Agenda and minutes

To receive  apologies for absence (if any)

Apologies for lateness received from Councillors Oakes and Vanier

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of urgent business. Late items will be considered under the agenda item where they appear. New items will be dealt with at item      below.

None received.

A member with a personal interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered must disclose to that meeting the existence and nature of that interest at the commencement of that consideration, or when the interest becomes apparent.

A member with a personal interest in a matter also has a prejudicial interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public, with knowledge of the relevant facts, would reasonably regard as so significant that it is likely to prejudice the member’s judgement of the public interest.

There were no such declarations.

To note the scope and terms of reference for the Scrutiny Review.

It was agreed that in addition to the meetings already proposed one be convened with local service partners. Also Members were reminded that they were invited to a Steering Group of the Network Learning Communities on 31 October 2006.

To update the panel on the progress of extended services development in Haringey schools.

Officers gave an update on the current position and progress in developing services.  The Panel noted that it was the responsibility of the Authority to identify local partners but School Governing Bodies had responsibility for the contractual arrangements. Governing Bodies were also responsible for CRB checks and site safety. The Panel was informed of potential issues regarding using schools for community access where PFI funding was involved. However some schools i.e. Gladesmore were able to operate activities at the weekend by specifying that it was a core curriculum activity.

The Panel was pleased to note that the Authority had designated 16 schools to the DfES as providing the minimum core offer of extended services. This exceeded the target for September 2006 by 4. The target for 2007 was 25% of schools.

The Panel noted the relevance of recent legislation such as Children Act 2004 and Childcare Act 2006 which when implemented would place a requirement on Authorities to ensure that there was sufficient childcare provision in their area. A key challenge for 2010 was to provide sufficient quality affordable childcare provision.

The Panel was informed that 8 more new Children’s Centres would be developed by 2008 giving a total of 18. They would be strategically based and provide high quality integrated provision for the care and development of young children. The development of three Children’s Networks operating by Spring 2007 was seen as a more co-ordinated method of assessing and supporting children and families and would enable a greater focus on prevention and early intervention.  The Panel were advised that some Authorities i.e. Telford were developing this method of provision. The pooling of budgets and joint commissioning of services were areas that could be examined further.

Officers explained the funding streams available for Extended services. Some funding came to authorities via the Standards Fund and General Sure Start Grant but some went direct to schools through the Schools Standard grant and Dedicated Schools Grant. Additionally schools had specific funding to support personalised learning including support to vulnerable children.

Whilst there was no local area agreement for extended services this could be an area for future consideration.

Community access to school facilities was seen as a real challenge. Also there were issues around charging policies so that it was affordable to local groups. The Panel noted that the Authority often saw itself as a mediator between the community seeking access and the school. The Panel were advised that some schools had appointed a designated member of staff as Co-ordinators of extended services, a position commended by the DfES. Some of these appointments were at a senior strategic level.

An audit was being carried out on what was and could be provided at extended schools. Whilst schools were responsible for consulting with the local community on needs the Authority had an enabling role to play in identifying service providers. Members suggested that the Authority should encourage a needs led assessment.

RESOLVED

That officers provide the panel with more details on:-

1. Funding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.