of Childhood 2017 with Save Childhood Movement


What would Bath and North East Somerset look like as a Child Friendly City and Community?

 

  Civic policies that have the ‘best interests of the child’ at their heart

  Children have a voice in decisions which affect them and are actively engaged in discussions about their city/community

  All children have access to the arts and cultural life of the city

  Children feel connected with and across their city and community

  Children feel a sense of belonging and pride in their local environment

  Children feel safe in the streets and in public spaces

  Children are visible in the city and are respected as equal citizens

  Children have the freedom (relative to their age) to move about the city/community independently 


Learn to Lead (LtoL):

 

  An innovative approach to children and young people’s (C&YP) participation that redefines our understanding of ‘leadership’

  A leadership model based on co-production, providing participation opportunities for all C&YP, whatever their campaign, enterprise, passion or concern

 

 

Impact of LtoL on pupils’ experiences and outcomes (a pilot):

 

  Using existing and new data, co-generated with LtoL pupils

  Trialling collaboration of LtoL with a new instrument to deliver metrics for ‘learning power’ and pro-social skills

  Informing development of larger scale research

 

A proposal for research in B&NES:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

Additional documents:

19.

MINUTES - 15th July 2015 pdf icon PDF 115 KB

Minutes:

The Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning advised that on page four of the minutes that it should read Bath Spa University in relation to the comments relating to Attachment Aware.

 

The Panel confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record with this amendment and they were duly signed by the Chair.

20.

Primary School & Young People Parliaments pdf icon PDF 76 KB

This is the third year the Primary and Young Parliaments have been convened, they give children and young people the valuable opportunity to meet and debate a chosen theme, present their workshop discussions to the assembly and vote on the presentations, the theme chosen for the  Parliaments was ‘Me, Myself, My School’.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Strategic Commissioning Officer introduced this item to the Panel. She explained that this year the theme for the event was Me, Myself, My School and that there had been a very good representation from schools across B&NES, 34 Infant, Junior and Primary schools attended as did one independent school, bringing with them a total of 116 pupils and 11 Secondary schools were represented by 55 pupils.

 

She informed the Panel of the key points from the event.

 

Key Stage 1:

 

  • More opportunities for Year 6 Pupils to work with Key Stage 1 pupils, reading to reception, coming into classes  to help, supporting in the playground.
  • Better playtimes.

 

Key Stage 2:

 

  • More outdoor learning opportunities.
  • Pupils and teachers to collaborate more in planning.
  • Pupils to be given and take more responsibility.
  • Introduction of a Traffic Lights system for pupils to mark their work before handing it in. Red / Amber / Green to indicate to teachers how well pupils have understood or enjoyed a lesson or activity.
  • To have more opportunity to be active.
  • Accepting yourself for who you are.

 

Young Parliament:

 

  • MYP to visit School Leadership Teams early in the Autumn Term to discuss how pupils could be more involved in the running of schools.
  • PSHE to be more reflective of well-being and next steps in life post 16.

 

The Drug & PSHE Consultant addressed the Panel. She explained that St Mark’s School, Bath was chosen as the host school for this year’s Young Parliament and that a core group of pupils from St Mark’s, under the direction of Ms Stella Pakeman, Student Leadership, helped with the coordination and running of the day.

 

She said that the reports from both Parliaments would be sent to all schools to inform them of the outcomes.

 

She added that the matter of safety was mentioned in the Key Stage 1 discussions and that the work of the Equalities Teams within school could be utilised.

 

She said that pupils that took part in the Young Parliament wanted to become more involved in the work of the school, including recruitment and attending leadership meetings. They also wanted to see a wider range of pupils involved in this work.

 

The Chair commented that the students will see the true worth of the event when their recommendations are implemented. She added that future reports on this subject should give details on the effects of the previous year’s recommendations.

 

Councillor Dine Romero suggested that pupils could be invited to attend a future meeting of the Panel to discuss any changes that have occurred as a result of the Parliaments.

