Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors B Adams and Mrs P A Bradwell.

Mr Miller and Dr van der Zee (Added Members) also submitted apologies for absence.

Councillors C R Oxby, T M Trollope-Bellew, A H Turner MBE JP and R Wootten attended as Replacement Members in place of four of the five vacancies.

In respect of Agenda Item 6 – Proposal to Expand Kirton Primary School (Final Decision), Councillor Mrs S Ransome advised the Committee that she was a Governor of Kirton Primary School and would, therefore, take part in the debate but would abstain from voting.

RESOLVED

          That the minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee, held on 1 March 2013, be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

(Members are invited to suggest and discuss possibilities for future priorities for the Committee)

The Chairman explained that he would like to ascertain the views of new Members prior to receiving a presentation from officers introducing the work of the Children's Services Directorate.

Members were asked to complete a form with what they feel should be the main three priorities of the Committee.  Following this exercise, the Chairman asked that Members discuss their suggestions in groups of three, agreeing on  the top three priorities for their individual groups.

The Chairman thanked Members for their participation and advised that an analysis of the suggestions would be undertaken following the meeting and compared with the views of officers. 

RESOLVED

1.That an analysis of the suggested future priorities be undertaken and presented at the next meeting of the Committee.

(To receive a presentation from Debbie Barnes, Executive Director of Children's Services, which will provide the Committee with an introduction to Children's Services)

The Chairman invited Debbie Barnes, Executive Director of Children's Services, to give an introduction to Children's Services. 

The presentation provided an overview of the Children's Services Directorate, the vision of the team, principles followed, services provided, previous achievements and future priorities.  An explanation of resources within the department was also given.

During discussion, the following points were noted:-

·       It was explained that the target set in relation to Child Protection Plans was to be able to monitor, in future, that the early intervention measures implemented were appropriate and successful.  Although it was a target, this particular target was used more as a measure.

·       Operational and strategic discussions, with schools, continued in relation to Pupil Premium and how this could be best utilised.  Not all those eligible for this had signed up resulting in schools being unable to access the funding.  In order to promote the availability of Pupil Premium to parents, the School's Forum had requested that posters and leaflets be provided to schools explaining the benefits.

·       In relation to Troubled Families, a minimum of two indicators had to be met to be identified as a Troubled Family.  It was expected that the target figure of 400 families would be reached by the end of the year.  Significant numbers of families had made considerable progress but had not yet met the threshold for officers to be able to remove them as a troubled family.  An update was requested at a future meeting of the Committee.

·       Lincolnshire reported low numbers of children based in secure accommodation, although guidance and funding arrangements had recently changed.  LCC had proactively responded to the Government's shift in priorities and now have four approved foster carers who would accept children on remand.

·       Children placed in out-of-county facilities are generally those with complex or unique needs and require specialist skills to meet their needs, for example severe autism.   It was, therefore, need rather than cost when a decision was made to place a child out-of-county.

·       The number of children being placed in Lincolnshire special schools (Bourne specifically) from out-of-county was unavailable but officers agreed to provide this to Members at a future meeting.

RESOLVED

1.         That Special School Placements, including the number of children placed in Lincolnshire from out-of-county, be added to the Work Programme for a future meeting;

2.         That a Troubled Families Update be added to the Work Programme for a future meeting of the Committee;

3.         That a workshop be arranged for the Committee to provide greater detail of the performance targets covered by Children's Services.

(To receive a report from Debbie Barnes, Executive Director of Children's Services, which invites the Committee to consider the proposal to expand Kirton Primary School)

Michelle Andrews, Interim Head of Service – Property and Technology Management, introduced the report which invited the Committee to consider a report on the proposal to expand Kirton Primary School, due to be considered by the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health Services and Children's Services on 28 June 2013.

During discussion, the following points were noted:-

·       The proposed expansion was in conjunction with the capital process to ensure minimal disruption to the school by undertaking all the works together.

·       Members were reassured that the expansion of the school was to accommodate 630 existing pupils living in the area and would not destabilise any other schools in the vicinity as there was a need for that number of school places.

