Public Document Pack

MEETING: CABINET MEMBER - CHILDREN'S SERVICES

DATE: Tuesday 23 March 2010

TIME: 9.30 am

VENUE: Bootle Town Hall (This meeting will also be video conferenced at Southport Town Hall)

DECISION MAKER: Councillor P Dowd SUBSTITUTE: Councillor Fairclough

SPOKESPERSONS: Councillor M Fearn Councillor Platt

SUBSTITUTES: Councillor Howe Councillor D Jones

COMMITTEE OFFICER: Lyndzay Roberts Telephone: 0151 934 2033 Fax: 0151 934 2034 E-mail: [email protected]

The Cabinet is responsible for making what are known as Key Decisions, which will be notified on the Forward Plan. Items marked with an * on the agenda involve Key Decisions A key decision, as defined in the Council’s Constitution, is: - ● any Executive decision that is not in the Annual Revenue Budget and Capital Programme approved by the Council and which requires a gross budget expenditure, saving or virement of more than £100,000 or more than 2% of a Departmental budget, whichever is the greater ● any Executive decision where the outcome will have a significant impact on a significant number of people living or working in two or more Wards

If you have any special needs that may require arrangements to facilitate your attendance at this meeting, please contact the Committee Officer named above, who will endeavour to assist.

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2 A G E N D A

Items marked with an * involve key decisions

Item Subject/Author(s) Wards Affected No.

1. Apologies for Absence

2. Declarations of Interest Members and Officers are requested to give notice of any personal or prejudicial interest and the nature of that interest, relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the relevant Code of Conduct.

3. Minutes (Pages 5 - 8) Minutes of the meeting held on 19 January 2010

4. Proposed Closure of St George of England All Wards (Pages 9 - High School : Outcome of the Consultation 20) Report of the Strategic Director - Children, Schools and Families

5. Sefton Primary Schools Admissions All Wards (Pages 21 - Scheme 2011/12 38) Report of the Business and Support Services Director - Children, Schools and Families

6. Sefton Secondary Schools Admissions All Wards (Pages 39 - Scheme 2011/12 72) Report of the Business and Support Services Director - Children, Schools and Families

7. Standing Advisory Council on Religious All Wards (Pages 73 - Education (SACRE) Annual Report 94) Report of the Strategic Director - Children, Schools and Families

8. Participation of Parents All Wards (Pages 95 - 106) Report of the Strategic Director - Children, Schools and Families

3 9. Youth Opportunity Fund All Wards (Pages 107 - 112) Report of the Strategic Director - Children, Schools and Families

10. Appointment of LA Representatives to Ainsdale; (Pages 113 - Governing Bodies of Maintained Schools Cambridge; 118) Church; Derby; Ford; Harington; Litherland; Meols; Park; Ravenmeols; St. Oswald; Victoria; Report of the Strategic Director - Children, Schools and Families

11. Sefton Youth Service All Wards (Pages 119 - 128) Report of the Assistant Chief Executive

12. Revenue and Capital Expenditure All Wards (Pages 129 - Monitoring to 31 December 2009 144) Report of the Strategic Director - Children, Schools and Families

4 Agenda Item 3 THE “CALL IN” PERIOD FOR THIS SET OF MINUTES ENDS AT 12 NOON ON TUESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY 2010. MINUTE NOS. 104(2), 105(2) AND 106 ARE NOT SUBJECT TO "CALL-IN".

CABINET MEMBER - CHILDREN'S SERVICES

MEETING HELD AT THE TOWN HALL, BOOTLE ON TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2010

PRESENT: Councillor P. Dowd

ALSO PRESENT: Councillors M. Fearn and D. Jones Mr. R. Gregson - Sefton Governors Forum.

101. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Platt.

102. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

No declarations of interest were received.

103. MINUTES

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2009 be confirmed as a correct record.

104. SCHOOLS ACCESS INITIATIVE - PROPOSED SCHEME

The Cabinet Member considered the report of the Strategic Director of Children, Schools and Families on a proposed scheme at Rowan Park Special School, Litherland.

RESOLVED: That

(1) the scheme, as set out in the report, be approved; and

(2) the Cabinet be recommended to include the proposed expenditure in the 2009/10 and 2010/11 Children, Schools and Families Capital Programme.

105. SPECIALIST SCHOOLS PROGRAMME CAPITAL GRANT - HILLSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, BOOTLE

The Cabinet Member considered the report of the Strategic Director of Children, Schools and Families on a proposed capital grant of £25,000, which could be matched with £25,000 of sponsorship, to undertake a scheme of projects at the above school which are related to its specialist status specialisms.

RESOLVED: That

Page98 5 Agenda Item 3 CABINET MEMBER - CHILDREN'S SERVICES- TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2010

(1) the scheme, as set out in the report, be approved; and

(2) the Cabinet be recommended to include the proposed expenditure in the 2009/10 Children, Schools and Families Capital Programme.

106. SIX-MONTHLY PERFORMANCE REPORT FOR CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES 2009/10

Further to Minute No. 5 of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children's Services) held on 10 June 2008, the Cabinet Member considered the report of the Strategic Director of Children, Schools and Families which advised of the mid-year performance for 2009/10 with particular regard to the 2009 Comprehensive Area Assessment, Council Plan, Service Delivery Plan and National Indicators.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

107. EVERY CHILD A TALKER

The Cabinet Member considered the report of the Strategic Director of Children, Schools and Families on the proposed implementation of the above programme with effect from April 2010.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

108. YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND

Further to Minute No. 99 of 8 December 2009, the Cabinet Member considered the report of the Strategic Director of Children, Schools and Families that advised of the proposed spend of the final round of Youth Opportunities Fund bids in 2009/10.

RESOLVED: That

(1) the expenditure of £35,314.85 funded by the Youth Opportunities Fund, as detailed within the report, be approved; and

(2) the Strategic Director be requested to arrange a meeting between the Children's Services spokespersons and the young people on the Youth Opportunities Fund Panel.

109. APPOINTMENT OF LOCAL AUTHORITY REPRESENTATIVES TO GOVERNING BODIES OF MAINTAINED SCHOOLS

Further to Minute No. 84 of the meeting held on 27 October 2009, the Cabinet Member considered the report of the Strategic Director of

Page99 6 Agenda Item 3 CABINET MEMBER - CHILDREN'S SERVICES- TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2010

Children, Schools and Families regarding vacancies on the governing bodies of Community and Voluntary Aided schools.

RESOLVED:

That the undermentioned persons be appointed to serve on the Governing Bodies of the schools indicated for a period of four years:-

School Governor(s)

AINSDALE WARD Birkdale High, Southport Mr. F. Robinson

BIRKDALE WARD Farnborough Road Junior, Southport Mrs. R. Griffin

BLUNDELLSANDS WARD St. Luke's Halsall C.E. Primary, Crosby Councillor Cuthbertson Valewood Primary, Crosby Mr. B. Winstanley

DERBY WARD Hillside High, Bootle Councillor McGinnity Mrs. A. Manning Springwell Park Primary, Bootle Councillor D. Hardy Mr. M. Kilpatrick Councillor Maher DUKES WARD Greenbank High, Southport Mrs. J. Shavaksha Holy Trinity C.E. Primary, Southport Mr. M. Fernley

HARINGTON WARD Formby High Mr. D. Walker

KEW WARD Kew Woods Primary, Southport Ms. J. Hopkins

MOLYNEUX WARD Holy Rosary Catholic Primary, Aintree Mrs. J. Wilkinson

NORWOOD WARD Bishop David Sheppard C.E. Primary, Southport Mrs. L. Godfrey

SUDELL WARD St. Andrew's Maghull C.E. Primary Mr. R. Higham.

110. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC

RESOLVED:

Page100 7 Agenda Item 3 CABINET MEMBER - CHILDREN'S SERVICES- TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2010

That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act. The Public Interest Test had been applied and favoured exclusion of the information from the press and public.

111. REVIEW OF THE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICE 2010

The Cabinet Member considered the joint report of the Strategic Director of Children, Schools and Families and the Personnel Director on a proposed re-organisation of the existing School Admissions and Student Support Service to enable it to meet the requirements of the new School Admissions Code, which reflects changes to the law introduced by the Education and Skills Act 2008, which included:

• extending the co-ordinating role of local authorities to all admissions applications for state primary and secondary schools made by their residents at any time of year , from 2010;

• the full inter-Local Authority co-ordination of admission to primary schools to be phased in, starting with all in-year admissions from September 2010 and the annual allocation of primary places from September 2011;

• improving the information provided to parents by local authorities; adding parents and the local community to those who must be consulted regarding proposed admission arrangements;

• requiring local authorities to report annually to the Schools Adjudicator on the fairness and legality of admission arrangements in their area; plus new powers for the Office of the Schools Adjudicator to act proactively if an Authority is failing in any aspects of the statutory and mandatory duties.

In accordance with the Responsibility for Functions provided in the Council's Constitution, the personnel implications described in the report had been approved by the Personnel Director, in consultation with the Strategic Director of Children, Schools and Families.

RESOLVED:

That the reorganisation of the Service, as set out in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.11 and Annex 2 to the report, be approved.

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REPORT TO: OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY CABINET MEMBER, CHILDREN, SCHOOLS & FAMILIES

DATE: 16 MARCH 2010 23 MARCH 2010

SUBJECT: PROPOSED CLOSURE OF ST GEORGE OF ENGLAND HIGH SCHOOL: OUTCOME OF THE CONSULTATION

WARDS AFFECTED: ALL WARDS

REPORT OF: PETER MORGAN STRATEGIC DIRECTOR, CHILDREN, SCHOOLS & FAMILIES

CONTACT OFFICER: CHRIS DALZIEL (0151 934 3337)

EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL: NO

PURPOSE/SUMMARY:

The purpose is to report on the outcome of the consultation on the proposal to close St George of England High School with effect from 31 August 2013.

REASON WHY DECISION REQUIRED:

The Cabinet Member has delegated powers to consider the outcome of the consultation process and to recommend the publication of a statutory notice.

RECOMMENDATION(S):

Members of Overview and Scrutiny are recommended to consider the outcome of the consultation and to refer the matter to the Cabinet Member, Children, Schools & Families. The Cabinet Member, Children, Schools and Families to consider all the representations arising from the consultation process in relation to the proposal to close St George of England High School.

KEY DECISION: No.

FORWARD PLAN: Not appropriate.

IMPLEMENTATION DATE: Following the expiry of the “call-in” period for the Minutes of the Cabinet Member meeting.

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ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

Not appropriate.

IMPLICATIONS:

Budget/Policy Framework: None

Financial: St George of England High School is funded through the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and other specific government grants. Closure of the school would result in the subsequent redistribution of the DSG to other schools (broadly reflecting the transfer of pupils to those schools). The specific grants for St George of England would no longer be paid, but additional grant might be directed to those schools receiving former St George of England pupils.

Where there is no direct successor to the closing school, as would be the case here, the Local Authority can seek approval from the Schools Forum to retain the unused part of the DSG funded budget for the year of closure - amounting to 7/12 of the annual budget when the school closes in August. If agreed by the Forum, this would provide a one-off budget to contribute to any costs associated with the closure, but future years DSG funded budgets would be redistributed to schools.

Any accumulative balances that St George of England has at the time of closure, whether positive or negative, would be transferred to the Local Authority.

