Agenda and draft minutes

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 2^nd September, 2008 be received as a correct record.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Principal Officer, Student Support on The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) annual funding allocation to local authorities of Access Funds aimed at providing financial assistance to students aged 16 and over studying in school sixth forms.

The Local Authority must have a written policy for how it will distribute the funds.

The funding allocation for the 2008/09 academic year is £26,520.

In 2004, the Government rolled out the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), a national scheme comprising a weekly payment of up to £30 and bonuses to full-time FE learners aged 16-19.  The EMA is designed to encourage participation and retention in education post-16 by removing financial barriers faced by students.  Qualifying annual household income is under £30,810.

The Access Fund (also called Learner Support Fund) is an additional means of financial support for sixth form students, the purpose of which is to provide support for a specific financial need, normally course or study-related costs.

In 2007/08 academic year the Rotherham Access Fund assisted 142 students at school sixth forms in Rotherham and 1 student attending a school sixth form outside the borough.  The awards were made as follows:-

The Student Support Section administers the Access Fund by means of an application form distributed via school sixth forms.  Account is taken of household income when considering applications and support is available for travel, school, field trips and university visits.  The household income ceiling for financial assessment is £40,000.  Students who have a particular financial need due to exceptional circumstances or a disability may apply with the support of a school tutor, and be exempt from a household financial assessment.

Resolved:-  That the proposed Access Fund Policy, as shown at Appendix 1 in the report, now submitted, be received.

The following item is likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, including the Council).

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council)).

Consideration was given to an Annual Partnership report presented by the Principal Officer (Technical), Resources and Access, Children and Young People Services with regard to the Schools PFI Project, a partnership between the Council and Transform Schools (Rotherham) Limited.

The contract includes the rebuilding/refurbishment of 15 schools and their facilities management for a period of 30 years from 1^st April, 2004.

The project has provided:-

Ø      New schools for Coleridge, Ferham, Kimberworth, Maltby Crags Infant, Maltby Crags Junior, Meadowview and Thornhill Primaries and Winterhill, Wingfield and Wath Secondary Schools.

Ø      Part new build and refurbished schools at East Dene and Wath Central Primaries and Clifton, Thrybergh and Wickersley Secondary Schools.

Additionally, extended school use has been provided as follows:-

Ø      New Key Young Persons’ Centres have been provided at Thornhill Primary and WathSecondary Schools and significantly refurbished centres at Wingfield, Clifton, Thrybergh and WinterhillSecondary Schools.

Ø      Sure Start facilities at Ferham, Thornhill and Wingfield.

Ø      Space for Sports and Arts facilities at Ferham and Clifton.

Ø      Children’s Centres at Coleridge and Kimberworth.

Ø      Clifton Project facilities at the Cranworth Road site (The Place).

The report set out the up to date position with regard to Facilities Management, Building Learning Communities Ltd. (BLCL) and I Love My Environment Campaign.

All schools’ buildings in the project are now operating on Full Services Availability.

The Cabinet Member raised questions with regard to service faults and availability failures and environmental and energy issues.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Schools PFI Project Partnership be noted.

(2)  That the good work with the I Love My Environment Campaign be noted.

Tuesday, 30^th September, 2008 at 10.30 a.m.

Resolved:-  That the next meeting take place on Tuesday, 30^th September, 2008 at 10.30 a.m.