 

Councillor Alan Hale commented that as fear / safety was mentioned in both reports does the policing level of the area need to be looked at.

 

The Chair said that she would feed those comments back through her role on the Police & Crime Panel.

 

The Drug & PSHE Consultant commented that the results of the SHEU (Schools Health Education Unit) survey would show further information in relation to pupils  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

21.

School Admissions pdf icon PDF 62 KB

This report provides a briefing on the pattern of admissions to Primary and Secondary Schools in September 2015.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Parent Support Services Manager introduced this item to the Panel. He informed them that a total of 88% of Bath and North East Somerset primary children were offered their 1st preference school compared to 92.83% in September 2014, however a total of 98% of Bath and North East Somerset children were offered one of their overall preferences. He added that a total of 95% of Bath and North East Somerset secondary children were offered their 1st preference school compared to 93.62% in September 2014, however a total of 99% of Bath and North East Somerset children were offered one of their overall preferences.

 

The Chair gave her congratulations to the officers for achieving the levels they had done for this academic year. She commented that she would like to have the School Admissions booklet circulated with the report for next year.

 

Councillor Liz Hardman asked what could be done to increase the intake at less popular schools.

 

The Parent Support Services Manager replied that he was unsure what to suggest as it was down to a choice of preference.

 

Councillor Liz Hardman asked what happens to pupils in the rural area that do not get their preferred place.

 

The Parent Support Services Manager replied that home to school transport may be offered in certain cases.

 

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if PAN levels took into account of the proposed new housing developments.

 

The Parent Support Services Manager replied that PAN levels do take these proposals into account. He added that the Council was not the admission authority for Secondary Schools and therefore their numbers could increase. He commented that places within Studio Schools were now available to pupils in Year 10, but that he was not aware of a high number of applications through the Council.

 

The Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning added that it was a little early to tell of their impact, but that three were now open equating to 900 places.

 

Councillor Dine Romero asked if within future reports there could an appendix in relation to Studio Schools.

 

The Chair asked how places for children with Special Educational Needs were allocated.

 

The Parent Support Services Manager replied that places would be allocated as long their preference was stated on their statement or educational health plan. He added that officers would liaise with the Council’s SEN Team during the admissions process.

 

The Panel RESOLVED to note the pattern of admissions to Primary and Secondary Schools in September 2015.

22.

Draft School Improvement and Achievement Policy pdf icon PDF 67 KB

This report is for information and provides an update to the Panel on the revised School Improvement Policy.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Education Improvement introduced this item to the Panel. She explained that it is a requirement that all local authorities set out in policy how they fulfil their statutory functions in relation to supporting school improvement.

 

She added that all Local Authorities are subject to Ofsted Inspection of their School Improvement functions. She stated that a School Improvement Policy was in place and had been revised in 2013. Following new guidance issued by Ofsted in November 2014 on how it will conduct the inspection of Local Authority’s statutory function for school improvement, it was necessary to revise our policy to meet these new requirements.  Officers have consulted with key partners to raise awareness of the new requirements and ensure that the revised policy is compliant.

 

She stated that protocols for working with academies and free schools were set out within Appendix A of the report and that it was the ambition of the Council for all children to be able to attend a ‘Good’ school.

 

The Chair commented that the focus on collaboration was welcome.

 

Councillor Liz Hardman asked how many Senior School Improvement Advisers (SSIA) there were.

 

The Head of Education Improvement replied that there were two and that they would visit all Primary schools as part of this work. She added that they have no statutory right to work with academies or free schools, but they have approached them and indications are that they would welcome taking part in a similar piece of work.

 

She added that under the new Ofsted framework, from September 2015, ‘Good’ schools can be subject to a one day visit with the emphasis on showing their current progress. She said that in some schools SEN provision was key to pupil behaviour and progress.

 

The Chair asked if the Panel could be issued with data as to the turnover of Headteachers, Deputy Heads and Chairs of Governors within B&NES.

