SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (LIFELONG LEARNING)

 

 

MINUTES of a meeting held on 18th February, 2008.

 

Present:  Councillor A.D. Hampton (Chairman); Councillor E. Hacker (Vice-Chairman); Councillors Mrs. M.E.J. Birch, Ms. R.M. Birch, P. Church, J. Clifford, Miss. J. Cole, A.D. Dobbinson, A.M. Ernest, F.T. Johnson, G.C. Kemp, Mrs. S.I. Sharpe, B.I. Shaw, S.T. Wiliam and E.T. Williams.

 

Non-Voting Observers: Mr. T. Cox and Mr. G. Beaudette.

 

In attendance: Councillor N.J. Gibbs.

 

 

790     APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE –

 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor A.G. Powell.

 

 

791     MINUTES –

 

RECOMMENDED – T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 21st January, 2008 be approved as a correct record.

 

 

792     DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST –

 

The following Councillors declared the nature of their interest, being governors of schools within the Vale of Glamorgan, it being noted that the Standards Committee on 9th September and 21st October, 2004, 13th January, 2005 and 5th February, 2007 had granted them a general dispensation to vote upon any matters to be considered by the Scrutiny Committee (Lifelong Learning) in relation to matters of a general education nature in terms of policy, plans, policy framework and budgets etc.

 

Councillors A.D. Hampton, E. Hacker, Mrs. M.E.J. Birch, Ms. R.M. Birch, P. Church, J. Clifford, Miss. J. Cole, A.D. Dobbinson, A.M. Ernest, F.T. Johnson, G.C. Kemp, B.I. Shaw, S.T. Wiliam, E.T. Williams and N.J. Gibbs.

 

Councillors Miss. J. Cole, J. Clifford, Mrs. S.I. Sharpe and E.T. Williams declared an interest in that part of Agenda Item No. 6 that related to Cowbridge Comprehensive School in view of their membership of the Trust Committee.

 

 

793     GRAFFITI –

 

A request for consideration of this matter had been made to the Scrutiny Committees Economy and Environment, Community Wellbeing and Safety and Lifelong Learning.  The matter had firstly been considered by the Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment) at its meeting on 15th January, 2008.  The reason for the request had been to examine the best methods of preventing graffiti, managing it and in order that stakeholders such as police the youth service and other relevant parties could be invited to attend to look for solutions.  The representatives who attended the Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment) meeting advised that close working relationships currently existed with agencies and had proved effective in certain areas through the targeting of specific locations and subsequent identification of key perpetrators.  This was coupled with the ongoing monitoring of the area and expeditious removal of any graffiti in the areas together with continuing dialogue with perpetrators, schools and the public in general as to their involvement in engendering a sense of community responsibility.  A survey had been undertaken of the environmental quality in the Vale by Keep Wales Tidy in October 2007 which had indicated that graffiti was recorded on 22% of the 6% of the streets surveyed.  The report had also indicated that the range of environmental problems such as graffiti were more prevalent in areas such as Barry.  With regard to technical solutions for the prevention and removal of graffiti it was stated that depending on the nature of the service (porous or non-porous) and the type of application, medium/type of paint a number of methods were available namely high pressure washing, the application of solvent based solutions in liquid, gel or aerosol form, painting over the offending graffiti and the removal of the structure that was the subject of graffiti.  Trials that had previously been carried out by the Visible Services section on pedestrian underpasses using special anti-graffiti coatings had proved unsuccessful.  Attention was drawn to the fact that the nature of the chemical used for graffiti removal would also prevent a problem for working with current partners because of the age group carrying out the work within the Y.O.S. (Youth Offending Service).  Members considered that the simple painting over of graffiti was considered to be a very cost effective and efficient way of dealing with the matter although it was also considered that the devotion of more monies into the Youth Service to offer more activities to young people may assist in tackling the cause of graffiti.

 

 Having considered the matter, the Scrutiny Committee

 

RECOMMENDED -

 

(1)       T H A T the recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment) as below be endorsed:-

 

·           That a further report examining the variety of technical solutions available relating to the prevention and/or the removal of graffiti be made to a subsequent meeting, preceded by a feasible and physical demonstration of products used.