2009/ 2010/ 2011/ 2012/ 2010 2011 2012 2013 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE £ £ £ £ Gross Increase in Capital Expenditure Funded by: Sefton Capital Resources Specific Capital Resources REVENUE IMPLICATIONS Gross Increase in Revenue Expenditure Funded by: Sefton Funded Resources Funded from External Resources Does the External Funding have an expiry date? Y/N When? How will the service be funded post expiry?

Legal: The proposal will be progressed in line with current School Organisation legislation.

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Risk Assessment: There are no risks associated directly with this report. However, failure to address the issue of falling rolls at St George of England will continue to increase the financial instability at the school and also restrict opportunities for more viable and sustainable options for the future.

Asset Management: Not appropriate.

CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN/VIEWS

As detailed in this report.

FD343 - The Finance and Information Services Director has been consulted and his comments have been incorporated into this report.

CORPORATE OBJECTIVE MONITORING:

Corporate Positive Neutral Negative Objective Impact Impact Impact 1 Creating a Learning Community ü 2 Creating Safe Communities ü 3 Jobs and Prosperity ü 4 Improving Health and Well-Being ü 5 Environmental Sustainability ü 6 Creating Inclusive Communities ü 7 Improving the Quality of Council Services and ü Strengthening local Democracy 8 Children and Young People ü

LINKS TO ENSURING INTEGRATION:

Not appropriate.

IMPACT UPON CHILDREN, SCHOOLS & FAMILIES TARGETS AND PRIORITIES:

Not appropriate.

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS RELIED UPON IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

Report to Cabinet Member 27 October 2009: Building Schools for the Future: Statutory Consultation.

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PROPOSED CLOSURE OF ST GEORGE OF ENGLAND HIGH SCHOOL: OUTCOME OF THE CONSULTATION

1. Background

1.1 Members will recall that approval was given on 27 October 2009 for the consultation on a proposal for the closure of St George of England High School, Bootle, with effect from 31 August 2013.

1.2 The consultation process began on 20 January 2010 with separate meetings for staff, Governors and parents of pupils at the school. A further meeting was held on the 26 January for parents of pupils at feeder primary schools and a second Governors’ meeting was held, at their request, on 8 February 2010. Questions and answers from these meetings are summarised below and in more detail at Annex A.

1.3 Parents of pupils at feeder primary schools and those who had expressed a preference for admission to St George of England High School in September 2010 were informed by letter of the consultation and were invited to respond. All Headteachers and Governing Bodies of Sefton Schools were informed of the consultation as were local Ward Councillors and the Local MP.

1.4 The consultation ended on 19 February 2010 and during the consultation period two responses were received. The following issues were raised: • Pupils currently in Year 7 will be expected to move at the start of Year 11, putting exam grades at risk. • St George of England High School was chosen by the parent for their child in preference to Hillside High School because of its location and staff/pupil relationships. • Teachers may leave St George of England High School which will impact on pupil’s education. • Hillside High School is not within walking distance and there is more chance of bullying in a bigger school. • Pupils in this deprived area of Bootle will be disadvantaged if they have to move to a bigger school.

1.5 Two further responses, from a parent of a pupil at St George of England High School and the pupil, were received after the closing date for the consultation. Their concern was that the pupil would have to change schools at the start of Year 11 which would disrupt their education.

2. Background to the Proposal

2.1 This proposal is part of a wider reorganisation of secondary education in Sefton which will coincide with the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme including the refurbishment of Hillside High School with some new build.

2.2 Pupil numbers have been falling in South Sefton for a number of years and projections show that this trend is likely to continue. The table below gives details of the number of secondary pupils in South Sefton since 2000 and the projected pupil numbers to 2019. There are 5,190 school places in South Sefton and although 825 places were removed by the closure of Bootle High School in August 2009 there are still 1,328 empty places in South Sefton.

January 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010* 2015* 2019* Number of Secondary pupils in South Sefton 4,797 5,050 5,155 4,755 4,230 3,862 3,521 3,638 (Age 11-16) *projected

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Pupil numbers at St George of England High School have fallen by 300 pupils since 2003 with 411 pupils currently on roll and 354 empty places.

2.3 School finances are mainly dependent on pupil numbers and as numbers fall schools are unable to maintain staffing levels and the funding available to support each pupil is reduced in real terms.

Funding for each child is approximately £5,000 so every eight children is approximately equal to a teacher’s salary. The school has received £76,000 as a National Challenge School over a two year period but this will discontinue from 2011/12. The three year budget forecast shows a deficit of £312,000 in 2011/12.

2.4 School standards at St George of England High School are below the Sefton and national average as the table overleaf shows.

The % of pupils achieving 5 or more grades A* - C including English and Maths at GCSE 2008 2009 * St George of England High School 29% 25% Hillside High School 47% 46% Litherland High School 23% 44% Sefton average 51.4% 52.9% National average 47.6% n/a *to be confirmed

The Government designated any school that did not achieve 30% of pupils gaining at least 5 A*-C grades including English and Maths at GCSE as a National Challenge School and has provided 2 years of support for these schools.

3. Outcome of the Meeting with Staff of St George of England High School

3.1 The meeting was attended by the Headteacher, 53 other teaching and non-teaching staff and five union representatives.

3.2 The staff enquired about salary protection, redeployment ring-fencing and redundancy. However, the majority of questions and concerns centred around the welfare of the pupils. Staff also enquired whether the proposal would be progressed if the Government withdrew BSF funding.

3.3 The Strategic Director, Children, Schools & Families praised the passion of the staff for their pupils and emphasised the commitment of the Authority in ensuring that robust transition arrangements would be put in place if the proposal is approved.

4. Outcome of the Meeting with the Governors of St George of England High School

4.1 The main points raised by the Governors at their meeting on 20 January and 8 February were alternatives to the proposal, the effect of the proposal on the community and how staff would be considered. Governors also asked for clarification on the pupil projections and whether changes to housing stock numbers in the area had been taken into consideration.

4.2 Governors were also concerned about the air quality on the Hillside High School site and what would happen to the St George of England High School building and the Fernhill Sports Centre.

5. Outcome of the Meeting with Parents of pupils at St George of England High School and Feeder Primary Schools

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5.1 Twenty-three parents attended the meeting on 20 January 2010 with 27 attending the meeting for parents of pupils at feeder primary schools.

5.2 Parents were concerned about the level of support that their children would receive particularly as some had already been through the school merger of Orrell and Roberts Primary Schools. Some considered that their children would suffer as they would be in their GCSE year when the school closed.

5.3 Questions were raised about arrangements to replace teachers who may decide to leave and whether there would be any support with uniform or travel costs. The effect on local shops and house prices was raised and parents were concerned about the capacity of Hillside High School to accommodate all pupils in the area. Parents stressed the strong community spirit of the school and praised the staff for their commitment to their children.

G:\SCHOOLS\Secondary Schools\St George of England\DOCUMENT\CM Report - Proposed Closure of ST G of E - Outcome of Consultation 16 23.03.10.DOC

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ANNEX A

Outcome of the consultation meetings relating to the closure of St George of England High School between 20 January and 8 February 2010

All meetings were chaired by The Strategic Director, Children, Schools and Families, supported by Senior Officers.

The Strategic Director, Children, Schools and Families gave a presentation explaining the context of the proposal to close St George of England High School.

The Local Authority has looked at all the schools in the borough highlighting surplus capacity in primary and secondary schools and how pupil numbers are falling due to a drop in the population. The proposal is part of a wider reorganisation of secondary education in Sefton which will coincide with the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme and will bring approx £80m of investment into Sefton’s secondary and special schools. This will provide better services for the community and access to provision. Progress so far, in South Sefton, includes the re-building of 3 primary schools and the major refurbishment of another primary school, a rebuild of a secondary school and a new sixth form centre. There is also a new water-based adventure centre in Crosby for all schools to access.

The presentation also looked at the financial implications for St George of England High School over the coming years and how additional funding will cease which will impact on the finances for the school. This will result in a large deficit for the school in three years time.

Questions and Answers raised during the meetings

Funding Q Please explain how the school is funded. A The majority of a school’s funding comes from the pupil numbers, so the more pupils there are then the more money the school receives from the Government. Funding for a secondary aged pupil is approximately £5,000 so if numbers fall by 8 pupils then this is equivalent to the salary for 1 teacher or 2 teaching assistants. So as pupil numbers fall there is less money to pay for staff and the curriculum cannot be supported.

Q Why will the school receive less funding in future years? A Additional funding has been provided by the Government to help schools where less than 30% of pupils achieve 5 or more grades A*-C at GCSE, including English and maths. This funding of £76,000 per school will cease in 2011. It is also expected that some other funding sources may also be cut over the next few years. The 3-year budget forecast for the school projects a deficit of £312,000 by 2012/13 .

Q Does the Archdiocese of Liverpool have to contribute towards a new Catholic school, for example, the proposed Academy? A It is the Salesian Trustees, the Archdiocese of Liverpool and Liverpool Hope University who will be sponsors of the proposed Academy and the Archdiocese own the St Wilfrid’s site so this is their contribution.

Q Is the funding for BSF dependent on the decision on the St George of England High School’s proposal being made in July? Could the money be taken away if there is a change of Government? A The decision on the proposal at St George of England High School is the first step in the process. The Government and opposition parties have given assurances that they will support the BSF programme. If the funding was not there we would have to look at other funding streams to carry out the work. We would still have to reduce surplus capacity and the Government would have to provide some capital funding.

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Q The Government withdrew the funding at KGV College so could that happen here? No, that was a different programme, funded by the Learning & Skills Council.

Transition Q Children who are in Years 6 and 7 now will be working towards their GCSE exams when the school closes. Surely this will disrupt their education and they may not do as well in their exams? A We will work with the staff at both of the schools on transition plans to ensure that pupils are not disadvantaged by the move to a new school. This is especially important for pupils at KS4 and we will work to ensure that curriculum and exam syllabuses are lined up leading up to the closure. We will also need to align option choices for the Year 9 pupils. Every teacher and head of department is committed to the young people and the leadership teams will plan the curriculum accordingly. Where appropriate, a high degree of multi-agency support will be provided to individual young people or families in order to ensure a smooth transition.

Q Some children have already gone through an amalgamation at their primary schools so their schooling has been disrupted once already. Can you give assurances that they will receive all of the support they need? A Yes, we will provide transition support at an early stage to pupils and staff to make the change process as smooth as possible.

Q Can parents ask for their child to be moved before the closure date so that they have time to settle in? A Although pupil numbers are reducing, there is not enough room to move all of the pupils to Hillside High School at the moment. We are planning for the future and we are giving a commitment to move to Hillside High School in September 2013 although we may have to provide some high quality temporary accommodation initially.

Q Thomas Gray, Springwell Park and Linacre Primary Schools are not feeder schools for Hillside High School so will our children be at a disadvantage? A No, these primary schools will become feeder schools for Hillside High School from 2013.

Q Will these transition arrangements only be for pupils who transfer to Hillside High School? What if children transfer to another school such as Litherland High School? A We will work with other schools as well if families choose to transfer their children there.

Staffing Q What support will be available to staff? A The Authority will support staff with a range of measures. 1. Human Resources (HR) will hold one to one interviews with all staff to address any concerns/questions staff may have and offer any relevant advice. 2. Information days will be arranged with a number of experts on hand to offer advice and support. These include, Sefton at Work, Pensions experts for both the Teachers Scheme and Merseyside Pensions who offer one to one interviews. The counsellor from Occupational Health also attends and presents a session on coping with change which people have found very valuable. HR also attend to offer further one to one sessions. 3. Alternative Employment Protocol co-ordinated by HR. Those staff who wish to be redeployed are identified and informed of any vacancies that may be of interest to t hem. Support staff can also access the Council's re-deployment procedure. 4. A booklet containing relevant information to be distributed by HR.

