65 Policy Update from Executive Member for Children's Services
To receive a verbal update from the Executive Member for Children’s Services.
Minutes:
The Executive Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Ashwell thanked the Committee for its critical friend advice and updated the Committee on the development of current policies.
Councillor Ashwell informed that:
· The Council Tax exemption for Foster Carers was due to be submitted to the next meeting of Executive for approval;
· The proposal for Council Tax exemption for Care Leavers was being finalised and would be brought back for discussion at the next meeting of the Committee;
· Work was being undertaken on the development of the following policies:
o Education Vision Strategy – Wokingham Learning Partnership (WLP) had been set up with a view to develop an education strategy for the whole Borough. The WLP included schools, academies, colleges, post 16 education providers and the Local Authority. WLP was hoping to also include participation from local businesses and young people. An independent chair for WLP was in the process of being recruited. Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Strategy – a draft SEND Strategy had been drawn up and had been submitted for consultation. Following the consultation the report would be amended accordingly and brought to this Committee for consideration.
o Primary School Place Strategy – a short, medium and long term primary school place strategy was being developed. A cross party group with the participation of key stakeholders had been formed to design the strategy. In the short term pressures had been identified in the Woodley area, however it was important to identify and plan for future pressure areas in the Borough.
o Secondary School Place Strategy – it was recognised that the opening of Bohunt School had created pressure for secondary schools, and this was one of the aspects that was being considered by the secondary school strategy.
Councillor Ashwell stated that it was important to find a way to include the voice of young people and enable their participation in the development of the education strategy. The service was considering the best way to engage young people.
Members of the Committee were very interested in the development of the policies and wished to continue receiving regular updates. The Chairman asked that updates on the policies be included in the Forward Plan for the Committee.
RESOLVED That:
1) The update report be noted;
2) Update reports in relation to the following policies would be included in the Forward Plan:
a) Care Leavers Council Tax Exemption
b) Education Vision Strategy
c) Primary Place Planning Strategy
d) SEND Strategy