Agenda and minutes

The Forum received an update concerning the finalisation of school term dates for 2007/08, following the deferral of this decision from the Forum’s previous meeting on 3 July 2006, and in order to obtain information regarding neighbouring boroughs’ proposals.

An officer reported that this information was still unavailable, as both Brent and Ealing had not yet completed their consultations.  However, a document was tabled suggesting proposed revisions to the dates agreed by the Forum at its meeting on 31 January 2006, taking into account guidance by the Local Government Association (LGA).

A teacher’s representative commented that the Primary sector was in favour of the model proposed by the LGA.  By contrast, a representative from the secondary sector commented that his experience indicated that the sector was broadly in favour of retaining Harrow’s own model, as this would reduce the administration involved in the opening and closing of schools over Easter.  However, in light of other views expressed at the Forum and the importance of synchronicity between boroughs on this issue, the representative said he would support the proposed revisions tabled at the meeting.

Members commented that they would support the views expressed by the education sector representatives.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to the Portfolio Holder, People First):

That the following 2007/08 school term dates be approved:

[Reason:  To enable school term dates for 2007/08 to be published, and so aid future planning for schools, governors, parents and other partners.]

To note the attendance at this meeting of any duly appointed Reserve Members.

Reserve Members may attend meetings:-

(i)                 to take the place of an ordinary Member for whom they are a reserve;

(ii)               where the ordinary Member will be absent for the whole of the meeting; and

(iii)             the meeting notes at the start of the meeting at the item ‘Reserves’ that the Reserve Member is or will be attending as a reserve;

(iv)              if a Reserve Member whose intention to attend has been noted arrives after the commencement of the meeting, then that Reserve Member can only act as a Member from the start of the next item of business on the agenda after his/her arrival.

RESOLVED:  To note the attendance at this meeting of the following duly appointed Reserve Members:-

To receive declarations of personal or prejudicial interests, arising from business to be transacted at this meeting, from:

(a)               all Members of the Committee, Sub Committee, Panel or Forum;

(b)               all other Members present in any part of the room or chamber.

RESOLVED:  To note that (1) the following personal interests were declared;

(2)  prejudicial interests were declared in relation to item 6: Matters Arising – Voluntary Aided Hindu School.

To consider whether any of the items listed on the agenda should be considered with the press and public excluded on the grounds that it is thought likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that there would be disclosure of confidential information in breach of an obligation of confidence or of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED:  That all items be considered with the press and public present.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 3 July 2006, having been circulated, be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED: That the signing of the minutes of the meeting held on 3 July 2006 be deferred until printed in the Council Bound Volume.

To consider any matters arising from the last meeting.

Recommendation 1 - Terms of Reference

An officer informed the Forum that there were currently two Governor positions vacant on the Forum’s membership, and that these should be filled, under the terms of reference, by a Primary sector headteacher, and a Secondary sector headteacher.

The Chairman asked Governor representatives their views on potential nominations, and responded that they would return to the Forum with advice.

Minute 4 - Arrangement of Agenda

An officer expressed the view that it would be appropriate if more suggestions for agenda items would be volunteered from constituent groups, and asked that these be forwarded to her.

Minute 13 – Harrow Sixth Form Collegiate

Members of the Forum were informed that the Council remained in negotiations regarding the above, and had met with the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).  In addition, it was reported that officers were to meet with MPs and the Secretary of State to discuss the matter further.

The Chairman and Members of the Forum offered their congratulations to the work conducted so far on the project, and noted the expansion of numbers in the collegiate as a sign of success.

Minute 14 – Financial Position

A Member of the Forum expressed disappointment that consultation over recent Council reforms which had affected the education sector had been conducted over the summer, when staff were not readily available to comment.

Members also drew attention to a recent report which had publicised the benefits of music tuition in schools, an area affected by recent reforms, and also to the reductions in clothing subsidies.

A teacher representative commented that there was also concern over the reduction of legal assistance to schools.

A Member commented that the decisions had undergone due process, but agreed that the consultation and conditions under which the proposals were initially brought to the Executive were unsatisfactory, particularly in that the Forum did not have an opportunity to comment.

The Chairman stated that she would make the views of the Forum known to other Members, and said that she expected the Forum to be consulted on such matters in future.

Minute 15 – Voluntary Aided Hindu School

The Forum heard that a site for the school had been identified, and that the planning process for this had begun.  An officer stated that consultation results would be published shortly.

Members expressed concern about the validity of the consultation period, particularly regarding the notification that schools received.  Officers agreed to relay this feedback to I?Foundation representatives.

Responding to a query regarding the school’s status, the Forum heard that the school would be a Trust school, with a two-form infrastructure, although initial plans were only to admit one form.  In addition, the school had proposed a gradual expansion of intake in order to minimise impact on surrounding schools.

RESOLVED:  That the above be noted.

To receive questions (if any) from local residents or organisations under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 15 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that no public questions were received at this meeting under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 15 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

To receive petitions (if any) submitted by members of the public/Councillors under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 13 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that no petitions were received at this meeting under the provisions of the Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 13 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

To receive deputations (if any) under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 14 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that no deputations were received at this meeting under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 14 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

Oral report of the Director of Strategy (People First).

(See Recommendation 1)

Report of the Director of Lifelong Learning and Cultural Services.

The Forum received a report of the Director of Lifelong Learning and Cultural Services, outlining developments concerning the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) and reductions in exclusion.

It was reported that there had been 63 referalls to the RIT since February 2006, and that this was having a positive impact in reducing the number of exclusions.  The Forum heard that schools had welcomed the support of the team accordingly.

An officer stated that in terms of the Team’s future development, a system was required, to enable the progress of certain children to be tracked.

Members emphasised the importance of ensuring that the RIT was properly resourced, and suggested the alternative sources of funding, such as the local police, be explored.  The importance of contact with parents was also stressed, and the need to publicise support services to help reduce exclusions further.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

To note that the next meeting of the Forum is due to be held on 30 January 2007.

RESOLVED: To note that the next meeting of the Forum would be held on 30 January 2007.