·           That given the expeditious removal of graffiti was considered to be a prime motivator as regards a reduction in such incidents consideration be given to the Council taking a lead in raising public awareness of ways in which graffiti could be prevented or removed by publishing such information through its website and/or Vale Waves for example, such information to be subject to a disclaimer that the Council accepted no liability in respect of the effectiveness of such products nor for any subsequent damage to property occasioned as a consequence of their use.

 

(2)       T H A T the Committee fully supports the strenuous efforts of the Graffiti Removal Team and commends it actions.

 

(3)       T H A T Cabinet be urged to formalise the present voluntary actions of the Graffiti Removal Team.

 

(4)       T H A T Cabinet be requested to consider an increase in the funding of the Youth Service.

 

Reasons for recommendations

 

(1)       To allow for further information to be presented to Members and to offer a public service.

 

(2)       To record the Committee’s appreciation of the work of the Graffiti Removal Team whose work is accomplished largely through the voluntary work of its members.

 

(3)       To put the work of the Graffiti Removal Team on a formal basis.

 

(4)       The availability of more activities to young people may assist in tackling the cause of graffiti.

 

 

794     PUPILS EDUCATED OTHER THAN AT SCHOOL (DLD) –

 

Committee were advised of the arrangements which applied for children educated other than in school within the Vale of Glamorgan.

 

It was reported that the law required all parents to ensure that their children receive an efficient, full time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.  The law allowed parents to educate their children at home instead of sending them to school if they fulfilled certain conditions.  Parents who educated their children at home did so for a number of reasons, possibly based on firm convictions about education.

 

The Council needed to be satisfied that a child was receiving suitable education at home, and a specialist teacher would ask to meet with the family in order to talk to the parent and to look at examples of work and learning.  LEAs had no automatic right of access to a parents home.  Alternatively, parents could provide information that an appropriate education was being provided in another form, such as a written report.

 

Where it appeared that a child of compulsory school age was not receiving efficient or suitable full-time education, the LEA was under a duty to serve a notice on the parent requiring them to satisfy the authority that their child was receiving an education “otherwise than at school”.  If the parent’s reply was unsatisfactory, or if they failed to reply, the LEA could issue a School Attendance Order.  LEA’s could also apply to the court for a child assessment should they have reasonable cause to do so.

 

It was reported that some 28 children within the Vale of Glamorgan were being educated at home, and that 24 of these had been seen by the LEA at least once per term.

 

Whilst accepting the principle of Home Education for children, Members of the Committee expressed the view that a child’s rights to a satisfactory education may not be adequately satisfied at present in view of the lack of continuous assessment.  Committee were advised that this was an issue being supported by the Education Welfare Officer’s Group on a national basis.  The most significant issue was the LEA’s lack of knowledge of a child.

 

RECOMMENDED –

 

(1)       T H A T the contents of the report be noted.

 

(2)       T H A T Committee receive regular updates.

 

(3)       T H A T Cabinet be requested to consider ways in which officers of the Council can monitor the performance of children educated at home more frequently in order that the children’s progress can be better assessed.

 

(4)       T H A T Scrutiny Committee (Community Wellbeing and Safety) be asked to consider if all school-age children within the Vale of Glamorgan are known to the Council.

 

(5)       T H A T Cabinet be asked to make representations to WAG to ensure the right of LEA’s to better assess the performance of children educated at home.

 

Reasons for recommendations

 

(1)       To note the contents of the report.

 

(2)       To regularly inform Committee.

 

(3)       To better monitor the performance of children educated at home.

 

(4)       To ensure that all children of school age within the Vale of Glamorgan are known to the Council.

 

(5)       To better monitor the performance of children educated at home.

 

 

795     REVENUE AND CAPITAL MONITORING FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL, 2007 TO 31ST DECEMBER, 2007 (DLD) –

 

Committee’s attention was drawn to the position in respect of revenue and capital expenditure for the period 1st April, 2007 to 31st December, 2007 regarding those revenue and capital budgets which formed the Committee’s remit. 

