Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no questions from members of the public or the press.

Further to Minute No. 25 of a meeting of the Lifelong Learning Opportunities Scrutiny Panel held on 6^th September, 2004, consideration was given to a request for further nominations to be made.

One councillor and one co-optee was required.

Councillors Barron and McNeeley have already been nominated.

Resolved:-  That Councillor Hodgkiss be nominated on the above Working Party.

Further to Minute No. 26 of a meeting of the Lifelong Learning Opportunities Scrutiny Panel held on 6^th September, 2004, consideration was given to the need to nominate two more members to serve on the above Review Group.

Councillor Turner has already been nominated.

Resolved:-  That Councillor Burke be nominated to serve on the Citizenship Curriculum Review Group.

Further to Minute No. 27 of a meeting of the Lifelong Learning Opportunities Scrutiny Panel held on 6^th September, 2004, consideration was given to the need to nominate up to five panel members to join Councillor St. John in order to carry out the work of the above Review Group.

Resolved:-  That Councillors Kaye, McNeely, Swift and Turner be nominated to serve on the Adult Learning Review.

In response to a request from Members of the Scrutiny Panel to visit Ferham Centre, expressions of interest were sought.

Resolved:-  (1)  That, in meeting the availability of Members present, the visit take place during the morning of Monday, 4^th October, 2004.

(2)  That Delia Watts, Scrutiny Adviser write to all Members of the Scrutiny Panel and confirm the details of the visit.

Dawn Rowley, Information & Performance Review Manager, gave a presentation on a vision for the future of the Rotherham Grid for Learning, and a report on progress to date.

Rotherham Grid for Learning was a development of a technological IT infrastructure that challenges present thinking in order to amplify intellectual capabilities, and gave people the power to control their learning process.

The vision was to raise participation in learning throughout age ranges in order to raise attainment.

The presentation covered:-

·                    We’re Thinking Differently

·                    Learning Aims

·                    A Connected Community for Rotherham

·                    Our Starting Point

·                    Why Do We need Partners?

·                    Our Progess

·                    What’s in it for Subscribers?

·                    Is it affordable?

The presentation gave examples of how the system could transform the way learners collaborated across Rotherham schools through on-line support and content.

The involvement of parents was of great importance and was a factor which was being encouraged in order for them to use their ability to support the learning process.

A question and answer session ensued and the following issues were covered:-

·        What is the marketing strategy?

A feasibility study is being undertaken to determine what to market and to whom.  This entailed widening the Broadband access through links with Library networks, National Health Service and small medium sized enterprise.  Further information on this would be fed back to the Scrutiny Panel.

·        Need to avoid duplication within schools when developing content.

·        Microsoft charges – possible to download other systems for free from Internet/Libraries

Content Development Group established – in addition, individual schools to become specialist schools to lead on development and content.  School Improvement Service involved.   Need to ensure content meets the curriculum requirement and that full use is made of latest development in IT.  Key element of Grid was to offer industry standard quality.

·        Need for early training on keyboard skills

                  Development of keyboard skills was being addressed within the Council          in terms of barriers to using technology.

·        Need for technical help to be available to schools alongside connection to Grid.  Retention of technical staff within the Authority due to differentials in pay compared to external Organisations.

It was now hoped that changes in pay scales would be sufficient to retain staff.

Resolved:-  That Dawn Rowley be thanked for an interesting and informative presentation.

Consideration was given to a report of the Strategic Leader School Improvement containing details of the final review report and evaluation of the progress against the recommendations contained in the Ofsted Report (October 2001).

The report explained that the first Ofsted Action Plan was submitted at the end of January 2002.  The reported strategy for monitoring the Action Plan includes reporting to members on progress.  The Action Plan was re-written for January 2004 as a number of the original targets and proposed actions had either not been achieved or were no longer valid due to the changing education agenda.

Of the original eleven recommendations six (4, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11) action plans and associated targets have been fully achieved.  The remaining five recommendations have seventeen associated activities.  Of these all targets have been achieved for ten of them.  The remaining activities (1d, 2a, 2f, 2h, 3a, 5a and 8b) have seventeen targets that have not been achieved, as detailed in Appendix A.

It is proposed that any outstanding actions and targets will be referred back to the appropriate head of service for inclusion in the Service Business Plan.

It was noted that an update report on uncompleted actions is to be submitted to future meetings of Cabinet Member, Education, Culture and Leisure Services.