 

The Head of Education Improvement said she sure that information would be available in relation to Headteachers and Chairs of Governors.

 

The Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning commented that he thought this figure would be low.

 

The Panel RESOLVED to note the revised School Improvement Policy.

23.

New Schools Briefing pdf icon PDF 117 KB

The Panel will receive a presentation on this item.

Minutes:

The Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning gave a presentation to the Panel regarding this item, a brief summary is set out below.

 

Introduction

 

The Local Authority has an ongoing statutory duty (s14 Ed Act 1996) to ensure sufficient school places when and where needed.

 

Population growth and housing developments require a substantial programme of school expansions and creation of new schools.

 

Place Planning

 

School Organisation Plan details current and projected pupil numbers in each area.

 

Uses current pupil numbers/trends, birth data, knowledge of planned housing developments formulae for pupil yield.

 

Consider feasibility of expanding intake of local schools by remodelling/building.

 

Use ‘bulge’ classes where appropriate.

 

Funding

 

Revenue:

-  Direct Schools Grant (formula)

-  Short-term support

Capital:

-  DfE Basic Need Grant

-  Developer contributions

  -  Section 106

  -  Community Infrastructure Levy

 

Working with developers

 

eg Somerdale, Foxhill/Mulberry Park – Single developer builds school.

eg Ensleigh – Multiple developers plus underlying growth, LA builds school.

Free School route – can gain approval independently and identify premises or seek DfE capital.

 

Who will run the new schools?

 

Free Schools, with prescribed process for appointment of new school operators/sponsors.

Local Authority invites expressions of interest and may identify a preferred bidder to DfE.

Secretary of State for Education decides and informs successful bidder.

 

Applicants must demonstrate

 

  an ambitious vision of educational excellence for all children

  high quality leadership and management

  strong, effective and dynamic governance

  leadership capacity and high quality professional standards to sustain improvement

  welfare and safeguarding of children are paramount

  robust and effective financial management

 

 

Timeline

 

Launch of process:  10 July

Open event:  18 Sept

Closing date:  16 Oct

Interviews:  Nov

DfE decision  Feb 16?

School open  Sep 17

 

Councillor Dine Romero asked if the potential for expandability was considered when developing new schools.

 

The Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning replied that they would look to futureproof sites where possible.

 

Councillor Dine Romero asked who pays for the running of the Free School competition.

 

The Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning replied that it is a statutory process that the Council must pay for.

 

Councillor Karen Warrington asked how accurate the formula that we use regarding place planning is.

 

The Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning replied that it is as good as we can get it and that we do compare our previous analysis.

 

Councillor Karen Warrington asked if any plans were in place to accept any refugee children.

 

The Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning replied that there were no plans in place at the current time.

 

The Chair thanked him for the presentation on behalf of the Panel.

24.

Cabinet Member Update

The Cabinet Member will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions.

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Michael Evans addressed the Panel.

 

He said that he initially saw the role of the Child Friendly City Project Manager as a voluntary role.

 

The Chair asked if he felt the Government should review the statutory responsibility duties for schools with regard to Local Authorities given the rise in the number of academies.

 

Councillor Michael Evans replied that he felt this was still an evolving relationship and praised the role of the Council as a facilitator within the Schools Forum. He added that in his opinion it was too early to approach the LGA.

 

The Chair stated that there is a 17% drop in people entering the teaching profession and a potential national crisis in the recruitment of teachers. Given that the high cost of living in Bath already acts as disincentive to many younger teachers; have you considered how we are to maintain our supply of teachers?

 

Councillor Michael Evans replied that there was not a problem level currently with teacher numbers locally and that he did not feel that house prices were a big concern.

 

Councillor Alan Hale said that through another role he had experienced a lack of respect from pupils within another Council and asked if teachers had the backing of the Local Authority to address discipline measures.

