Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence and notification of any substitutes present

Apologies were received from Mr Balfour, Mr Manion, Mr Tear and Mr Brunning

Mr Brookbank attended as substitute for Mr Balfour.

To receive any declarations of interest made by Members in relation to any matter on the agenda.  Members are reminded to specify the agenda item number to which it refers and the nature of the interest being declared

No declarations were received.

To receive verbal updates from the Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services; and the Corporate Director for Education and Young People’s Services on topics including the following:

·    National Funding Schemes

1.            The Cabinet Members, Mr Gough and Mr Oakford; and the Corporate Director gave their verbal updates and highlighted the following:-

2.            The Corporate Director, Mr Leeson, advised that Ofsted published its annual report on Schools and Early Provision in December and held good news for Kent on Early Years provision and outcomes for children at the Early Years Foundations Stage were mentioned as one of the examples of best practise in the country.  The validated assessments for Key Stage 2 were available and Kent achieved 79% at level 4 in reading, writing, mathematics at the end of primary at the age of 11 years which was in line with the national average and a significant step forward for Primary education in Kent.

3.            The Cabinet Member, Mr Gough, spoke on the National Funding Schemes advising that there were likely to be announcements on the range of future national funding schemes which include; (1) Basic Need – news was expected on the allocation for 2017/18, Kent had made representation on the particular demographic pressures in Kent including inward migration into the county following, what was considered, inadequate funding for 2015/17.  Mr Gough explained that during the announcement of the 2015/17 funding the government held back £300 million for allocation of areas of particular pressure. (2)The Priority School Build II [A partial substitute for Building Schools for the Future] of £2 billion, Kent had submitted bids for 19 Kent maintained schools a total of £75.5 million, some schools, academies, had made their own bids.  (3)There was a small additional pot of money available to local authorities of £20 million in relation to universal Free School Meals. Kent submitted 16 bids, totalling just over £3 million.  The outcome of the all the bids was awaited.

4.             The Cabinet Member, Mr Oakford, advised that a report would be submitted to the next meeting of the Children’s Social Care and Health Cabinet Committee on 20 January 2015 regarding the implementation of the work carried out by Newton Europe on the Service Design phase of the 0-25 Unified Programme.

5.            Mr Oakford praised the Swattenden facility which he visited on 13 January. 

6.            Mr Oakford advised that he had been accompanying social workers once a week, attending their offices and making visits to clients.  He had also freed up time to spend time every other week with an Early Prevention officer and planned to visit every Children Centre across Kent over the coming months.

7.            Mr Gough. Mr Oakford and Mr Leeson noted comments and responded to questions as follows:

a)     Mr Leeson advised that the school improvement services offered support to every school in Kent whether it was a local authority school or not.  Time was allocated to every academy and the offer was made and largely the offer of support was accepted.  There were a small number of cases where the offer was refused.  Marlow Academy had been experiencing difficulties for some time and the local authority had been speaking with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

To receive the report from the Corporate Director for Education and Young People’s Services on the outcome of the consultation on the proposed scheme for admission to Primary and Secondary schools in September 2016 including the proposed process for non-coordinated In-Year Admissions.

(Report by Mr R Gough, Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform, and Mr P Leeson, Corporate Director for Education and Young People’s Services)

(Mr S Bagshaw, Head of Fair Access, was also present for this item)

1.             The Corporate Director, Mr Leeson, introduced a report on the outcome of the consultation on the proposed scheme for admission to Primary and Secondary School in September 2016 including the proposed process for non-coordinated In-Year Admissions which would be determined by Cabinet.

2.            The Head of Fair Access, Mr Bagshaw, highlighted that there were no proposals that changed admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools.  There were minor changes including Ramsgate Primary School to introduce a linked arrangement and consultations were being held presently, which may result in minor changes to the report.