A question was raised with regard to an outstanding target on a clear definition of the role of the scrutiny committee.

The Strategic Leader School Improvement pointed out that this had arisen before scrutiny procedures had become a requirement of the Council.  A great deal of progress had been made in this area, most of which had been completed in January, 2004, only leaving the one outstanding item.

Delia Watts, Scrutiny Adviser, explained that the Assistant Chief Executive had commissioned work to address the best way forward on all the existing policies.  The second version of a report on this matter would be referred to this Scrutiny Panel.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be received.

(2)                That a full copy of the Ofsted Action Plan Review:  January-June 2004 be placed in the Members’ library and on the Council website.

(3)  That further reports on outstanding actions and targets be referred back to this Scrutiny Panel.

Consideration was given to the 1^st Quarter Performance Indicators Report for the Programme Area for 2004/05.

The report outlines performance at the end of the 1^st quarter 2004/05 against targets, with comparisons against 2003/04 actuals and 2002/03 All England top quartile authorities.

Summaries of the risk assessments are shown as Low, Medium and High Risk.  Risk is assessed by PI managers’ projection of year-end performance, taking into account any known internal or external influences, and comparing against published 2004/05 targets.

The report pointed out that where risk is highlighted as “High”, action plans to address performance are in place and an update will be reported to Members within the 2^nd quarter report.

Attention is drawn to seven actions for which developments and emerging issues had arisen.

Members of the Scrutiny Panel raised questions on the following areas of work:-

-                       Number of complaints – lack of service - how many are justified?

National drive to encourage Local Authorities to have truancy patrols.  This was only one indicator of the number of truancy strategies and is a low risk, a figure of 55 being the total for the previous financial year.  Quite a number of factors had been around the closure of swimming pools and library door at the back of the Central Library.

The Acting Executive Director gave an assurance that staff within the Education Welfare Service were doing an excellent job, having received National recognition on performance to improve attendance.

Delia Watts, Scrutiny Adviser, referred to the Work Programme of the Scrutiny Panel and pointed out that a one day scrutiny review was to take place on managing pupils’ behaviour in school.   This could combine the issue of truancy.

-                       Was an Action Plan in place to address permanent exclusions?

The Acting Executive Director advised that the Action Plan will address both issues of exclusion and truancy.  It was believed this would show performance in comparison with other Local Authorities, and reflect well on RotherhamSchools and the support from the LEA, all of which could feed into the review on exclusion matters.

The Chair made the point that whilst it was good for the Local Authority to allocate funding to schools in cases of children with behavioural difficulties, it was not always possible for a school to free up a member of staff to deliver a system to allow that child to stay within the normal school system.

Ann Clegg, Acting Head Inclusion Support Service, pointed out that Rotherham was a relatively low excluding Authority.  It was not viewed as a long term problem and certainly the number of initiatives within schools across the Authority were proving to be beneficial.

-                       One Member asked if it was possible to have up to date information regarding the correlation between non-attendance and crime.

The Acting Executive Director made reference to a slightly more positive aspect in terms of information from DfES, which indicates a strong correlation of attendance and pupil attainment.

Resolved:-  That the Performance Report  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

In accordance with Minute No. 27 of a meeting of the Cabinet Member, Education, Culture and Leisure Services held on 20^th July, 2004, consideration was given to the content of a first termly monitoring report of the Action and Improvement Plan arising from the recommendations which have come out of the Best Value Review of Lifelong Learning completed in June, 2004. 

The review set out the Council’s lifelong learning objectives, incorporating key outcomes that have been identified as being essential to achieving the aims as set out in the Best Value Review Report.

The report identifies areas for improvement and development within the following age profiles into which the Review was divided:-

0-4

4-14

14-19

16-24

Adults

50+

Suggested improvements concentrate on more efficient, more effective and customer-focused service delivery, with the aim of raising levels of school and service performance and levels of learners’ achievement and attainment.

Reference was made to particular areas of work in each of the age profiles for which achievements had been made:-

-                       0 – 4 provision

            Delivery of services in respect of disadvantaged groups

-                       4-14 provision

            Monitoring of exclusions

            Broadband connection -  Rotherham Learning Partnership

            Community On-Line Learning Project

-                       14-19 provision

            Working with Strategy Group (Rotherham Learning Partnership) to     develop a clear and coherent vision

-           16-24 provision

            Implementation and delivery of Mentor’s Allowance

            Co-ordinators in all schools

-                       Adults

            Quality Assurance framework – External Scrutiny Committee   established

-                       50+ provision

            Recognition of the changing age profile and economic demands of the            Rotherham Learning Community over the next decade

            Geographical communities identified

            Increased number of learning venues

-                       Cross-cutting provision

            Promotion of the role schools play in the Schools Forum

            Fair Funding and Finance Strategy Team

In most areas, work had been delivered on target in achieving the work which the review had set out to do.

