Agenda and draft minutes

No Declarations of Interest were made. 

Pursuant to Minute No. C50 of January, 2000, consideration was given to nominations received to fill Local Authority Governor vacancies on school governing bodies.

Resolved:- That, with the effective date of appointment as shown, the following appointments and reappointments be made to school governing bodies, subject to satisfactory checks being undertaken:-

New Appointments: -

Re-appointments: -

Deferred: -

Consideration was given to the report presented by the Director for Schools and Lifelong Learning (Children and Young People’s Services Directorate) that outlined the Council’s Elective Home Education policy and the Council’s guidance information available to parents and carers.

The policy had been reviewed to incorporate Department for Education guidelines relating to Elective Home Education.  The DfE required local authorities to follow-up cases of home education that were not suitable for the child’s/childrens’ age, ability and/or aptitude.  Local authorities had a duty to follow up these cases, which could ultimately lead to a School Attendance Order being pursued. 

The Director for Schools and Lifelong Learning spoke about the information system that was being developed to be used to track Elective Home Educated pupils’ progress and attainment, and also record the focus and curriculum that was being followed.

Rotherham had two Education Officers who were experienced in mainstream education, in addition to part-time administrative support, to support families choosing Elective Home Education.  This team worked in an operational partnership with the Education Welfare Service.  All Elective Home Educated pupils had received a home visit, and visits would continue to be offered at least annually. 

Discussion followed, and the Cabinet Member and Advisers asked the following questions: -

·         How would the Local Authority act if the visits offered by the Service were refused by parents and carers?;

·         The statutory powers of the Local Authority in relation to Elective Home Education.

Resolved: - (1)  That the content of the Elected Home Education policy, be noted, including that it was consistent with Department for Education guidelines. 

(2)  That Rotherham’s policy for Elective Home Education and the parental guidance document be accepted, and they be published via the Council’s website. 

(3)  That the Cabinet Member for Children and Education Services receive informal termly updates and end-profiles in relation to Rotherham’s cohort of Elected Home Education children and young people.

(4)  That that Cabinet Member for Children and Education Services receive a formal annual report in relation to Rotherham’s cohort of Elected Home Education children and young people.

The following item is likely to be considered in the absence of the press and the public as being exempt under Paragraph 3 of Section 12A of Section One to the Local Government Act, 1972 (Business affairs of any particular individual, 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 items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council)).

Consideration was given to the report presented by the Project Officer (Internal Audit and Asset Management, CYPS Capital Projects, Environment and Development Services), that outlined the outcome of the tendering process in relation to providing a new school building at Eldon Road including foundation classrooms, reception area and circulation space, car parking and playing fields.

The Project Officer outlined the budget allocations relating to the project.

Resolved: -  That the tender submitted by Wildgoose Construction dated 28^th July, 2014, be approved. 

·         Monday 13^th October, 2014, to start at 10.00 a.m. in the Rotherham Town Hall.   

Resolved: -  That the next meeting of the Cabinet Member for Children and Education Services take place on Monday 13^th October, 2014, to start at 10.00 a.m. in the Rotherham Town Hall.