 

Councillor Liz Hardman said that this was not reflective of schools within B&NES and said that she felt that we still had the ability to attract teachers. She added that she was concerned for the workload of teachers and was worried about the accountability of academies.

 

Councillor Michael Evans said that he was exploring the possibility of holding a Teacher’s Day as he had seen examples of this in Asia.

 

He informed the Panel that Community Play Services in Bath and Norton Radstock alongside Specialist Family Support were to be combined and recommissioned as the Family Support & Play Service.

 

He stated that plans for a Children’s Services Staff Mutual were no longer in the pipeline as the requirement to pay VAT at 20% was deemed too much.

 

He said that he had some discussion with officers over his proposed project of introducing a physical fitness test within schools.

 

Councillor Dine Romero commented that the previous administration had done a lot of work to promote fitness and healthy weight within schools and said that as there were a growing number of pupils with body image issues that we should be careful with how this is promoted. She added that she was disappointed to hear the news regarding the Staff Mutual.

 

She suggested whether the funding for a Child Friendly City Project Manager could come from a range of partners.

 

The Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning said that the Panel would receive a report regarding the Staff Mutual in the future.

 

The Chair asked if the Cabinet Member would share with the Panel his forward plan of decisions so that they could enhance their role.

25.

People and Communities Strategic Director's Briefing

The Panel will receive a verbal update on this item from the People and Communities Strategic Director.

Minutes:

The Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning delivered the briefing in the absence of the People and Communities Strategic Director.

 

Learning Setting and School Performance

 

The Head of Education Improvement will present a report to a future meeting once the outcomes have been validated across each Key Stage/Phase.  However, across the system there are early indications of a good level of improvement in performance in the Early Years and Foundation Stage, Key Stage One, GCSE and at ‘A’ Level. Key Stage 2 performance shows a slight decline and we will be analysing the detail of this with schools to look at how we secure improvement for the 2015-16 academic year.

 

In terms of Pupil Premium/Non Pupil Premium performance there is clear evidence of a narrowing of the gap.  Again once detailed data is validated we will bring a detailed report and presentation to the PDS Panel.

 

The Chair asked if schools published their use and outcomes of Pupil Premium.

 

The Head of Education Improvement replied that she believed that they did and that officers do periodically check their websites.

 

Future Educational Landscape

 

The authority has an Academies and Free Schools Policy which is due for review and we will need to engage with schools to carry out this review and discuss with them future models of organisation.

 

We have done a substantial amount of work to broker and develop school to school collaboration to support school improvement and to utilise skills and experience across our schools.  Many schools are now in partnership to share resources and expertise and it seems an appropriate time to open up a discussion about how we take such partnership further.  PDS Panel may wish to have a discussion about this work as we engage with schools and partners.

 

Children’s and Adult Social Care – IT Systems

 

The Council procured a new case management system for both Children and Adult Social Care services.  Extensive work has been done to ensure a smooth implementation of the new system which is called Liquidlogic.  The new Children’s system will ‘go live’ on 25 November and Adults system will follow April/May 2016.

 

The new system will be a more intuitive system and support Social Work more effectively. Extensive service-wide training in the new system begins this week and will roll through to 25 November.

 

The Adult system will take into account all of the changes resulting from the Care Act and will help us to manage the increase in workload associated with these reforms.

 

Youth Connect

 

The new service is now fully in place which brings together the Youth Service and Connections following the decision to bring the small Connexions Service back within the Council.  Tracey Pike will lead this new service under the line management of Sally Churchyard.

 

The Chair thanked him for the briefing and commented that she would like to see more financial information within the reports that the Panel receives. She asked if there was a list of services that the Council now trades  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

26.

Panel Workplan pdf icon PDF 118 KB

This report presents the latest workplan for the Panel. Any suggestions for further items or amendments to the current programme will be logged and scheduled in consultation with the Panel’s Chair and supporting officers.

 

Minutes:

The current workplan for the Panel was approved as printed.