·       Sufficiency of school places remained a national strategic challenge which would eventually filter into secondary schools.  The main challenge for Local Authorities would be to find sufficient funds to be able to build enough secondary school places for the future.

·       School transport and travel to school were a concern for the Committee, although it was confirmed that eight miles was the maximum expected for any child to travel at primary level, although children may travel longer due to specific circumstances (i.e. special needs).  Measures were also being considered to limit parental travel by car and to encourage pupils to walk or cycle to school.  The Committee encouraged officers to include these proposals in the school travel plan.

RESOLVED

1.    That the Committee support the recommendation to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health Services and Children's Services as set out in Appendix 1 of agenda item 6;

2.    That the comments of the Committee in relation to school transport be relayed to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health Services and Children' Services for their consideration.

(To receive a report from Debbie Barnes, Executive Director of Children's Services, which invites the Committee to consider the proposal to expand Coningsby St Michael's Church of England Primary School)

The Government Guidance (Appendix 1A) for this item is the same as Appendix 1A to Report Number 6.0.  To avoid duplication, Members are asked to refer to this document where Appendix 1A is noted in Report Number 7.0.

Michelle Andrews, Interim Head of Service – Property and Technology Management, introduced the report which invited the Committee to consider a report on the proposal to expand Coningsby St Michael's Church of England Primary School due to be considered by the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health Services and Children's Services on 28 June 2013.

During discussion the following points were noted:-

·       Reassurance was given that work had been undertaken in close liaison with the leadership team in the school.  As the school had a new Headteacher, it was felt they would be focussing on school standards as well as the expansion.

·       When considering the Needs Analysis a balance to increase numbers to Coningsby and Tattershall without destabilising other schools in the area had to be achieved.  The proposal was to increase places within that community and, although parental concerns had been raised around building at Coningsby only, the Council had responded to these concerns and were progressing an expansion at Tattershall as well.

·       The numbers quoted within the proposal were based on the demographic currently based in the area.

·       The new Headteacher and their team had been working closely with the parents who had expressed concerns to explain the future plans going forward.  All concerns or objections made during the consultation had been considered, however.

·       The Committee were content with the proposals and confirmed that they had no comments for consideration by the Executive Councillor.

RESOLVED

1.    That the Committee support the recommendation to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health Services and Children's Services as set out in Appendix 1 of agenda item 7.

11.30am – Councillor S Ransome left the meeting at this point and did not return.

(To receive a report from Debbie Barnes, Executive Director of Children's Services, which invites the Committee to consider the proposal for a new primary Academy in Bourne)

The Chairman welcomed Mrs C A Edwards (Headteacher), Mr Kirkman (Chair of Governors) and Mr D Pickering (Vice-Chair of Governors), of Bourne Primary Academy, to the meeting.

Michelle Andrews, Interim Head of Service – Property and Technology Management, introduced the report which invited the Committee to consider a report on the proposal for a new Primary Academy in Bourne due to be considered by the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health Services and Children's Services on 28 June 2013.

The Chairman then invited Mrs Edwards to address the Committee.

During discussion the following points were noted:-

·       The Committee received confirmation that the school would provide an inclusive environment, welcoming children with varying religious beliefs as well as those with none. 

·       The impact on secondary schools as a result of increasing capacity in primary schools was discussed.  It was expected that secondary school pressure would be reached by 2016 and, although Further Education Colleges could take pupils from the age of 14, further consideration on the impact on secondary school places would have to be given.

·       Mrs Edwards confirmed that they were working with all primary schools in Bourne to develop joint training.  They were also providing some informal support to another Primary Academy in Bourne, including their school council.

·    The Committee were content with the proposals and confirmed that they had no comments for consideration by the Executive Councillor.

RESOLVED

1.    That the Committee support the recommendation to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health Services and Children's Services as set out in Appendix 1 of agenda item 8.