Q Can you please explain what is meant by ring-fencing? A Ring-fencing, in this context, simply means that when a vacancy arises it is held for people deemed to be at risk of redundancy. Only these people are considered in the first instance prior to a general advertisement. Support staff are eligible to be considered under the Council’s redeployment arrangements while teachers are given consideration under the alternative employment protocol. The alternative employment protocol does not necessarily guarantee ring-fencing, although discussions are ongoing with other secondary headteachers about strengthening the protocol.

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Q What are the salary protection arrangements for teaching staff and support staff? A There is a national arrangement in respect of teachers for salary safeguarding for 3 years excluding TLRs. The current council policy for support staff is 12 months.

Q When can staff put their names forward for redeployment? A As soon as a proposal becomes a decision, staff will be eligible to apply, providing sufficient staff can remain here to provide a curriculum. There will have to be a staffing compliment to look after the needs of the pupils.

Q Are there likely to be many voluntary redundancies and when could these happen? A There would be no voluntary redundancies prior to 2013. If at that time staff apply for voluntary redundancy then they are entitled to apply for another position after 28 days. However, the staffing profile of Sefton teachers and support staff shows a considerable number are in the over 50s age range. This suggests that vacancies will arise as staff choose to retire and many of these staff will need to be replaced so opportunities for redeployment should become available.

Q Will staff get help when applying for other jobs within Sefton such as only having to complete a single application form? A Yes, we can arrange it so that staff only have to complete one form which can then be used for multiple applications.

Q What will happen if vacancies come up at Hillside High School prior to 2013? A The Governors at that school will want to recruit new staff and if the alternative employment protocol is in place then the school would be encouraged to use this.

Q Will any staff move from here to Hillside High School? A This will need to be considered as part of the wider process and we will work with the 2 Governing bodies on this and other staffing issues.

Q When teaching and non-teaching staff apply for positions in Sefton, will their salary be protected? A Salary will be protected for teachers for 3 years as per the national agreement and for support staff currently for 1 year.

Q If teachers leave St George of England High School, will they be replaced so that they can continue to deliver a high standard for the pupils? A I hope staff can be retained. Although the school already has problems retaining staff due to reduced funding. The staff show great commitment and passion for their pupils and will ensure that there are sufficient staff to support the pupils.

Pupil numbers & places Q A lot of new houses are being built in this area as part of Housing Market Renewal. Has this been taken into consideration when the pupil projections have been calculated? A Yes these changes in population have been taken into consideration. 100 new houses produce on average, depending on the type of housing, 5 children per year group or 20 pupils in total. The BSF programme has to look at pupil numbers in 10 years time and these show that there will only be a need for 1 Catholic and 1 Community school in the Bootle area. Initially there may need to be some temporary accommodation in the short term but when the feeder primary schools are realigned then there will be sufficient places. We will provide whatever capacity is needed on the Hillside site for the St George of England pupils.

Q How are the projections worked out? A They are worked out using a method approved by the Government, which uses birth data on a ward basis and the number of pupils already in our primary schools. The data is very robust and is updated every year, as new birth data becomes available. There are already 1,300 empty places in south Sefton and we need to address this.

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Q If children move before 2013 then the numbers will fall sooner. Could the school close before that date? A It is up to parents to make the decision about their child. There may not be enough available places in other schools and some children will still want to come here. We cannot predict what parents will do and they have the right to choose what to do.

Q What happens if pupil numbers start to increase again? A The birth rate has risen again slightly so numbers may go up in future years. However, for BSF our numbers have to be based on 10-year projections and these will be scrutinised before we can proceed. We know that when places become available in schools further up the Borough, for example in Crosby, then some parents will prefer to send their children there.

Q The Government says that class sizes should not be more than 30 but if the pupils go to Hillside then they will be in bigger classes. A The class size legislation only applies to infant classes but class sizes tend to be smaller in secondary schools anyway. We will ensure that there are enough staff to teach the pupils so that class sizes are appropriate.

Alternatives Q Has consideration been given to other options instead of closing St George of England High School? A We have looked at other options such as closing both St George of England and Hillside High Schools but there is nowhere suitable to build a new school in a central position and there is insufficient funding to build from new. We have also considered a hard federation between the 2 schools or keeping the St George of England High School’s building as a lower school site. However, keeping both buildings open would not be a good use of resources and these alternatives would not be acceptable to the Government who scrutinise our proposals before they agree to the funding.

Q What about the ‘Peoples’ site? Could a new school not be built there? A This site is not big enough to build a new secondary school. Also the site is heavily contaminated and the remediation costs to clean up the site are estimated to be between £7 and £10 million. The Council depot would also have to be relocated at an estimated cost of £2 to £3 million.

Q Surely the air quality at Hillside High School is poor as it is so near to a main road? A Air quality is monitored in many locations in Sefton including the junction of Southport Road and Hatfield Road, on Hatfield Road and in Clayfield Close. (These are the 3 nearest points to Hillside High School where monitoring takes place although another new monitoring point is in Manor Close but there is no data for this yet). The sensors measure nitrogen dioxide emissions and if the Government's standard of 40 is exceeded in an area then an Air Quality Management Area is declared. We have 3 in Sefton - Miller's Bridge/Derby Road, Princes Way and Crosby Road North in Waterloo. The emissions near to Hillside High School do not exceed the 40 limit and are not a cause for concern.

Travel to school Q Will pupils be given help with travel costs to Hillside High School? A Travel expenses are paid in accordance with the Sefton Transport Policy although we did look at exceptional cases in the closure of Bootle High School.

Buildings Q What will happen to the building and site if the school closes? A There are no plans for either the site or building at the moment.

Page 18 Agenda Item 4

Q What would happen to the Fernhill Sports Centre? A Fernhill Sports Centre was closed by Leisure Services some years ago and Children’s Services arranged to keep the building going so that the school could fulfil their PE/Sports requirements. The school pays a considerable portion of the running costs. It has been advantageous that the Basketball Club and other sports clubs have been able to use the facility and it is hoped that these clubs will be able to find alternative venues. There would not be a strong case to keep Fernhill Sports Centre open if the school were to close as it would not be viable financially unless community groups/sports clubs could present a robust business plan.

Q Did any consultation take place with the Governors of the school or other stakeholders during the consultation process with the local community about the New Heartlands initiative? A The consultation that took place prior to the commencement of the Housing Market Renewal Initiative (HMRI) process started during June 2002. Specific and detailed consultation took place from June 2003 with the communities of Klondyke and Bedford/Queens (the first intervention areas). Some consultation events took place within St George of England High School itself, so the community and staff knew of the plans from 2003. We circulated information leaflets to key stakeholders (Schools, Health Centres etc) during 2003 so that partners were fully aware of our proposals and what implications these may have on future service delivery.

The statutory process Q How can we respond to the consultation? A By writing in with your comments or objections before the closing date of 19 February to the address on the consultation leaflet. You can also hand in your comments to your child’s school or reply on the website.

Q What happens next? A A report on the outcome of the consultation will go to the Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families in March. The Cabinet Member may then ask for a statutory notice to be published which will invite people to respond during a six week time period. All of these responses will then be considered by the Cabinet who will make the final decision.

The local community Q Do you think that the closure of the school will have a bad effect on the shops in the local community, particularly the sweet shop and chip shop? A I understand that it may have some impact on the local shops.

Q Will other local people, not connected with the school, be able to comment on the proposal? A Yes, if the proposal goes to the next stage then a notice will be published in the paper and outside the school inviting all interested parties to offer their views.

Q Why are you proposing to build a new Catholic school but are closing a Community school? A We need to maintain the proportion of Community and Catholic schools and faith schools are integral to the school population. The two Catholic schools will be closed and downsized to a single school. This will be funded by the BSF programme and will allow Sefton to reduce surplus places as we are doing in the community sector.

Q The school provides a lot of extended support which will be lost if the pupils move to St George of England. A All schools provide extended services to the community and with BSF this will be increased so Hillside High School will provide extended support.

Page 19 Agenda Item 4

Q Hillside High School is applying for Trust status so does this mean that they will be able to pick and choose who they admit into the school? A Trust status gives a school more control over their staffing and school estate but they still have to admit pupils according to the Admissions Code of Practice.

Q We have all been proud of the community and community cohesion in this area. By shutting this school down there will be no secondary facility in the area. What do you imagine will happen to this community? A Many people here will remember there used to be a school on every corner but numbers were far greater then. It is therefore difficult to sustain a school if numbers are low. A secondary school normally requires at least 600 pupils to be sustainable.

Page 20 Agenda Item 5

REPORT TO: CABINET MEMBER, CHILDREN, SCHOOLS & FAMILIES

DATE: 23 MARCH 2010

SUBJECT: SEFTON PRIMARY SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS SCHEME 2011/12

WARDS AFFECTED: ALL WARDS

REPORT OF: GRAHAM TAYLOR, BUSINESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES DIRECTOR, CHILDREN, SCHOOLS & FAMILIES

CONTACT OFFICER: JANE CLARK (0151 934 3487)

EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL: NO

PURPOSE/SUMMARY:

To ask the Cabinet Member to approve the determined admission arrangements in relation to the Primary Schools Admissions Scheme for 2011/12.

REASON WHY DECISION REQUIRED:

The Cabinet Member has delegated powers to approve to the Primary Schools determined admissions arrangements (scheme) for 2011/12.

RECOMMENDATION(S):

The Cabinet Member is asked to approve the enclosed determined scheme under the Schools Standards and Framework act 1998 (as amended by the Education and Inspections Act 2006).

KEY DECISION: No

FORWARD PLAN: Not appropriate

IMPLEMENTATION DATE: Following the expiry of the “call-in” period for the Minutes of the Cabinet Member meeting.

1 Page 21 Agenda Item 5

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

IMPLICATIONS:

Budget/Policy Framework: None.

Financial: None.

Legal: None.

Risk Assessment: N/A.

Asset Management: N/A.

CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN/VIEWS The annual consultation exercise was undertaken throughout December 2009 and January 2010. The consultation was inserted on to the Sefton Website. The exercise involved direct consultation with: - All schools in Sefton; - Neighbouring Local Authorities; - The Church of England Diocese; - The Catholic Archdiocesan Schools Department;

Page 22 2 Agenda Item 5

- Sefton Community and Parent Groups.

Page 23 3 Agenda Item 5

CORPORATE OBJECTIVE MONITORING:

Corporate Positive Neutral Negative Objective Impact Impact Impact 1 Creating a Learning Community √ 2 Creating Safe Communities √ 3 Jobs and Prosperity √ 4 Improving Health and Well-Being √ 5 Environmental Sustainability √ 6 Creating Inclusive Communities √ 7 Improving the Quality of Council Services and √ Strengthening local Democracy 8 Children and Young People √

LINKS TO ENSURING INTEGRATION:

Not Applicable.

IMPACT UPON CHILDREN, SCHOOLS & FAMILIES TARGETS AND PRIORITIES:

CYPP

3.1 Parents and Carers receive support in helping their children Enjoy and achieve.

3.4 Children and Young People are enabled and encouraged to attend and enjoy school and achieve highly.

3.8 Children with Young People with Learning difficulties and Disabilities are helped to enjoy and achieve.

LAA

8 Educational Achievement and Training

9 Looked After Children

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS RELIED UPON IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

None

Page 24 4 Agenda Item 5

SEFTON PRIMARY SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS SCHEME 2011/12

1. Background

1.1 Under the terms of the legislation referred to above, Local Authorities are required to undertake an annual consultation exercise with respect to the proposed primary schools admission arrangements for the following academic year, i.e. 2011/12.

