Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 March 2014.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 17 March 2014 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

To consider a report of the Lead Councillor.

The report presents for comment the draft report. Councillors comments will be incorporated prior to submission to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee for final approval.

The Scrutiny Review Panel are requested to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Stephen Fox on Tel: 474 3206 or email:stephen.fox@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted the draft Scrutiny Review Final Report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the findings of the Review and recommendations to the Executive. The Panel were invited to comment on the content of the report and suggest any amendments prior to submission to the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee.

Councillors sought clarification and made comments on a number of issues, including:-

·         Concern about the impact of Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) becoming academies and how this would change the relationship with the Local Authority.

·         The arrangements for funding of the PRUs from the Dedicated School Grant High Needs Block. A base level of funding was provided with additional funding for each pupil on roll. Further consideration was being given to future funding to avoid ‘surplus places’ when year 11 pupils left.

·         Wording of Recommendation 3 to reflect issues with 1 year de-delegation.

·         Reference was needed to mental health and the Review being undertaken by the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee.

·         Transition from primary to secondary and the importance of sharing information. The role of the Behaviour Support Service in supporting this transition for those with long standing behavioural issues.

·         Having a range of options for young people, such as alternative provision and alternative curricula, was also important to prevent exclusion.

·         There was valuable work underway to develop Restorative Approaches.

RESOLVED – That draft final report be approved to submission to the Children & Young People’s Scrutiny Committee subject to the inclusion of the following points in the conclusion:-

·         Work to address exclusions was a dynamic situation as there were legislative changes imminent, but action was needed now to reduce permanent and fixed term exclusions, which the Local Authority and schools had already reduced.

·         Recognition that the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Review of the CAMHS would have a positive impact on exclusions.