3.            Mr Leeson and Mr Bagshaw noted comments and responded to questions as follows:-

a)     Mr Bagshaw advised that the local authority did consult with neighbouring authorities most conformed to the nationally set term dates.

b)     Mr Bagshaw advised that the local authority has the authority to direct schools to take children in care.  There was mostly a good understanding from schools as the local authority would not want to put a child in the wrong place.

c)      Mr Leeson advised that due to the exceptional pressures in Thanet on primary school places the local authority would speak with the placing authority about not placing children in Thanet.  This was not a special rule but was appropriate to manage the situation and it would not be appropriate to make a reference to this in the Admissions documentation. Mr Bagshaw advised that there was clear legislation on this matter; these were arrangements for school settings and not beyond.

d)     Mr Leeson confirmed that the local authority was obliged by law not to exceed 30 in a class at Key Stage 1 but in exceptional circumstances for Key Stage 2 also.

4.            RESOLVED that:-

a)    the responses to questions by Members be noted; and

b)    the Education and Young People’s Cabinet Committee endorsed the proposed decision to be made by Cabinet to accept and determine:

i)       the Coordinated Primary Admissions Scheme 2016/17 incorporating the In Year admissions process as detailed in Appendix A of the report.

ii)      the Coordinated Secondary Admissions Scheme 2016/17 incorporating the In Year admissions process as detailed in Appendix B of the report.

iii)     the oversubscribed criteria relating to Community and Voluntary Controlled Infant, Junior and Primary schools in Kent 2016/17 as detailed in Appendix C (1) of the report.

iv)     the oversubscribed criteria relating to Community and Voluntary Controlled Secondary schools in Kent 2016/17 as detailed in Appendix D (1) of the report.

v)      the Published Admissions Number for Community and Voluntary Controlled Infant, Junior and Primary Schools 2016/17 as set out in Appendix C (2)

vi)    the Published Admissions Number for Community and Voluntary Controlled Secondary Schools 2016/17 as set out in appendix D (2).

vii)    the relevant statutory consultation areas for Kent Primary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

To receive a report by the Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform that presents the revised draft Elective Home Education (EHE) Policy.  Cabinet agreed on 7 July 2014 to defer approval of the revised EHE Policy, pending further consideration and a process of engagement on the revised EHE policy.

(Report by Mr R Gough, Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform and Mr P Leeson, Corporate Director for Education and Young People’s Services)

(Ms L Simpson, Acting Head of Inclusion was also present for this item)

1.            The Cabinet Member, Mr Gough introduced the report on the draft Elective Home Education (EHE) Policy.  He explained that Cabinet agreed to defer approval of the revised EHE Policy pending further consideration and a process of engagement on the   revised EHE policy.

2.            Mr Gough highlighted paragraph 1.2 of the report regarding the significant increase in EHE registrations from 703 in 2008 to 1326 in 2013-14.  There was particular concern with vulnerable groups which had formed the focus for the revised Policy.  The current practise had shown that some families had been using EHE as a last resort and were not choosing the option proactively. Mr Gough identified that the law and guidance in 2007   offered no clarity as to how the local authority would know there was an issue.  Paragraph 4.2 highlighted the conditions where heightened risks would be identified.  A decision report would be submitted to Cabinet for consideration. 

3.            The Corporate Director, Mr Leeson, explained that there were varying positions from other local authorities on the issue of EHE but Kent‘s view was to be proactive.  There had been a rapid increase in EHE, especially adolescents who had been consistently absent from school or who had been excluded.   The Policy was required to ensure where there was some reason for concern, the child and the evidence of learning would be seen.   Where there had been a breakdown of communication between the parents and the school or cases of bullying there had been a good track record of getting those issues resolved and those children back to school.

4.            Mr Gough, Mr Leeson and Ms Simpson responded to questions by Members as follows:-

a)    Mr Leeson advised that   there were no exam results available for EHE.  There were 1400 EHE in Kent and half of those were not visited, there was no contact and there was no one monitoring them.

b)    Ms Simpson advised that 50% of EHE had visits and 300 had returned to mainstream education. 

c)    Mr Gough explained that the local authority had to act within the law and guidance and it could not exceed its powers.  Kent was doing everything it could.    If a child did not fall into one of the categories set out in the report where there is a whistle blower it would come under the category “reason to believe” which would give the local authority access.

d)    Members noted that there were excellent examples of EHE but the Policy was the best way to reconcile principles to keep children safe and well educated.