 

The projected outturn for the 2007/08 Revenue Budget was shown in comparison with the amended budget and Appendix 1 to the report.  The current forecast was for a balanced budget for the Directorate. 

 

Schools – In accordance with regulations the Age Weighted Pupil Unit in respect of a pupil permanently excluded is transferred from the excluding school to the receiving provision.  The pupil is taken off role and transferred to the Education Otherwise role.  Hence, a further in-year budget adjustment of £4,000 between Schools and Access and Inclusion.  The delegated budget relating to schools was expected to balance as any under/overspend was carried forward by schools.

 

Education Service – As previously reported, there was a projected underspend on the Education Budget which would be used to fund overspend elsewhere in the Directorate.  Although there were a number of pressures on the service, the expenditure on placements in independent schools included in the Access and Inclusion budget was forecast to be £130,000 less than was estimated.  This was due to a number of pupils returning to placements within the Authority.  At present there was also potential additional income of £350,000 as a result of more out of county pupils.  However, given the volatile nature of this budget the income was not considered secure at this time.  In addition, within the Strategic Planning and Performance Budget as a result of the combination of a recent re-tendering exercise on certain home to school transport routes and contract inflation for all other routes being lower than expected, there was a projected saving of £137,000 on home to school transport.  The Education base budget currently included £450,000 to support the School Investment Strategy.  In 2007/08 the budget would be used to help fund the costs of the external design team.  From 2008/09 it would be available to support Prudential borrowing.  Any further savings that were realised by the end of the financial year would also be available to further support the School Investment Strategy.

 

Grant related expenditure – Additional Welsh Assembly funded grant of £81,130 for 14-19 Learning Pathways had been received.  This was to be used to provide a Network Quality Champion, Audit of Provision, Learning Coach Training, Resources and Supply provision in schools. 

 

Libraries – This service was projected to outturn on target.

 

Lifelong Learning – An adverse variance of £137,000 was predicted for this service due to delay in starting the new learning programmes to the economically inactive and low enrolments over the summer period (£51,000), premises costs at the Heritage Skills Centre (£9,000) and the cost of the Vale Learning Network (£77,000).  Actions would be implemented in an effort to reduce this figure and consequently reduce the support needed from the Strategy and Performance Budget. 

 

Catering – An adverse variance of £90,000 was predicted for this service.  This was due to the reduced meal numbers not recovering to the previous levels and additional cost pressures on food and staff resources resulting from the implementation of Welsh Assembly Nutritional Guidelines.

 

With regard to the Capital Programme 2007/08, it was anticipated that the following schemes would not be completed on target. 

 

Nursery units – Progress on this scheme had been delayed pending the evaluation of the implementation of the Foundation Phase, whose introduction had been delayed until September 2008.  Cabinet had been requested to approve that the current budget of £120,000 be slipped into 2008/09. 

 

Upgrade Primary Schools (Cogan Hall Farm Development) – Approval was given for three schools to be extended in order to accommodate the anticipated additional pupils on the Cogan Hall Development.  Works at Evenlode were completed during the summer but a proposed demountable unit at Fairfield would not now be sited until April 2008 and internal alteration works at Victoria Primary would require the school to be vacated and as such it was planned to carry out the works over the summer holidays.  As a consequence, Cabinet had been requested to approve that the balance of £130,000 on this budget be slipped into 2008/09. 

 

RECOMMENDED – T H A T the position with regard to the 2007/08 Revenue and Capital Monitoring be noted.

 

Reason for recommendation

 

That Members are aware of the position with regard to the 2007/08 Revenue and Capital Monitoring relevant to this Scrutiny Committee.

 

 

796     QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORTS (DLD) –

 

RECOMMENDED – T H A T the Quarterly Performance Reports in respect of

 

·         Access and Inclusion

·         School Improvement

·         Strategy, Planning and Performance

·         Lifelong Learning

 

be noted.

 

Reason for recommendation

 

To note the Quarterly Performance Reports.

 

 

797     SCHOOL INVESTMENT STRATEGY – UPDATE (DLD) –

 

Committee were provided with an update on the School Investment Strategy, and the re-development of Cowbridge School.