1.2 In accordance with guidelines issued within the New Schools Admissions Code of Practice 2009, the consultation exercise for 2011/12 was extended to Local community and parent groups.

1.3 After this period of consultation, the arrangements for primary schools admissions are presented to, agreed and determined via the Sefton Admissions Forum.

1.4 The enclosed Primary Schools Admissions Scheme has now been consulted upon, agreed and determined via the Sefton Admissions Forum on 25 February 2010.

2. Proposals

2.1 The Cabinet Member is asked to approve the enclosed determined Primary Schools Admissions Scheme and arrangements for 2011/12.

3. Recommendations

3.1 The Cabinet Member is asked to approve the enclosed determined scheme under the Schools Standards and Framework act 1998 (as amended by the Education and Inspections Act 2006).

G:\Admissions-Typing\Jane Clark Typing\Cttee Reports\C M Report Sefton Prm Schs Adm Scheme 2011-12 (23.03.10).DOC

Page 25 5 Agenda Item 5

DETERMINED ADMISSION POLICIES AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR SEFTON PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2011/12

Admission to Reception Class 2011/12

By law, children become of school age at the beginning of the term after their fifth birthday. In practice many children start school before that date.

In Sefton, the policy is to offer reception places to children at the beginning of the school year in which they have their fifth birthday. This means children who have their fifth birthday on or between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012, can take up a place from the beginning of the Autumn term in September 2011.

For Community & Voluntary Controlled primary schools, parents may wish their child to start school later in the year, this will be possible, provided the place is taken up no later than the beginning of the next term after they become 5.

Parents need to discuss a later start with the headteacher in these circumstances, a place is held for the child and it is not available to be offered to another child.

Please note that attendance at a Community or Voluntary Controlled primary school’s nursery does not guarantee a place in reception class at the school. Applications must be made in the normal way and the admission arrangements will be applied as stated below.

Every effort is made to educate children at the school preferred by their parents. It is however unlikely to be possible to do so in all cases. Some schools may have more applications than places available, when this occurs the published oversubscription criteria will be used to decide which children are to be allocated places.

PUPILS WITH STATEMENTS OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Where a pupil has a Statement of Special Educational Need and the Authority have named this school as provision, the child must normally be offered a place. Where such pupils are known about at the time of the annual allocation procedures for Community schools, they will be placed within the first priority of the admissions criteria.

Page 26 6 Agenda Item 5

INFANT CLASS SIZES

The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 requires all primary schools to organise infant classes of no more than 30 pupils where there is one qualified teacher. The Authority sets its admission numbers for Community and Voluntary Controlled primary schools to ensure this requirement can be satisfied.

APPEALS

The Authority will endeavour, within the limits of its admission policy and admissions legislation, to meet parents’ stated preferences. . Unless an applicant has been offered a place at their first preference school they will be informed of their right of appeal to an independent appeal panel. This panel is convened by the Legal Department of Sefton MBC in accordance with legislation and the School Admission Appeals Codes. Parents can appeal for any school where they have been refused a place

Page 27 7 Agenda Item 5

ADMISSION CRITERIA

ALL SEFTON COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY CONTROLLED SCHOOLS

Except AINTREE DAVENHILL, BEDFORD, LARKFIELD, LITHERLAND MOSS, MELLING, NORWOOD, SPRINGWELL PARK, SUMMERHILL AND, VALEWOOD COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOLS. RIMROSE HOPE CE AND ST LUKE’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOLS

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to be still in public care when admitted to the school. Second Priority: Children who have a brother or sister living in the same house who already attend the primary school provided that they will still be in attendance at the school in September 2011. (See the definition below.) (*)

Third Priority: Other requests that name the school as a preference.(*)

(*) If it is not possible to allocate places for all applications within this category then priority will be given to those living closest to the school. In every case we will measure the shortest route which can be walked from the child’s home, measured from the point on the boundary of the property at which access is normally gained from the front entrance to the highway, which is the property’s address, to the nearest school gate.

Brothers and sisters of children who go to a community primary school in Sefton Includes step-children, foster children and half-brothers and sisters, children of the parent/ carer’s partner, living in the same family unit at the same address, who go to the school in question, as long as they will be at the school in September 2011.

Twins/ Multiple Births Occasionally the last child we offer a place to at a school is the first child from a family of multiple births. This means that the other child/children would be offered a place at an alternative school. In this situation the place will be offered to the parents/carers for a decision to be made as to which child is accepting the place. The other child/children can be put on a waiting list for the preferred school.. The Authority will also notify the parents of the nearest school to their home, which can accommodate all of the siblings.

Page 28 8 Agenda Item 5

AINTREE DAVENHILL COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL BEDFORD COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL MELLING COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL NORWOOD COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to be still in public care when admitted to the school.

Second Priority: Children who have a brother or sister living in the same house who already attend the primary school provided that they will still be in attendance at the school in September 2011. (See the definition below.) (*)

Third Priority: Children who live in the areas, for which the schools are designated. The schools should normally be able to offer places to all pupils living in the area. If, however, it cannot do so, priority is given to those pupils living closest, by walking distance, to the school. (*)

Fourth Priority: Other requests that name the school as a preference. (*)

Page 29 9 Agenda Item 5

LARKFIELD COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL LITHERLAND MOSS COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL SPRINGWELL PARK COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL SUMMERHILL COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL VALEWOOD COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL RIMROSE HOPE CE AND ST LUKE’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOLS

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to be still in public care when admitted to the school.

Children we have identified as needing specialist facilities that go beyond expected reasonable adjustments will be given priority for the above schools if it is the nearest school with suitable resources. This would usually be a child with a physical or mobility problem. We will require details from parents, backed up by medical evidence in order to assess each situation depending on circumstances

Third Priority: Other requests that name the school as a preference.(*)

Page 30 10 Agenda Item 5

Admission Numbers 2011-12

Each primary school has An Indicated Admissions Number (IAN), which is the number of admissions places that are indicated for the school using the Net Capacity Formula.

The proposed published admission number (which may differ from the IAN) is the number of places that will be offered for the particular year of admission. The Admissions Authority should not offer places in excess of this number once it has been determined.

Sefton Authority is the Admission Authority for the following Community

Primary and Voluntary Controlled Church of England Schools

Community Schools Determined Admission Indicated Admi ssion Limit Number (Based on Net Capacity) 2011/12 Aintree Davenhill Community Primary 65 60 Bedford Community Primary 60 60 Birkdale Community Primary 43 45 Churchtown Community Primary 120 120 Farnborough Road Community Infant 116 120 Farnborough Road Community Junior 118 120 Forefield Community Infant and Nursery School (*) change of name 89 90 Forefield Community Junior 90 90 Freshfield Community Primary 30 30 Green Park Community Primary 29 30 Hatton Hill Community Primary 60 60 Hudson Community Primary 30 30 Kew Woods Community Primary 45 45 Kings Meadow Community Primary 20 20 Lander Road Community Primary 38 30 Larkfield Community Primary 43 45 Linacre Community Primary 30 30 Linaker Community Primary 60 60 Litherland Moss Community Primary 30 30 Lydiate Community Primary 50 50 Marshside Community Primary 30 30 Melling Community Primary 30 30

Page 31 11 Agenda Item 5

Netherton Moss Community Primary 39 40 Springwell Park Community Primary 60 60 Northway Community Primary 45 45 Norwood Community Primary 58 60 Redgate Community Primary 30 30 Shoreside Community Primary 41 30 Summerhill Community Primary 30 30 The Grange Community Primary 30 30 Thomas Gray Community Primary 30 30 Valewood Community Primary 30 30 Waterloo Community Primary 60 60 Woodlands Community Primary 45 45

Determined Admission Voluntary Controlled CE Schools Indicated Admission Limit Number 2011-12 Christ Church CE Primary 59 45 Rimrose Hope Church of England School 45 45 St Andrew's CE Primary 60 60 St John's CE Primary, Crossens 28 30 St Luke's CE Primary 59 60 St Philip's CE Primary, Litherland 30 30

The Governing Body of the School is the Admission Authority for the following Voluntary- Aided Catholic and Church of England Primary Schools

Indicated Admission Determined Admission Catholic Voluntary Aided Schools Limit Number 2011-12 All Saints Catholic Primary 60 60 English Martyrs Catholic Primary 60 60 Great Crosby Catholic Primary 87 90 Holy Family Catholic Primary 30 30 Holy Rosary Catholic Primary 59 60 Holy Spirit Catholic Primary 30 30 Our Lady of Compassion Catholic Primary 36 30 Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary 56 60

Page 32 12 Agenda Item 5

Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Primary 60 45 Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary 24 30 Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary 27 30 St Benedict's Catholic Primary 42 30 St Edmund's and St Thomas Catholic Primary 45 45 St Elizabeth's Catholic Primary 52 60 St George's Catholic Primary 30 30 St Gregory's Catholic Primary 30 30 St Jerome's Catholic Primary 30 30 St John Bosco Catholic Primary 29 30 St Mary's Catholic Primary 15 15 St Monica's Catholic Primary 60 60 St Patrick's Catholic Primary 46 50 St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Primary 29 30 St Teresa's Catholic Infant 30 30 St William of York Catholic Primary 30 30 Ursuline Catholic Primary 60 60

Church of England Voluntary Aided Indicated Admission Determined Admission Schools Limit Number 2011-12 Ainsdale CE Primary 29 30 Bishop David Sheppard CE Primary 30 30 Holy Trinity CE Primary 30 30 St John's CE Primary, Waterloo 26 30 St Luke's CE Halsall Primary 30 30 St Nicholas CE Primary 29 30 St Oswald's CE Primary 30 30 St Philip's CE Primary, Southport 30 30 St Thomas' CE Primary 25 30 Trinity St Peter's CE Primary 30 30

Page 33 13 Agenda Item 5

The Scheme for Co-ordinating Admissions to Sefton Authority Primary Schools for the Academic Year 2011/12

The determined Scheme will come in to force for admissions to Sefton Authority Primary Schools in September 2010. The Scheme refers to the admission of pupils who are of age to be admitted to reception class in September 2011.

All Sefton Authority Community Primary Schools, Voluntary Aided Primary Schools and Voluntary Controlled Primary Schools will be included in the Scheme.

1. Application Forms

v September 2010, Sefton Authority will publish the information and arrangements within the Admission to Primary School booklet, along with the admissions application form).