5.            RESOLVED that:-

a)    the responses to questions by Members  and the report be noted; and

b)    the Education and Young People’s Services Cabinet Committee agreed that a process of engagement be undertaken on the revised EHE  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

To receive a report by the Corporate Director for Education, Learning and Skills that presents the draft strategy and outlines the consultation process on the Adult Learning and Skills Strategy for Kent.

(Report by Mr P Leeson, Corporate Director for Education and Young People’s Services)

(Ms S Dunn, Director of Skills and Employability, was also present for this item)

1.            The Corporate Director, Mr Leeson, introduced the report that outlined the consultation process on the draft Adult Learning and Skills Strategy for Kent.  The Strategy would help to increase adult employment, provide better pathways, increase participation especially for vulnerable and disability groups and refocus the County Skills Service.

2.            Mr Leeson and Ms Dunn responded to questions by Members which included the following:

a)     A comment was made that this was an excellent report and a comprehensive Kent Adult Datapack and congratulations were extended to the Skills and Employability Team.

b)    A Member looked forward to receiving the outcome of the consultation at the 7 April meeting. 

3.            RESOLVED that:-

a)     the responses to questions by Members be noted;

b)     the Education and Young People’s Services Cabinet Committee endorsed the recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform to undertake consultation on the Adult learning and Skills Strategy for Kent; and

c)     agreed to receive the outcomes of this consultation at the Education and Young People’s Services Cabinet Committee meeting on 7 April 2015.

To receive a report by the Deputy Leaderand Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement; and the relevant Cabinet Members for Education and Young People’s Services portfolio and Corporate Directors for Finance and Procurementand Education and Young People’s Services thatsets out the proposed draft budget 2015/16 and Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2015/18 as it affects Education and Young People’s Service. The report includes an extract from the proposed final draft budget book and MTFP relating to the remit of this Cabinet Committee although these are exempt until the Budget and MTFP are published on 12 January.  This report also includes information from the KCC budget consultation, Autumn Budget Statement and provisional Local Government Finance Settlement as they affect KCC as a whole as well as any specific issues of relevance to this committee

(Report by Mr J Simmonds, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement, Mr R Gough, Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform, Mr M Hill Cabinet Member for Community Services and  Mr A Wood, Corporate Director for Finance and Procurement)

(Mr D Shipton, Head of Financial Strategy and Mr K Abbott, Director of School Resources were also present for this item)

1.            The Head of Financial Strategy, Mr Shipton, introduced the report that sets out the proposed draft budget 2015/16 and the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTP) 2015/18 as it affects the Education and Young People’s Services.  He advised that the provisional settlement had been received on 18 December and the settlement on 23 December and the final draft budget was published on 12 January 2015.

2.            The draft Budget was based on the provisional settlement from government received on 18 December 2014, and the provisional Council Tax figures, which had been received just before Christmas.  The provisional settlement had been largely as expected but the Council Tax base showed a 1.7% increase on the current year, which was higher than expected.  The budget consultation had been based on an increase of 0.5% providing an extra £6.2m available in the budget.  This additional tax base had been allocated in the draft budget to cover additional spending of £2.8m; including pressures on school transport.  There were no savings proposals that directly affected this portfolio.

3.            The Cabinet Member, Mr Gough, advised that the Education and Young People’s Services Directorate budget would contribute to the overall budget savings of the County Council. 

4.            Mr Gough highlighted that there were particular pressures with SEN transport of £1.8m.  There were steps being taken to deliver savings through a range of initiatives including travel training for vulnerable young adults, personal budgets for families and the devolution of some budgets to schools.  He referred to SEND Strategy, which was building up capacity in Kent for more local SEN provision, which would also help deliver savings.