 

It was reported that the external design consultants, Davies Langdon had commenced the design work for the new school in Cowbridge with an option appraisal, and were now progressing the design.  This would enable a full planning application to be submitted, as well as providing greater cost certainty.  In terms of working up the design, Davies Langdon would be aiming to maximise the proportion of new build as opposed to refurbishment, as well as ensuring the project was delivered as cost effectively as possible.  This would include the investigation of modular or other low cost design options.

 

The next stage would involve the Council approving the budget for the Cowbridge School Project to enable the finalising of the design and actual construction to take place.  This would permit the appropriate tendering process to take place.

 

RECOMMENDED – T H A T the contents of the report be noted.

 

Reason for recommendation

 

That Members are aware of progress.

 

 

798     FUNDING SHORTFALL – LETTER FROM BRIAN GIBBONS, AM, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT –

 

In response to its request for a meeting with Jane Hutt, AM, Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, Committee were advised of the contents of a letter received from Brian Gibbons, AM, Minister for Social Justice and Local Government:

 

Thank you for your letter of 11 December.  My apologies for the delay in replying.  Your letter invited the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills at attend a meeting of the Council’s Scrutiny Committee to explain the Welsh Assembly Government’s methodology for funding local government with particular reference to education.

 

As the Minister responsible for the local government settlement it is more appropriate that I respond to your letter.

 

Your letter states that the members of the Scrutiny Committee believe that the funding methodology used for determining the education IBA is responsible for the funding for education on your authority being lower relative to other authorities in Wales and that this is having a detrimental effect on the delivery of educational services within the Vale of Glamorgan.

 

The first point I should make is that the formula is used to determine an overall allocation of Revenue Support Grant and it is a matter for each authority to determine how it spends that money along with money raised through council tax to deliver the services it is responsible for.  Different authorities will have different circumstances and different priorities and are best placed to judge how to respond to these circumstances.

 

The second point I should make is that the underlying principle of the distribution formula is to equalise the resources available to the authorities in Wales taking into account the factors that determine the need to spend to deliver these services.  Factors such as the population, the number of pupils, the level of deprivation and the degree of sparsity within the authority.  The formula is agreed with local government through the Partnership arrangements between the Welsh Assembly Government and local authorities.  The formula is kept under review in order that it continues to be up to date and relevant.  Over the last five years we have worked hard to improve the transparency and understanding surrounding the distribution formula in order that we can engage in a more informed debate on the issues raised.  In particular we have embarked on a programme of work in relation to the education element of the formula to move the current formula onto a basis which is more forward looking than the current formula.

 

Given individual authorities discretion to allocate resources between services for which they are responsible I do not think that my attendance at the Committee would be helpful.  However, I look forward to meeting your council to discuss more general local government issues in the near future I am also happy for my officials to discuss with you the details of the current work programme on the distribution formula if you would find that helpful.

 

As you know, the Vale of Glamorgan will receive the largest increase of any authority in 2008-09 based on the final settlement I announced on 22 January.  Its increase of 3.7% compares with an average of 2.4% for the whole of Wales.

 

I am copying this reply to Jane Hutt AM.

 

 

RECOMMENDED – T H A T the response of the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government be noted.

 

 

799     MATTERS WHICH THE CHAIRMAN HAD DECIDED WERE URGENT –

 

RECOMMENDED – T H A T the following matters which the Chairman had decided were urgent for the reasons specified be considered.

 

 

800     CATERING SERVICES BUDGET –

 

Urgent by reason of the need to update Members on the latest projected position of the Catering Services Budget

 

Cabinet, on 13th February, 2008 were informed that the deficit of £120,000 on Primary School Meals had been caused by the increasing costs of meeting the WAG’s nutritional standards as well as a down-turn in uptake due to factors such as parental perception and media coverage.  It was also noted that meal prices within the Vale were relatively low in comparison with neighbouring authorities.  During 2007/08, a number of key measures had been taken to address the deficit, namely

 

·          more active promotion / marketing of school meals to improve uptake

·          increasing meal prices from September 2007

·          re-alignment of school kitchen staff with output of meals

·          review of administrative arrangements between Education and the Catering

           Service.

