Agenda item

To note the minutes of the Challenging and Vulnerable Children’s Sub Committee held on 25^th September 2008

(Copy attached)

Addressing the minutes Bob Stott said that a further meeting of the Sub Committee had since taken place on 4^th November 2008.

In providing an update Mr Stott spoke on the following issues:

Leeds Inclusive Learning Strategy – John Fryett was now the officer leading the strategy. Formal consultation on phase 3 of the project would take place early in the new year, earlier discussions had resulted in parents becoming more effective.

Fair Access Review – A report highlighting the impact of the Area Management Board (AMB) Fair Access Panels in there first year of operation was considered by the Sub Committee.

Paul Forbes representing the David Young Community Academy asked if there was a desire to see a Project Director in post at the East Area Management Board?

In providing a response Mr Stott said it was considered that adequate Project Management arrangements were in place.

In passing comment Viv Buckland, Head of Service – Admissions and Transport, Education Leeds said the absence of a Project Director offered less creativity when schools encountered difficult situations.

John Daulby, Headteacher, John Smeaton Community College was of the opinion the a Project Director for the East AMB was unnecessary. The East AMB had a Multi Agency Support Team, it had adopted a case by case  approach (not a one size fits all) which was working well for that area. Mr Daulby said he understood the position of the David Young Community Academy but it was very important to have a family of schools which would work together, to jointly solve problems and make progress.

Mrs Buckland said that a single point of contact had proved beneficial in other AMB.

In responding Mr Daulby said the East ABM had had a lot of success but had also had a lot of arguments, but the burden was shared. The East AMB was  successful, focused and “upfront”, having a Project Director led to less open discussion which was not democratic.

In passing comment the Chair said that reassurances as to the  accountability of the Area Management Board were required. He suggested that a new mechanism was required in terms of managing the Forum’s risks, i.e. we need to be aware if the Area Management Boards are working effectively? In order to know this we need to know about the commissioning arrangements.

It was agreed that a Presentation on Commissioning Arrangements be delivered to the next meeting of the Forum.

Commenting on the Challenging and Vulnerable Children’s Sub Committee Mr Forbes suggested that the membership appeared to consist mostly of officers. Mr Forbes said that some direct questions need to be asked about challenging behaviour. Funding was available, but was not getting to the right areas.

The Chair said that subject to the Sub Committees Terms of Reference  additional Members could be added.

In response Mr Forbes indicated that he would be willing to serve on the Challenging and Vulnerable Children’s Sub Committee

The Chair referred to Draft In Year Fair Access Protocols for the David Young Community Academy and requested they be obtained and submitted to the next meeting for consideration 

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the minutes of the 25^th September 2008 be accepted as a true and correct record

(ii)  That a Presentation on Commissioning Arrangements be delivered to the next meeting of the Forum.

(iii)  That the Challenging and Vulnerable Children’s Sub Committee consider appropriate reporting arrangements for the Area Management Boards to the Forum

(iv)  That arrangements be made to include Paul Forbes as a Member of the Challenging and Vulnerable Children’s Sub Committee