Termly monitoring reports would be presented to Cabinet Member, Education, Culture and Leisure Services.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the content of the Lifelong Learning Best Value Action and Improvement Plan and the measures undertaken to monitor its recommendations be noted.

(2)  That future monitoring reports, on outstanding issues only, be presented to this Panel.

Further to Minute No. 163 of a meeting of the Lifelong Learning Opportunities Scrutiny Panel held on 24^th March, 2003, consideration was given to an update report on recommendations from the Scrutiny Review report published in April 2003. 

The Review had taken place following concerns about the future of the Civic Theatre from some of the Societies that use it.  At the time the complaints had centred around the quality of the reception and box office process.

In terms of the long term view, the review had been very beneficial.

Progress has been made on a number of the recommendations in the report.  However, certain recommendations have not been possible to progress fully owing to budgetary and staffing considerations.

The focus of activity currently is around developing a sound business case for the replacement of the Civic Theatre with a new town centre theatre as part of the  town centre master plan for the Urban Renaissance of Rotherham.

The Cultural Strategy, adopted by the Council, is clear in its ambitions for the performing arts within the Borough, clearly the Civic Theatre and Arts Centre remaining at the centre of provision.

The meeting raised the following issues:-

·        Smoking in public places

·        Initiatives to attract ethnic minority audiences

·        Rothercard concessions

·        Content of Programme of Events

Resolved:-  That the progress to date against the action plan recommendations be noted.

Steve Hallsworth, Business Manager, Leisure and Green Spaces, gave a verbal update on the provision of new swimming pools within Rotherham.

A market brief had been issued in June, 2004.  This was a formal invitation for organisations to register interest in being partners to develop facilities.

It was planned to build on five new sites – Wath, Maltby, Aston and St. Ann’s  (swimming pools) and Herringthorpe (Leisure Centre).  These developments are linked to Schools PFI and other funding initiatives that will build community facilities on school sites.

Negotiations were currently taking place with potential bidders.  A consortium of builders, architects, facility operators and facility managers would ensure the partnership was robust and bidders would be given 3-4 months to produce detailed bids.

During that process there will be consultation with members, staff and potential users.

It was hoped to be in a position to sign contracts around October, 2005 following detailed negotiations with the bidder, and to complete build on all four sites by August, 2007.

In terms of current facilities, it was intended they remain open for as long as possible, and for staff to be transferred for training purposes and familiarisation with new facilities.

In the case of Herringthorpe, it was not yet known whether build would be on the same footprint.

A lengthy discussion ensued on the following issues:-

-                       number of lanes in new pools

Reference was made to facilities at Ponds Forge and the views of Rotherham Metro Club and the Amateur Swimming Association.  It was pointed out that meetings had taken place with the Amateur Swimming Association and that the proposed provision did meet recommendations in the ASA Strategy Document.  In addition, the Council had to consider the needs of all user groups and take into account other facilities across the boundaries.  The issue of 8 lanes related to the need for swimmers to achieve times which allow them to enter certain Galas, this was only needed 3 or 4 times a year.  The new facilities in Rotherham will meet the needs of day to day training and of regular galas.

-           50 metre pool - need to offer facilities to enable people to participate at the highest         level – and attract elite sportsmen/women to the area – link between elite sports and mass participation

There were funding implications and a 50 metre pool within easy access to Rotherham at Leeds. A facility such as Ponds Forge in Rotherham would be difficult to sustain and would require funding from national sources.   An alternative was to work with other Authorities across South Yorkshire to produce a South Yorkshire Club and more National funding obtained. 

-                       Parochial issues - need to take greater account of local Metro Club’s view as opposed to Amateur Swimming Association

Rotherham is developing a swimming strategy, which will consider all swimming development from beginners through to talent development.  This will be based on standard sports development principles, creating pathways for participants who take  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

Consideration was given to a budget monitoring report, as at June, 2004, submitted by Pete Hudson, Strategic Finance Officer.

The report gave details of the forecast performance against 2004/05 Budget for the Education, Culture and Leisure Services Programme Area based on performance to the end of June, 2004.