 

As a consequence, meal numbers had increased although the full year effect would not be realised until the 2008/09 financial year.  The above measures had resulted in the projected deficit being further reduced from £90,000 to £30,000.  It was noted that these projections were based on current levels of uptake and could change if there was a variation in uptake..

 

The review of School Catering was continuing by looking at the administrative arrangements in schools for the ongoing co-ordination of meals and collection of cash, it being envisaged that many of the processes could be streamlined and simplified.  Within the Secondary sector where school meals were delegated, five Secondary schools had elected to buy back into the Vale Catering Service.  The relationship between the Secondary schools buying back and Catering Service was also being reviewed.  With respect to Corporate / Hospitality and Welfare Catering, the review was looking at opportunities to rationalise administration.  A further report would be made in the first quarter of the new financial year which would provide a financial update as well as present ongoing progress with the Catering Review, the full impact of the above measures being expected to result in a balanced budget in 2008/09.

 

Cabinet had

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the report be accepted as a positive step to achieving a balanced budget in 2008/09.

 

(2)       T H A T a further report be submitted to Cabinet in the first quarter of 2008/09 of progress in achieving a balanced budget.

 

(3)       T H A T a more detailed report on the financial position be made to Cabinet at the earliest opportunity.

 

Having considered the report, Scrutiny Committee (Lifelong Learning)

 

RECOMMENDED – T H A T officers be congratulated for their efforts in reducing the Catering Service budget deficit.

 

Reason for recommendation

 

To recognise the efforts of officers.

 

 

801     14-19 LEARNING PATHWAYS (DLD) –

 

Urgent by reason of the need to update Scrutiny Committee on 14-19 development

 

The Learning Pathways Programme was designed to give each individual learner the opportunity to follow a learning pathway, which was tailored to meet their needs, in a structured and supportive way. 

 

There were six key elements to learning pathways,

 

·         individually tailored learning pathways that took account of the needs of the

          individual (within statutory requirements)

·         wider choice of relevant options

·         wider learning with encompassed skills, knowledge, understanding, values and

          experiences irrespective of the individuals chosen pathway

·         support from a specifically trained Learning Coach

·         access to personal support

·         impartial careers advice and guidance.

 

Each local authority was required to establish a 14-19 network and produce an annual development plan.  The plan must demonstrate how working collaboratively and strategically, the Network would address both the local and National agenda.  Within the Vale of Glamorgan, the 14-19 Network had worked effectively to develop arrangements to deliver the Assembly Government’s aspirations.  The Network comprised representative head teachers, Careers Wales, Barry College and other vocational education providers. 

 

The new curriculum had been well received by both schools and young people.  However, vocational options were expensive and there were many unresolved issues around sustainability. 

 

In an attempt to support these developments, the Welsh Assembly Government allocated funding annually to each local Network via the local authority. 

 

In the financial year 2006/2007 £4m. was allocated across Wales.  Of this, £398,000 had been received by the Network.

 

In 2007/2008, the figure across Wales had risen to £32m.  The Vale Network was in receipt of a total of £639,439, £115,160 Capital, £524,279 Revenue, £75k. of which was ring fenced to support to appointment of a co-ordinator.  Funding had been used to develop and introduce a range of new vocational opportunities for people.  These included construction trades, technology, health, catering in addition to a range of additional provision for special schools. 

 

In addition, the Network had been allocated £65k. to undertake a feasibility study in support of the development of a high quality 14-19 Learning Centre.  Plans for the Learning Centre were being developed and would be submitted to Cabinet for consideration.  Details of the proposals would be reported to a future Scrutiny Committee meeting.

 

The Vale of Glamorgan Network had made a submission for three further projects.  Funding had been secured for a project working in partnership with Cardiff 14-19 Network and Careers Wales.  The project was providing support for difficult to reach young people.  The person working with this young person was based in the Careers Office in Barry.

 

RECOMMENDED – T H A T the contents of the report be noted.

 

Reason for recommendation

 

To respond to a request from Scrutiny Committee Members.