The application form will allow parents to express three preferences in ranked order for primary schools within Sefton Authority. v The booklet and application form will be made available to all Sefton Authority primary schools and on request to all parents directly. The application form will be available on-line via the Sefton Authority website. An application can be submitted to the Authority either via the website or by returning an application to the primary school or the Authority direct. If the application form is returned to the primary school it should be returned to the school named as First Preference. the school must provide the parent with a standard receipt that should be kept by the parent in case of a query. v

Submission of the Admissions Application Form

v The form allows parents to make up to three preferences in ranked order. Only Sefton Authority Schools can be named. The form can be completed on line, returned to the school named as First Preference, or submitted to the Authority directly v Voluntary Aided primary schools may require parents to complete a supplementary form, which should to be returned directly to the school. (Church schools may also require sight of a baptism certificate to authenticate any statements made.) It should be noted that any such form is not a valid application on its own; the school must also have been named on the application form

v Applications must be submitted to primary schools before 15 January 2011. No applications received after this date will be included in the initial allocation of 26 th April 2011

14 Page 34 Agenda Item 5

2. DETERMINING OFFERS

v Admissions to all Sefton Authority Primary Schools will be made using an Equal Preference Co-ordinated Scheme.

v All first, second and third preferences for all schools will initially be treated as equal regardless of parents ranking. If more than one school place can potentially be offered by any admitting Authority, a single offer for the school which has been ranked highest by the parent will be made.

v If the Authority is unable to make an offer to a parent for any of their preferred schools, then a place will be offered at the next nearest appropriate school with a vacancy.

v If a parent has expressed only one preference and this preference is for a Catholic School but cannot be granted and the child is a baptised Catholic, then a place will be offered at the next nearest Catholic School with a vacancy.

v Each primary school has a published admission number. The published admission number is the number of places offered for the particular year of admission. The relevant Admission Authority should not offer places in excess of this number once it has been determined.

v By 15 January 2011 Sefton primary schools will submit the forms to the Sefton Authority Admissions Office.

v NB Any forms submitted to a primary school should be forwarded to the Authority as soon as possible rather than wait until the final closing date in January 2011

v Each school can, if they wish take a copy of the application form before submitting the original to the Sefton Authority Admissions Office. A list of the pupils for whom applications have been received should also be submitted to the Authority Admissions Office with the application forms.

v By 11 th February 2011 Local Authorities will exchange applicant information

v By 18 February 2011 Application information that has been submitted to the Authority Admissions Office (for Voluntary Aided schools named as a preference will also be sent to the school.)

v By 18 March 2011 each Voluntary Aided school will have made decisions on each preference according to the agreed policy. The Voluntary Aided schools will return a list of allocated pupils to the Authority Admissions Office. If there have been more preferences than places, the school should also submit a list noting the criteria under which each pupil has been offered a place.

Page 35 15 Agenda Item 5

v 31 st March 2011. Final date for exchange of information between Local Authorities v Where no stated preference can be offered, Sefton Authority will seek to offer a place at the nearest appropriate school with available places.

v April 2011 Sefton Authority will send confirmed lists of pupils to all Sefton Authority primary schools.

3. Allocation of Primary School Places

By 26 th April 2011, allocation letters will be sent to all applicants . This date is dependent on all V-A Schools decisions having been received in by 18 th March v Where an applicant has been offered a place at a primary school other than their first preference, they will be informed of their right of appeal, the appeals process and the deadlines for appeals.

v Late applications received after the closing date will be set aside until the initial allocation has been done. Where a Community School is oversubscribed, late applications will be added to the waiting list according to eligibility within the oversubscription criteria.

v Applications received after 15 April 2011 and before the start of the school year should be passed to the Sefton Authority Admissions Office and they will be considered after the allocation on 26th April in the strict date order they are received. If the application is for a Community or Controlled school and the school is already full then the child’s name will be added to the waiting list and in accordance with the oversubscription criteria. In the case of Voluntary Aided schools the office will forward them to the appropriate admission authority for consideration.

WAITING LISTS

v Sefton Authority will operate a waiting list for every Sefton Community school that is oversubscribed from the time the places are allocated until the end of the first term of the 2011/12 school year. The lists will be ordered in accordance with the eligibility of each pupil within the schools admissions criteria and if a place becomes available it will be offered to the next child on the list.. Please note. The lists may change because of removals in to the area, late applications or children accepting places at alternative schools.

v The Governing Body of Voluntary Aided Schools may maintain a waiting list for their school

Page 36 16 Agenda Item 5

v Any applicant not offered a place at their highest preference school will be placed on the waiting list of the school. Where a vacancy occurs below the published admission number Sefton Authority Admissions Office will offer the place from the waiting list

v All other applications outside the normal admission round must be made directly to the Sefton Admissions Office at the Local Authority. The Authority will inform the school of any requests received and advise parents of vacancies available in other schools. An application will be refused if the school has reached its published admission number and has no available places in the year group concerned. Parents will be informed in writing of their right of appeal if their application has been refused.

Page 37 17 Agenda Item 5

Timetable for Primary Co-ordinated Admissions for September 2011-12

Sefton recommends that forms are submitted before 31 st October 2010 The Final national Closing Date for all Applications is 15 January 2011 (No applications will be considered after 15 th January for inclusion in 26th April allocation date )

All application forms plus pupil lists sent from Sefton to LA by 17 January 2011

LA exchange applicant information with other LA’S by 11 February 2011

Application information to be sent to Voluntary- Aided Schools by 18 February 2011

Voluntary-Aided Schools MUST return decisions and allocation lists ( rankings) to Local Authority 18 March 2011 If list are not received by this deadline there is no guarantee they can be included in the initial allocation for 26 th April 2011

Sefton LA to inform Primary Schools of the allocations to be made for their schools before offer letters are sent to parents

Allocation letters sent to all Sefton residents by the LA 26th April 2011

Appeals hearings take place Summer term 2011

Page 38 Agenda Item 6

REPORT TO: CABINET MEMBER, CHILDREN, SCHOOLS & FAMILIES

DATE: 23 MARCH 2010

SUBJECT: SEFTON SECONDARY SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS SCHEME 2011/12

WARDS AFFECTED: ALL WARDS

REPORT OF: GRAHAM TAYLOR, BUSINESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES DIRECTOR, CHILDREN, SCHOOLS & FAMILIES

CONTACT OFFICER: JANE CLARK (0151 934 3487)

EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL: NO

PURPOSE/SUMMARY:

To ask the Cabinet Member to approve the determined admission arrangements in relation to the Secondary Schools Admissions Scheme for 2011/12.

REASON WHY DECISION REQUIRED:

The Cabinet Member has delegated powers to approve to the Secondary Schools determined admissions arrangements (scheme) for 2011/12.

RECOMMENDATION(S):

The Cabinet Member is asked to approve the following determined scheme under the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998 (amended by the Education and Inspections Act 2006).

KEY DECISION: No

FORWARD PLAN: Not appropriate

IMPLEMENTATION DATE: Following the expiry of the “call-in” period for the Minutes of the Cabinet Member meeting.

Page 39 1 Agenda Item 6

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

IMPLICATIONS:

Budget/Policy Framework: None.

Financial: None.

Legal: None.

Risk Assessment: N/A

Asset Management: N/A

CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN/VIEWS The annual consultation exercise was undertaken throughout December 2009 and January 2010. The consultation was inserted on to the Sefton Website. The exercise involved consultation with: - All schools in Sefton; - Neighbouring Local Authorities; - The Church of England Diocese; - The Catholic Archdiocesan Schools Department; - Sefton Community and Parent Groups.

Page 40 2 Agenda Item 6

CORPORATE OBJECTIVE MONITORING:

LINKS TO ENSURING INTEGRATION:

Not applicable.

IMPACT UPON CHILDREN, SCHOOLS & FAMILIES TARGETS AND PRIORITIES:

CYPP

3.1 Parents and Carers receive support in helping their children Enjoy and achieve.

3.4 Children and Young People are enabled and encouraged to attend and enjoy school and achieve highly.

3.8 Children with Young People with Learning difficulties and Disabilities are helped to enjoy and achieve.

LAA

8 Educational Achievement and Training

9 Looked After Children

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS RELIED UPON IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT None

Page 41 3 Agenda Item 6

SEFTON SECONDARY SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS SCHEME 2011/12

1. Background

1.1 Under the terms of the legislation referred to above, Local Authorities are required to undertake an annual consultation exercise with respect to the proposed secondary schools admission arrangements for the following academic year, i.e. 2011/12.

1.2 In accordance with guidelines issued within the New Schools Admissions Code of Practice 2009, the consultation exercise for 2011/12 has been undertaken in December 2009 and January 2010. The consultation was extended to include Sefton community and parent groups.

1.3 After this period of consultation, the arrangements for secondary schools admissions are presented to, agreed and determined via the Sefton Admissions Forum.

1.4 The enclosed Secondary Schools Admissions Scheme has now been consulted upon, agreed and determined via the Sefton Admissions Forum on 25 February 2010.

2. Proposals

2.1 The Cabinet Member is asked to approve the enclosed determined Secondary Schools Admissions Scheme and arrangements for 2011/12.

3. Recommendations

3.1 The Cabinet Member is asked to approve the following determined scheme under the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998 (as amended by the Education and Inspections Act 2006).

G:\Admissions-Typing\Jane Clark Typing\Cttee Reports\C M Report Sefton Sec Schs Adm Sceme 2011-12 (23.03.10).DOC

Page 42 4 Agenda Item 6

DETERMINED ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS AND CRITERIA FOR SEFTON SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2011/12

Children normally transfer from primary to secondary schools in the September following their eleventh birthday.

ADMISSION LIMITS

Each secondary school has a published admission number. The published admission number is the number of places offered for the particular year of admission. The Admissions Authority should not offer places in excess of this number once it has been determined.

PUPILS WITH STATEMENTS OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Where a pupil has a Statement of Special Educational Need and the Authority have named this school as provision, the child must normally be admitted. Where such pupils are known about at the time of the annual allocation procedures for Community schools, they will be placed within the first priority of the admissions criteria.

OVERSUBSCRIPTION CRITERIA

Where the number of applications for a Community school is greater than the number of places available, the admission authority must apply its published policy to decide which applicants can be offered places.

CATCHMENT AREAS AND CONTRIBUTORY PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Admissions to Community and St Michael’s Church of England High School in Sefton are based on either catchment areas or “contributory” Primary Schools. Each Secondary school is linked to either the parents home address or certain Primary Schools.

Admissions to Catholic High Schools in Sefton are based on contributory parishes and associated Primary Schools.

Page 43 5 Agenda Item 6

APPEALS

The Authority will endeavour, within the limits of its admission policy and admissions legislation, to meet parents’ stated preferences. Unless an applicant has been offered a place at their first preference school they will be informed of their right of appeal to an independent appeal panel. . This panel is convened by the Legal Department of Sefton MBC in accordance with legislation and the School Admission Appeals Code of Practice. Parents can appeal for any school where they have been refused a place

CO -ORDINATED ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS & TIMETABLES

Admissions arrangements and timetables for Sefton MBC Schools will be as stated in the agreed Sefton Secondary Scheme for Co-ordinated Admissions Arrangements for 2011/12. The closing date for applications will be as stated in the Scheme.

The Secondary Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme includes a national requirement that all allocations for September 2009 admissions will be made on 1st March 2011.

Page 44 6 Agenda Item 6 ADMISSION CRITERIA

Birkdale High School

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to still be in public care when they go to the school.

Second Priority: Children who have either a brother living in the same house who already goes to Birkdale High School as long as they will still be at the school in September 2011. (See the definition below.) (*)

Third Priority: Children transferring from a Primary School who live in the area served by the school which is:-

The Ainsdale area extending northwards to an area bounded by a line running from the shore along Park Road West, Albert Road, Park Crescent, Park Avenue, railway line (disused), Lesley Road, Manning Road, Oak Street, disused railway, Balfour Road, Scarisbrick New Road, Everard Road, Southbank Road, to Fine Jane's Brook. (*)

Fourth Priority: Other requests that name the school as a preference.(*)

Definitions

Brothers and sisters Includes step-children, foster children and half-brothers and sisters, or children of the parent/carer’s partner, living in the same family unit at the same address, who go to the school in question, as long as they will be at the school in September 2011.

Page 45 7 Agenda Item 6

Page 46 8 Agenda Item 6 Chesterfield High School

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to still be in public care when they go to the school.