The Programme Area is currently forecasting to spend to budget for the financial year.  However, the report does identify some potential underlying pressures.

Two potential pressures within Education Services are as follows:-

Education Transport

Human Resources – Services traded with Schools

One Member raised an issue concerning virement which had taken place.

The Acting Executive Director explained that some budgets overspend and others underspend but that any significant virements are reported to Cabinet Member meetings in accordance with Financial Regulations.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be received and noted.

(2)  That an issue raised regarding viirement be discussed with the Head of Corporate Finance.

Consideration was given to a report of the Scrutiny Adviser in relation to the 2004/2005 Work Programme in order to plan the review process effectively.

The Work Programme covered suggested themes, presentations, and work to be monitored by the Scrutiny Panel from September, 2004 – July, 2005.

The following meeting of the Scrutiny Panel was to consider information relating to outdoor leisure.

The Scrutiny Panel meeting in November was to consider the management of children’s behaviour in schools, truancy and associated issues.   A suggestion was made that the November meeting may be extended to an all day event, further details on which would be given at the next meeting.

Resolved:-  That the Outline Work Programme 2004/05 as at 10^th September, 2004 be received.

Consideration was given to a report of Guy Kilminster, Libraries, Museums and Arts Manager which gave details of the progress made within the Library and Information Service over the last three years, to move the Service towards meeting the Public Library Standards.  The Service now meets 19 of 26 Standards compared to 5 of 28 in 2001.

Every library now offers free access to computers and the internet, there is a greatly improved range of books and audio visual material.  Services to children, older people and minority groups are improved.  Usage was up by 20% in 2003-2004 and the satisfaction rating of library users was 93.3% (BVPI 118c).

However, Library Standards are now changing and the quality threshold will be raised for 2005-2006.  The satisfaction rating amongst the general population is only 61% (suggesting not enough people know about the improvements).  Usage, although increasing, has still not met the Public Library Standard and book issues are only slowly increasing.  Further improvement is required and the Service is working hard to build upon the investment of the last three years.

The Government’s 10 year vision for the public library service (‘Framework for the Future…’ – published February 2003), identified the key areas for services to focus on:

·        Books, learning and reading

·        Digital citizenship

·        Community and civic values

The minimum standards expected of a public library service had been set against each of these areas of activity.

In addition users’ satisfaction with the Service has improved.  The BVPI 118 returns for 2003/2004 were:

a.       Found a book to borrow 79.3% (target 65%)

b.       Found the information they were looking for 75.6% (target 75%)

c.       Were satisfied with the library overall 93.9% (target 75%)

Every Library now offers free access to computers and a free e mail address for all members of the community.

The report highlighted a shortfall in the delivery of additional opening hours, as a result of the realignment of Neighbourhood Renewal Funding, which would also mean that improvements against the eight stock related Public Library Standards will be slower than anticipated.

Other issues of concern related to:-

-           quality of buildings

-           need for improved marketing across the Council

-           better communication with users

-           decline in books issued – National trend

In view of people now buying more books, it is felt important to invest in good quality books within the Library Service, which it was felt offered a cross-cutting public Service which is used by the Audit Commission as part of the evaluation and scoring of the Authority for Comprehensive Performance Assessment and Best Value Performance Indicators.

Phil Rogers, Strategic Leader, Culture, Leisure and Lifelong Learning, reported that the Library Service has recently been recommended for the Charter Mark award which would be the first such award for the Authority.  In addition, National research continued to show that of all the Arts and Library Services, Libraries is the facility that benefits all groups.

As the current trend was to buy more books rather than borrow, and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the previous meeting of this Scrutiny Panel held on 6^th September, 2004 be received and accepted as a true record.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of a meeting of the Children and Young People’s Board Scrutiny Working Party held on 18^th August, 2004 be received.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of a meeting of the Leisure/Joint Service Centre Project Board held on 25^th August, 2004 be received.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of a meeting of the Performance and Scrutiny Overview Committee held on 20^th August, 2004 be received.

An issue was raised regarding a problem of a lack of School Crossing Patrol in one particular area. 

The Acting Executive Director explained that the budget for School Crossing Patrol staff had recently been transferred to the Economic and Development Services Programme Area.

An issue was raised regarding the secondment of an Officer to deal with off street motor cycling matters.

Resolved:-  That the Business Manager, Leisure and Green Spaces look into this matter and report back to the Member concerned.