(To receive a report from Debbie Barnes, Executive Director of Children's Services, which provides the Committee with a summary of Quarter 4 2012/13 performance for Children and Young People for each Performance Indicator)

Debbie Barnes, Director of Children's Services, introduced the report which provided the Committee with a summary of Quarter 4 2012/13 performance for Children and Young People, following which Members were offered the opportunity to attend a workshop which would explain, in detail, the performance indicators included within the report, prior to the next meeting.

12.30pm – Councillors L Wootten, R Wootten and Mrs Olivier-Townrow left the meeting at this point and did not return.

During discussion the following points were noted:-

·                It was explained that, although not statistically significant, certain targets were set at 100% to ensure that the team strives to reach them as they are extremely significant in children's services and the support provided to children.  For other targets, a wider variation of target range was set.

·                Indicator CS117 (% 16-19 teenage mothers in EET) – officers were generally made aware of teenagers in this group being mothers through conversation.  As this particular indicator was 'owned' by Public Health, it was suggested that they be engaged to clarify the position and to invite them to a future meeting.

·                Information relating to the comparisons of permanent exclusions in academies against maintained schools was requested.  The outcome of the recent review had resulted in 15 recommendations.  It had been agreed that a review of these recommendations would be brought to the Committee in September/October 2013.

·                Following discussion it was agreed to add the issue of pupils eligible for Free School Meals to the Work Programme.

RESOLVED

1.    That the content of the Performance Report be noted;

2.         That a workshop be arranged to provide the Committee with further information around the Performance Indicators;

3.         That Free School Meals/Pupil Premium be added to the Work Programme for a future meeting.

At 12.50pm Councillors B W Keimach and J R Hicks left the meeting and did not return.

(To receive a report by Debbie Barnes, Executive Director of Children's Services, which provides the Committee with an update on the work of the Corporate Parenting Panel)

The Assistant Director for Children's Services, Janice Spencer, introduced the report which provided the Committee with the previous minutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel.  It was explained that the prime responsibility of the Corporate Parenting Panel was to work with foster carers, adoptive parents and relevant officers in order to ensure that arrangements for the safety and welfare of looked after children and care leavers were in accordance with what any good parent would want for their own child.

It was proposed that a workshop be held, for the new members of the Corporate Parenting Panel and all members of the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee, which would cover fostering, adoption, Looked After Children (LAC), visiting members, private fostering and residential accommodation.  It was planned to hold this workshop prior to the next meeting of the Corporate Parenting Panel, scheduled for Thursday 18^th July 2013.

Committee members were asked to advise their Group Leaders if they would be interested in sitting on the Corporate Parenting Panel.  The Clerk to the Committee would then contact Group Leaders asking for their nominations.

RESOLVED

1.    That the report be noted;

2.         That Members contact their Group Leader to express their interest in becoming a member of the Corporate Parenting Panel.

(To receive a report by Tracy Johnson, Scrutiny Officer, which provides the Scrutiny Committee with an introduction on the work of the Sub-Group)

Tracy Johnson, Scrutiny Officer, introduced the report which provided the Committee with the previous minutes of the Safeguarding Boards Scrutiny Sub-Group.  Members of this sub-group also attended the Strategic Safeguarding Adults Board and Safeguarding Children Board on a rotational basis.

Committee members were asked to advise their Group Leaders if they would be interested in sitting on the Safeguarding Boards Scrutiny Sub-Group.  Democratic Services would then contact Group Leaders asking for their nominations.

RESOLVED

1.    That the report be noted;

2.         That Members contact their Group Leader to express their interest in becoming a member of the Safeguarding Boards Scrutiny Sub-Group.

(To receive a report by Tracy Johnson, Scrutiny Officer, which provides the Committee with an opportunity to consider its work programme)

Tracy Johnson, Scrutiny Officer, presented the Committee's work programme for 2013 and advised that this would be amended to reflect the priorities of the Committee from the exercise undertaken at the beginning of this meeting.

At the next meeting, the Committee would be asked to consider three pre-decision scrutiny items.

RESOLVED

1.    That the contents of the work programme be noted.