5.            Mr Gough stated the successes of the trading activity eg Education psychology and School Improvement. There was restructuring being carried out and the reduction in staffing was being carried out where possible through natural wastage.  Many of the posts proposed to be deleted are already vacant.  Wherever possible frontline serves would be protected.

6.            Mr Gough explained that we were in the fifth year of flat cash for the DSG in 2015/16 and within this pressure on schools continued to mount. A change in the funding formula tied closely to pupil numbers and the demography of number in the secondary schools being at a relatively low level at present were adding to the pressure on schools.

7.            Mr Gough, Mr Shipton and Mr Abbott noted comments and responded to questions by Members  follows:

·         Members thanked officers for arranging the budget to be available for consideration at the meeting.  [The draft budget appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4 were restricted from publication until 12 January when they were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

To receive a report by the Corporate Director, Education and Young People’s Services that sets out the way the Local Authority works with Headteachers to support them in being effective in carrying out their responsibilities to lead good schools, and how the Local Authority discharges its duty of care for the wellbeing of Headteachers.

(Report by Mr P Leeson, Corporate Director of Education and Young People’s Services)

1.            The Corporate Director, Mr Leeson, introduced a report that sets out the way the Local Authority worked with Headteachers to support them in being effective in carrying out their responsibilities to lead good schools, and how the Local Authority discharged its duty of care for the wellbeing of Headteachers.

2.            Mr Leeson advised that schools continued to be supported by local government services.  Every school has named officers from a range of local authority services that were attached to the school and worked with them, including the four Area Education Officers and School Improvement Advisors.

3.             The local authority supports the recruitment of new Headteachers and provides advice, support and guidance, training and other professional development opportunities. 

4.            The Kent Association of Headteachers supports collaborative working and partnership arrangements between Headteachers through specific funding allocated by the Schools Funding Forum.

5.            Kent continues to provide a wide range of support to school where Headteachers should not be without support, both professional and personal support.  Where Headteachers are experiencing stress they are encouraged to take up support from a trusted colleague or to access County Council’s counselling service.

6.            Mr Leeson responded to questions by Members as follows:

a)    A Member commented that this was a timely report as it listed the types of support that can be offered to Headteachers and teachers.

b)    A Member commented that the contents of the report was the right way forward in supporting Headteachers particularly those with difficulties in their schools.  He stated that Headteachers had made representation to him regarding their fears for their careers.  Mr Leeson stated that the success of the education system in Kent depended on the quality of its Headteachers.  Kent had strong school leadership with nearly 80% of schools in Kent being judged good or outstanding and this would not be achieved without good leadership and management.  Mr Leeson said that Kent was enormously grateful for the work carried out by its Headteachers to improve Kent schools.  25 schools in Kent had failed their Ofsted inspections and the aim was to reduce that number significantly and avoid schools having that experience in the future. In a number of cases that would have been through the failure in leadership.  He clarified what he said at previous meetings by stating that it was government policy that a failed school in Ofsted terms would become an academy with a change in leadership and governors as a result.  This was not necessarily the case as Kent had supported Headteachers in schools that received an inadequate rating because they had not been in post that long and were effective leaders.  Support would be given to continue the improvements they were there to achieve.  Kent had a responsibility to take action where leadership was unable to do the job.

7.            RESOLVED that:-

a)     the responses to questions by Members be noted; and

b)     the Education and Young People’s Cabinet Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

To receive a report by the Head of Democratic Services that gives details of the proposed Work Programme for the Education and Young People’s Services Cabinet Committee.

(Report by Mr P Sass, Head of Democratic Services)

1.             The Democratic Services officer, Mrs Singh, invited Members to suggest items for future meetings.

2.            In response to a request, Mr Leeson agreed to submit a report explaining the interaction between the Local Authority and Academies and for decisions on proposed Commissioning agreements to be submitted to future meetings of the Cabinet Committee.

3.            RESOLVED that the Work Programme appended to the report be noted subject to the additional items detailed in paragraph 2 above being included.