Second Priority: Children who are transferring from a primary school who have a brother or sister living in the same house who already goes to the school, as long as they will still be at the school in September 2011. (See the definition below) (*)

Third Priority: Children who, at the start of the Spring Term 2010, are on the rolls of Forefield Junior School, Thornton Primary School , Rimrose Hope CE Primary School (ex William Gladstone pupils), and children on the roll of Waterloo Primary School who live in the part of Crosby and Waterloo to the east of a line running down the middle of Liverpool Road and Crosby Road North to its junction with Greenbank and Brooklands Avenue to its junction with Brookvale.(*)

Fourth Priority: Children living in Crosby, Waterloo, Seaforth or Thornton who, at the start of the Spring Term 2011, are on the roll of a primary school (*)

Fifth Priority: Other requests that name the school as a preference (*)

Definitions

Page 47 9 Agenda Item 6

Page 48 10 Agenda Item 6 Deyes High School

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to still be in public care when they go to the school.

Second Priority: Children who are transferring from a primary school in Maghull, Lydiate, Melling or Aintree parish areas, who have a brother or sister who already goes to the school and will still be at the school in September 2011. (See the definition below.) (*)

Third Priority: Children who are transferring from a primary school , who live in the area which is served by the school. This area is that part of Maghull bounded by a line, which runs down the middle of the roads in question as shown on the map overleaf. (*)

Fourth Priority: Other requests that name the school as a preference.(*)

Definitions

Page 49 11 Agenda Item6 Page 50

12 Agenda Item 6 Formby High School

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to still be in public care when they go to the school.

Second Priority: Children who have a brother or sister living in the same house who already goes to the school, as long as they will still be at the school in September 2011. (See the definition below.) (*)

Third Priority: Children who, at the start of the Spring Term 2011, are on the rolls of Freshfield Primary School, Redgate Primary School, and Trinity St Peter's Church of England Primary School.(*)

Fourth Priority: Children who, at the start of the Spring term 2011, are on the rolls of other primary schools in Formby. (*)

Fifth Priority: Other requests that name the school as a preference. (*)

Definitions

Page 51 13 Agenda Item 6 Greenbank High School

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to still be in public care when they go to the school.

Second Priority: Children who have a sister living in the same house who already attends Greenbank High School as long as they will still be at the school in September 2011 (See the definition below.) (*)

Third Priority: Children transferring from a Primary School who live in the area served by the school which is:-

Fourth Priority : Other requests that name the school as a preference.(*)

Definitions

Page 52 14 Agenda Item 6

Page 53 15 Agenda Item 6 Hillside High School

Hillside High School’s contributory primary schools are as follows:

Bedford Primary School Christ Church, Church of England Primary School

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to still be in public care when they go to the school.

Second Priority: Children who have a brother or sister living in the same house who already attend the school, as long as they will still be at the school in September 2011. (See the definition below.) (*)

Third Priority: Children who, at the start of the Spring Term 2011, are on the rolls of Bedford Primary School and Christ Church, Church of England Primary School. (*)

Fourth Priority: Other requests that name the school as a preference.(*)

Definitions

Page 54 16 Agenda Item 6 Litherland High School

Litherland High School’s contributory primary schools are as follows:

Rimrose Hope Church of England Primary School (ex Beach Road Pupils) Hatton Hill Primary School Lander Road Primary School Litherland Moss Primary School St Philip’s Church of England Primary School Netherton Moss Primary School Grange Primary School St Oswald’s Church of England Primary School

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to still be in public care when they go to the school.

Second Priority: Children who have a brother or sister living in the same house who already attends the school as long as they will still be at the school in September 2011. (See the definition below.) (*)

Third Priority: Children who, at the start of the Spring Term 2011, are on the rolls of Rimrose Hope Church of England Primary School (ex Beach Road ( pupils), Hatton Hill Primary School, Lander Road Primary School, Litherland Moss Primary School, St Philip’s Church of England Primary School, Grange Primary School, St Oswald’s Church of England Primary School

Fourth Priority: Other requests that name the school as a preference.(*)

Definitions

Brothers and sisters Includes step-children, foster children and half-brothers and sisters, or children of the parent/ carer’s partner, living in the same family unit at the same address, who go to the school in question, as long as they will be at the school in September 2011.

Page 55 17 Agenda Item 6 Maghull High School

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to still be in public care when they go to the school..

Children we have identified as needing specialist facilities that go beyond expected reasonable adjustments will be given priority for this school if it is the nearest school with suitable resources. This would usually be a child with a physical or mobility problem. We will require details from parents, backed up by medical evidence in order to assess each situation depending on circumstances

Second Priority: Children who are transferring from a primary school, who have a brother or sister who already attends the school and will still be at the school in September 2011. (See the definition below.) (*)

Third Priority: Children who are transferring from a primary school who live in the Maghull, Lydiate, Melling or Aintree parish areas, (excluding the area served by Deyes High School) (*)

Fourth Priority: Other requests that name the school as a preference.(*)

Definitions

Brothers and sisters Includes step-children, foster children and half-brothers and sisters, or children of the parent/ carer’s partner, living in the same family unit at the same address, who go to the school in question, as long as they will be at the school in September 2011.

Page 56 18 Agenda Item 6

Page 57 19 Agenda Item 6 Meols Cop High School

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to still be in public care when they go to the school.

Second Priority: Children who have either a brother or sister living in the same house who already attend Meols Cop High School as long as they will still be at the school in September 2011. (See the definition below.) (*)

Third Priority: Children transferring from a primary school who live in the area served by the school which is:-

The area of Southport bounded by a straight line which runs West from the Borough Boundary passing through Meols Hall then along Peets Lane, Bibby Road, Churchgate, Kings Hey Drive, Coudray Road, Allerton Road, Cambridge Road then south along Park Avenue, Roe Lane, Disused Railway, Manning Road, Oak Street, Balfour Road, Scarisbrick New Road, Everard Road, Southbank Road, Borough Boundary running parallel with Stamford Road, Benthams Way to the junction with Birkdale Cop then following the Borough Boundary Northwards along Boundary Brook to the northern point of the Boundary line. (*)

Fourth Priority: Other requests that name the school as a preference. (*)

Definitions

Brothers and sisters Includes step-children, foster children and half-brothers and sisters, or children of the parent/ carer’s partner, living in the same family unit at the same address, who go to the school in question, as long as they will be at the school in September 2011.

Page 58 20 Agenda Item 6

Page 59 21 Agenda Item 6 Range High School

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to still be in public care when they go to the school.

Third Priority: Children who, at the start of the Spring Term 2011, are on the rolls of Woodlands Primary School and St Luke’s Church of England Primary School, Formby. (*)

Fourth Priority: Children who, at the start of the Spring Term 2011, are on the rolls of other primary schools in Formby. (*)

Fifth Priority: Other requests that name the school as a preference. (*)

Definitions

Page 60 22 Agenda Item 6 Stanley High School

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to still be in public care when they go to the school.

Second Priority: Children who have either a brother or sister living in the same house who already attends the school, as long as they will still be at the school in September 2011. (See the definition below.)

Third Priority: Children transferring from primary schools, who live in the area served by the school which is the area of Southport from the coast running along the Northern Borough Boundary to a straight line which passes through Meols Hall and Peets Lane and then Churchgate, Kings Hey Drive, Coudray Road, Allerton Road, Cambridge Road, Park Crescent, Albert Road, and extending westwards down Park Road to the coast.

Fourth Priority: Other requests that name the school as a preference. (*)

Definitions

Page 61 23 Agenda Item 6

Page 62 24 Agenda Item 6 St George of England High School

St George of England High School’s contributory primary schools are as follows:

Thomas Gray Primary School Linacre Primary School Springwell Park Primary School

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to still be in public care when they go to the school.

Third Priority: Children who, at the start of the Spring Term 2011, are on the rolls of Thomas Gray Primary School, Linacre Primary School and Springwell Park Primary School. (*)

Fourth Priority : Other requests that name the school as a preference. (*)

Definitions

Page 63 Agenda Item 6 St Michael’s Church of England High School

First Priority: Children who are in public care when preferences are expressed and who are expected to still be in public care when they go to the school.

Children identified as needing specialist facilities that go beyond expected reasonable adjustments will be given priority for this school if it is the nearest school with suitable resources. This would usually be a child with a physical or mobility problem. We will require details from parents, backed up by medical evidence in order to assess each situation depending on circumstances.

Third priority: Children who, at the start of the Spring Term 2010 are on the rolls of St John's Church of England, St Luke's Halsall Church of England, St Nicholas' Church of England and Valewood primary schools and children on the roll of Waterloo Primary School living in Crosby and Waterloo to the west of a line running down the middle of Liverpool Road and Crosby Road North to its junction with Great George's Road and the remainder of Waterloo and Seaforth (that is south of Great George's Road). (*)

Fourth priority: Other children living in the Diocese of Liverpool who, at the start of the Spring Term 2011 (*)

Fifth Priority: Other requests that name the school as a preference.(*)

Definitions

Page 64 Agenda Item 6

Indicated Published Determined Admission Admission Admission Number ( Net Number Number Community Schools Capacity) 2010 -11 2011 -12 Birkdale High 188 188 188 Chesterfield High 224 224 224 Deyes High 230 230 230 Formby High 155 155 155 Greenbank High 206 206 206 Hillside High 190 190 190 Litherland High 214 240 240 Maghull High 220 220 220 Meols Cop High 138 138 138 Range High 196 196 196 St George of England High 153 153 153 Stanley High 169 169 169

Church Of England Schools IAN PAN PAN St Michael's CE High 170 170 170

Catholic Voluntary Aided -Schools IAN PAN PAN Christ the King Catholic High 200 200 200 Holy Family Catholic High 155 156 156 Maricourt Catholic High 253 253 253 Sacred Heart Catholic College 216 216 216 Savio Salesian College 146 148 148 St Ambrose Barlow Catholic College 120 120 120 St Wilfrid's Catholic High 187 187 187

Sixth Forms IAN PAN PAN South Sefton Sixth Form College 308 340 340

If Sefton are successful in being accepted in to the Building Schools for the Future programme, some changes may occur to admissions arrangements, which will be

Page 65 27 Agenda Item 6

addressed through the appropriate process of requesting in year variations to admission arrangements if required.

South Sefton Sixth Form College

Students who meet the academic criteria and have a statement of Special Educational Needs naming the South Sefton Sixth Form College will be admitted

The admissions criteria for the South Sefton Sixth Form College are:

1. Students who meet the academic criteria and are in Public Care deemed to benefit from a place at the Sefton Sixth Form College.

2. Students from the following partner schools (Schools listed in Alphabetical Order) who meet the academic criteria and submit their application by the deadline (*) Hillside High School Litherland High School St Ambrose Barlow Catholic College St George of England High School St Wilfrid’s Catholic High School Savio Salesian College

3. Other students who meet the academic criteria wishing to undertake the relevant qualifications provided by the Sixth Form College.(*)

(*) Where the Sixth Form College reaches its admission limit from students within each of the above categories, those students admitted from within that category will be those students living closest by walking distance to the Sixth Form College

In every case we will measure the shortest route which can be walked from the student’s home, measured from the point on the boundary of the property at which access is normally gained from the front entrance to the highway, which is the property’s address, to the nearest College gate.

Page 66 28 Agenda Item 6

The Scheme

Application Forms

1. By 15th September 2010 Sefton Authority will publish the information and arrangements within the Admission to Secondary School handbook, along with a common application form (CAF) that will be used to admit pupils in to first year of Secondary education starting in 2011/12.

2. The Authority will make arrangements to ensure that the booklet and CAF is distributed to parents via primary schools in the area and that the CAF is accompanied by a written explanation of the Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme.

3. The CAF will allow parents to express three preferences for schools (including Voluntary Aided schools) both in Sefton and in other LEAs. Parents will be asked to rank their preferences and will have the option to give reasons for these preferences. Admission Information booklets and CAF are also available for parents to view and to apply on-line via Sefton’s Website

4. The application form should be returned to the child’s primary school, to the Authority or completed online

5. The Authority will take all reasonable steps to ensure that every parent resident in the area who has a child in their last year of primary education receives a copy of the Admission Booklet, CAF (and a written explanation).

6. The Governing Body of a Voluntary Aided school can request parents, who have named their school on the CAF, to provide additional/supplementary information (on a supplementary form) in order for the Governing Body to apply their oversubscription criteria to the application.

Processing of CAFs

7. The closing date for applications is 31 st October 2010 and parents should return their completed CAF to their child’s primary school, to the Authority directly or apply online. Sefton residents attending schools in neighbouring LEAs should return their completed CAF directly to Sefton Admissions Section by 31st October 2010 or apply online.

8. Primary schools will forward all applications received at the school to the Authority.

Page 67 29 Agenda Item 6

9. By 18th November 2010 the Authority will forward copies of all CAFs to other LEAs if parents, resident in Sefton, have expressed a preference for a maintained school in another area.

10. By 26thNovember 2010 the Authority will forward application information to Voluntary Aided schools in Sefton where parents have expressed a preference for those schools.

Determining Offers

11. All first, second and third preferences for all schools will initially be treated as equal regardless of parents ranking. If more than one school place can potentially be offered by any admitting Authority, a single offer for the school which has been ranked highest by the parent will be made. If the highest offer is for a school in another LA and that LA informs the Authority that it intends to offer a place, then the Authority will not offer a school place in Sefton.

12. If the Authority is unable to make an offer to a parent for any of their preferred schools, then a place will be offered at the next nearest appropriate school with a vacancy.

If a parent has expressed only one preference and this preference is for a Catholic School but cannot be granted and the child is a baptised Catholic, then a place will be offered at the next nearest Catholic School with a vacancy.

13. By 6th January 2011 the admission authority for each Voluntary Aided School will consider all applications for their school, apply the school’s oversubscription criteria (if appropriate) and provide the Authority with a list of those applicants ranked according to the school’s oversubscription criteria.

14. By 15th February 2011 the Authority will inform other LEAs of places in Sefton schools to be offered to their residents and on 1 March 2011 the Authority will inform Sefton secondary schools of the pupils to be offered places at their schools.

15. On 1 March 2011 the Authority will send parents a letter confirming offers of places at the allocated school. The Authority will write on behalf of the Governing Body for the Voluntary Aided schools. This letter will inform parents the name of the school at which a place is offered and, (if applicable) the reasons why the child is not being offered a place at any other school nominated on the CAF, which is ranked higher than the school place offered.

The letter will also include information about their statutory right of appeal against the decision to refuse places at other named schools.

Page 68 30 Agenda Item 6

An appeal form will be included in the letter if they have been refused a place at a Community school or contact details for the school if the refusal is for a Voluntary Aided school.

Late Applications

16. The closing date for applications in the normal admissions round is 31 st October 2010 and Sefton residents are expected to have returned a CAF by that date. Applications received from other LEA residents for a school maintained by Sefton will be treated as late if they are received after the closing date in their home authority’s co-ordinated admissions scheme.

17. Application forms, for Voluntary Aided schools in the Authority, received after the closing date will be passed to the school with a note that it has been received late. It will be for that admissions authority to decide how it wishes to respond to the application.

18. Parents who apply after 31st October 2010 but before 4th February 2011 will only be allocated their first preference if the school is under subscribed. They will receive a letter confirming an offer of a place by 11th March 2011 and advised of their right of appeal if any preference has been refused.

19. For applications received after 1 March 2011 , parents will normally be notified within ten working days of the school that has been allocated to their child and advised of their right of appeal if any preference has been refused.

20. For families moving into the area, their application will be considered if it is received by 4th February 2011 and proof of removal is provided.

Waiting Lists

21. The Authority will operate a waiting list for every Community school in Sefton that is oversubscribed from the time that places are allocated until the end of the first term of the start of the 2011/12 academic year. The waiting list will be kept in priority order in line with the school’s admissions criteria and if a place becomes available, it will be offered to the next child on the list.

22. After the closing date for receiving appeals, the waiting list will be amended to only include those pupils whose parents have submitted an appeal. At any time new applicants can be added to the waiting list and will be placed on the list in priority order under the schools admissions criteria. Please note that at either stage, waiting lists may change because of children accepting places at alternative schools or because of families who later move into the area and

Page 69 31 Agenda Item 6

ask for a place at the high school in question will be placed on the waiting list in line with the admission criteria. NB Secondary Transfer applicants will only remain on the waiting list for a particular school if they have commenced appeal proceedings for that school .

23. The Governing Body of Voluntary Aided schools may maintain a waiting list for their school.

Summary of Applications Outside the Normal Admission Round for 2011/12

24. All other applications or requests to transfer from one school to another outside the normal admission round must be made directly to the Sefton Admissions Office at the Local Authority. The Authority will inform the school of any requests for admission received for their school and advise parents of vacancies available in other schools, if appropriate. An application will be refused if the school has reached its published admission number and has no available places in the year group concerned. Parents will be informed in writing of their right of appeal if their application has been refused. The full in year admissions scheme for Sefton will be published as a separate document in January 2010

25. The Sefton In Year Fair Access Protocol In accordance with the guidance within the School Admissions Code (February 2009), the Local Authority implements an agreed protocol ( a Panel of professionals) for the placement and admission of children that may have difficulty in accessing an appropriate school place or are deemed vulnerable by the Authority. It is expected that all Sefton maintained schools, including Voluntary Aided Schools participate in the protocol fully and ensure they are inclusive in accommodating these children.

The Sefton Fair Access Protocol and subsequent Panel, by law can request that a child be admitted to a Sefton school under this protocol even if the year group of the school is question is full.

Page 70 32 Agenda Item 6

Timetable for Co -ordinated Admissions Arrangements for September 2010 For Sefton Secondary Schools

Closing date for applications 31 October 2010

Sefton Admission Section send applications for schools in other LEAs to those LEAs 18 November 2010

Sefton Admissions Section send application information to Voluntary-Aided schools 26 November 2010

VA schools send lists of pupils to be offered places to Sefton’s Admission Team by 6 January 2011

Sefton Admission Team applies agreed scheme for own schools, informing other LEAs of offers to be made to their residents 15 February 2011

Schools informed by Sefton Admission Team of the final offers to be made for their school, which may include offers to pupils living in other LEAs

Offers made to the parents by Sefton Admission Team, including offers to parents of VA schools and those living in other LEAs 1 March 2011

Appeals

Page 71 33 Agenda Item 6

Page 72 34 Agenda Item 7

REPORT TO: CABINET MEMBER, CHILDREN'S SERVICES

DATE: 23 MARCH 2010

SUBJECT: STANDING ADVISORY COUNCIL ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (SACRE) ANNUAL REPORT WARDS AFFECTED: ALL WARDS

REPORT OF: PETER MORGAN STRATEGIC DIRECTOR – CHILDREN, SCHOOLS & FAMILIES CONTACT OFFICER: DANNY ROBERTS (0151-934 3432)

EXEMPT/ NO CONFIDENTIAL:

PURPOSE/SUMMARY: This report is to provide information on the activities and actions taken by SACRE as part of its statutory duties with Sefton.

REASON WHY DECISION REQUIRED: This report is to inform the Cabinet Member that Sefton is undertaking its statutory duties in relation to SACRE.

RECOMMENDATION(S):

The Cabinet Member, Children’s Services is recommended to note the contents of the report.

KEY DECISION: No

FORWARD PLAN: Not appropriate

IMPLEMENTATION DATE: Following the expiry of the “call-in” period for the Minutes of the meeting.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: n/a

IMPLICATIONS: n/a

Budget/Policy Framework:

Financial:

The financial implication for Sefton would be to provide additional funding to the funding allocated by the DCSF (as below).

Page 73 Agenda Item 7

2008/ 2009/ 2010/ 2011/ 2009 2010 2011 2012 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE £ £ £ £ Gross Increase in Capital Expenditure Funded by: Sefton Capital Resources Specific Capital Resources REVENUE IMPLICATIONS Gross Increase in Revenue Expenditure Funded by: Sefton funded Resources Funded from External Resources Does the External Funding have an expiry date? Y How will the service be funded post expiry?

Legal: There are no legal implications directly associated with this report.

Risk Assessment: Not appropriate.

Asset Management: Not appropriate.

CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN/VIEWS

As detailed in this report.

CORPORATE OBJECTIVE MONITORING:

Page 74 Agenda Item 7

8 Children and Young People ü

LINKS TO ENSURING INTEGRATION:

The work of SACRE supports the LA’s Equality and Diversity agenda.

IMPACT UPON CHILDREN’S SERVICES TARGETS AND PRIORITIES:

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS RELIED UPON IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

None

BACKGROUND:

Page 75 Agenda Item 7

SEFTON COUNCIL

STANDING ADVISORY COUNCIL

ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09

Page 76 Agenda Item 7

SEFTON COUNCIL – Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education

Annual Report 2008 – 2009

Letter from the Chairman

I commend this report to all those with an interest in Religious Education in Sefton schools.

It reveals an ongoing commitment on the part of SACRE to support schools in the areas of Religious Education and Collective Worship. We continue to maintain the public profile of SACRE through a link on Sefton Council's website and an occasional electronic newsletter to schools.

The Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education, published in the Autumn of 2007, is now being fully implemented in the majority of Sefton’s schools. SACRE continues to face problems in our task of monitoring the Religious Education and Collective Worship in Sefton's community schools. We are still looking for new ways to do this effectively.

SACRE is exploring ways in which it may best engage with the government’s community cohesion agenda and this will be a focus of our forthcoming meetings.

There is an urgent need to fill the vacancies on SACRE, particularly on Committee B, without which SACRE will be unable to function effectively.

I thank all members of SACRE for their contribution to its work; particularly we depend on Peter Middleton, the Consultant to SACRE whose input and guidance has been essential, and Margaret North, clerk to SACRE.

John Smith Chairman Sefton SACRE

Page5 77 Agenda Item 7

SEFTON STANDING ADVISORY COUNCIL ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT 2008 - 2009

What SACRE is

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education is a body that every Local Authority is required to set up as a requirement of the 1988 Education Reform Act.

What SACRE does

The main purpose of SACRE is to advise the Local Authority on matters concerned with Religious Education and Collective Worship in community schools. It also has a responsibility to monitor and support provision in these areas.

RE must be taught in schools but it is not part of the National Curriculum, and the syllabus is determined locally. SACRE must require the Local Authority to create and keep under review an Agreed Syllabus in Religious Education. A revised Agreed Syllabus was produced in 2007 based upon the National Framework for Religious Education (2004).

SACRE also has a role to play to play in the complaints procedure of the local authority in relation to Religious Education and Collective Worship.

Membership of SACRE

The legal requirement is that SACRE should consist of four groups:

Committee A: Christian and other principal religious traditions Committee B: The Church of England Committee C: Teachers’ Associations Committee D: Sefton Council

SACRE meetings

Sefton SACRE normally meets termly, with meetings usually taking place at Bootle and Southport Town Halls or a Sefton School.

This report covers the period from September 2008 – December 2009. Meetings were held on 7th October 2008, 3 rd March 2009, 11 th June 2009, and.8 th October 2009.

Page6 78 Agenda Item 7

OUR ACTIVITIES 2008-2009

The 2007 Agreed Syllabus

In 2009 SACRE conducted a survey of all community and voluntary controlled schools to ascertain how many schools had implemented the 2007 Agreed Syllabus. The response was encouraging in that most schools indicated that they had fully implemented the revised syllabus, with a minority having a clear timescale for full implementation.

Community Cohesion

SACRE has sought to key in to the Community Cohesion agenda in a number of ways. In Autumn 2008, Peter Middleton attended Sefton Inter-Faith Forum and gave a presentation on SACRE and its role. The Spring 2009 meeting of the Council invited a primary Headteacher who explained how her school had developed an impressive link with a Bolton school with a largely Asian heritage background.

In November 2009 SACRE contributed a display to a very successful exhibition staged to mark Inter Faith Week. This consisted of a number of displays from Sefton Primary Schools and other organisations which was visited by groups from a number of Sefton schools. (See Report – Appendix 1)

Monitoring Religious Education and Collective Worship

SACRE has a responsibility to monitor Religious Education and Collective Worship in Sefton Schools, but lacks the capacity to undertake this role in a comprehensive way. The Council does what it is able to through occasional questionnaires, by examining external examination results year on year and by considering any RE focused inspections that take place. In Autumn 2008 two Sefton primary schools were subject to inspection specifically in relation to RE, and with particular focus on creative thinking in the subject. The overall effectiveness of RE was judged to be outstanding in one school, and in the other to be satisfactory with a number of good features. In the first school it was noted that ‘the agreed syllabus has proved helpful in securing [the] balance between the two attainment targets.’

Resources

SACRE attempts to disseminate appropriate resources. These are examined by SACRE before being made available to Sefton schools. During 2008-9 all schools received ‘RE: Quest – Christianity Unpacked’ (CD and booklet), and the ‘Jewish Way of Life’ CD-ROM produced by the Board of Deputies of British Jews. A pack of Islamic resources for key stage 1 & 2 produced by the Muslim Council of Britain, and photocopiable materials for KS3 from the Baha’i community have been placed at the Professional Development Centre for teachers to borrow.

Page7 79 Agenda Item 7

Other matters

SACRE has discussed various issues relating to current developments in RE including: baseline assessment, the impact of the new KS3 curriculum on RE and the curriculum reform consultation on non-statutory guidance on RE. The council has also been kept informed of national developments by being represented at the NASACRE AGM.

Membership and attendance

The capacity of Sefton SACRE has for a number of years been adversely affected by lack of members in some committees and by poor attendance. In Committee A (Christian and other principal religious traditions), the Free Church Federal Council has a long standing vacancy, and we have failed to find permanent representatives for Hinduism and Islam. Committee B (Church of England) currently has two vacancies, Committee C (Teachers’ Associations) has some vacancies, and although Committee D (Sefton Council) has members and substitutes, most do not attend. This situation obtains despite repeated attempts to seek nominations from the appropriate bodies. The work of the Council has been carried forward by a small core group of committed members, supported by the Consultant and Clerk.

Complaints

No complaints were received during the period covered by this report in respect of Religious Education or Collective Worship.

Future Intentions

o To take steps to improve membership and attendance o To continue to monitor the quality of RE and Collective Worship as capacity allows o To support the provision of RE and Collective Worship within available resources o To support the developing community cohesion agenda in Sefton

Page8 80 Agenda Item 7

APPENDIX 1

Inter-Faith Week Report

Inter Faith Week in Sefton was celebrated with an exhibition entitled 'I Believe..." held at St. Michael's CE High School, Crosby between 16th and 20th November 2009. Primary, secondary and special schools produced displays of children's work using world religions and spiritual themes as inspiration.

The exhibition was visited by hundreds of children and young people aged four to eighteen who enjoyed looking at the exhibits, placing pebbles in the sorry pool, lighting candles, dressing up and writing and drawing their thoughts and prayers on paper doves.

Inspirational music was played throughout the imaginatively lit exhibition and a quiet place was provided with cushions and rugs for reflective thought. Finger foods from around the world were provided by St. Michael's school home economics department and a dressing up area displaying clothes from around the world was very popular. Many teachers visited the exhibition collecting information from the SACRE stalls and both teachers and pupils learnt more about the religious groups represented. PowerPoint presentations and exhibitions from SACRE and the Baha'i community were very powerful. The Crosby Bible Group provided dramatic presentations of popular stories and the Baha'i group provided a talented singer who led many of the younger children in action songs.

The exhibition was organised by Sefton Children's Services Area Manager, Debby Rigby who was delighted with the support and enthusiasm of all the exhibitors and visitors. The event was sponsored by Sefton Equalities Partnership.

Page9 81 Agenda Item 7

APPENDIX 2

SEFTON STANDING ADVISORY COUNCIL ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION MEMBERSHIP 2008-2009

Committee A: Christian and other principal religious traditions

Mrs D Albon Liverpool Catholic Archdiocese Mrs Sue Kendall Liverpool Catholic Archdiocese Dr John Smith (Chair) Free Church Federal Council Mrs Ruth Meharg Judaism Mrs Sylvia Miley Baha’i Vacancy Free Church Federal Council Vacancy Islam Vacancy Hindu

Committee B: The Church of England

Mrs Lesley Deninson (from Nov 2009) Liverpool Diocesan Board of Education Vacancy Liverpool Diocesan Board of Education Vacancy Liverpool Diocesan Board of Education

Committee C: Teachers’ Associations

Vacancy Joint Teachers’ Committee Vacancy Joint Teachers’ Committee Mrs Beryl Drury Joint Teachers’ Committee Mr David Thomas Primary Headteachers’ Forum Mrs Yvonne Sharples Sefton Association of Secondary Headteachers

Committee D: Sefton Council

Cllr Mr Peter Dowd The Local Education Authority Committee Cllr Mrs Maureen Fearn The Local Education Authority Committee Cllr Mr Vincent Platt The Local Education Authority Committee

Officers of Sefton Children’s Services

Mr Peter Middleton Consultant to SACRE Ms. Margaret North Clerk to SACRE

Page10 82 APPENDIX 3 DATE PRESENT APOLOGIES

7 October 2008 Dr. John Smith, Mrs Beryl Drury, Mrs Ruth Meharg, Mrs D Albon, Cllr. Mr Peter Dowd, Mrs Sue Kendall and Mrs Sylvia Miley, Cllr. Mrs Maureen Fearn, Mr Peter Cllr. Ms Debi Jones Middleton

3 March 2009 Dr John Smith, Mrs D Albon, Mrs Ruth Meharg, Mrs Sylvia Mrs Beryl Drury, Cllr. Mrs M Fearn, Cllr. Ms Debi Jones, Miley, Mrs Yvonne Sharples, Mr Peter Middleton, Mrs D Cllr. Peter Dowd Rigby (Sefton LA)

11 June 2009 Dr. John Smith, Mrs D Albon, Mrs Beryl Drury, Mrs Ruth Meharg, Cllr Mrs M Fearn, Cllr Ms Debi Jones, Mrs Sylvia Miley, Mrs Yvonne Sharples, Mr David Thomas, Mr Peter Middleton

Page 83 8 October 2009 Dr. John Smith, Mrs D Albon, Mrs Sue Kendall, Mrs Yvonne Sharples, Mrs Ruth Meharg, Mrs Beryl Drury, Mrs Sylvia Miley, Mr David Thomas, Cllr Fearn, Cllr Platt and Cllr Dowd Mr Peter Middleton

Agenda Item7

11 Agenda Item7

MEETING ATTENDANCE 2008-2009

MEETING ATTENDANCE 2008-2009 - Individual

No of Possible Attendances Actual Attendances Committee A Mrs D Albon 4 3 Mrs Sue Kendall 4 1 Dr John Smith (Chair) 4 4 Mrs Ruth Meharg 4 2 Mrs Sylvia Miley 4 4 Committee B Vacancy

Page 84 Vacancy Vacancy Committee C Mrs Beryl Drury 4 2 Mrs Yvonne Sharples 3 2 Mr David Thomas 2 2 Committee D Cllr Mr Peter Dowd 4 0 Cllr Mrs Maureen Fearn 4 1 Cllr Ms Debi Jones 3 0

12 APPENDIX 4

EXAMINATION DATA FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 2008-2009

GCSE

Subject Code: 4610 Subject Name: Religious Studies Exam Type: ELQ Band C

Centre NOR NOE 3 2 1 F Q U X QCA Av Pts

Bootle High 86 8 87.50 12.50 13.8

Crosby High 36 18 61.11 16.67 16.67 5.56 0.00 12.2

Page 85 Formby High 168 7 85.71 14.29 13.7

Greenbank High 200 1 100.00 14.0

Hillside High 171 2 100.00 14.0

Presfield 11 7 71.43 28.57 13.4

Sacred Heart High 218 4 75.00 25.00 13.0

47 74.47 14.89 8.51 2.13 0.00 13.06

Agenda Item7

13 Agenda Item7

2008-2009 Results

Subject Code: 4610 Subject Name: Religious Studies Exam Type: GCSE Short Course

Centre NOR NOE A* A B C D E F G Q U X A*-C A*-G QCA Av Pts

Birkdale High 183 180 1.67 7.78 15.56 17.22 23.33 16.11 12.22 4.44 1.67 42.22 98.33 17.5

Bootle High 86 14 7.14 7.14 64.29 21.43 100.00 11.0

Chesterfield High 214 141 1.42 5.67 22.70 18.44 15.60 11.35 10.64 11.35 2.84 0.0 48.23 97.16 17.1 Christ the King 197 1 100.00 100.00 14.0 High Crosby High 36 13 7.69 7.69 61.54 23.08 7.69 100.00 11.2

Page 86 Deyes High 236 76 6.58 14.47 19.74 11.84 15.79 10.53 21.05 0.0 21.05 78.95 12.0 Formby High 168 155 1.29 21.94 30.97 12.90 14.84 7.74 7.10 3.23 67.10 100.00 20.4 Greenbank High 200 163 4.29 22.70 30.06 20.86 9.20 7.98 3.68 1.23 0.0 77.91 100.00 21.4 Hillside High 171 103 1.94 8.74 16.50 27.18 31.07 8.74 3.88 1.94 54.37 100.00 19.2 Litherland High 157 29 6.90 3.45 27.59 20.69 20.69 6.90 6.90 3.45 3.45 58.62 96.55 18.9 Meols Cop High 131 35 5.71 11.43 54.29 2.86 5.71 14.29 5.71 71.43 94.29 17.2 Savio R.C. High 123 112 1.79 11.61 13.39 24.11 22.32 11.61 8.04 5.36 1.79 50.89 98.21 18.2 St Michael's C of E 114 0 [0] [0] High School St. George of 108 4 25.00 50.00 25.00 100.00 13.3 England Stanley High 176 164 7.32 9.15 14.02 17.07 20.12 14.02 9.15 7.32 1.83 0.0 47.56 98.17 18.1 1190 2.69 11.18 19.24 19.41 18.15 11.01 9.66 6.05 2.61 0.00 52.52 97.39 18.17

14 2008-2009 Results

Subject Code: 4610 Subject Name: Religious Studies Exam Type: GCSE Full Course

Centre NOR NOE A* A B C D E F G Q U X A*-C A*-G QCA Av Pts Bootle High 86 23 8.70 26.09 21.74 21.74 17.39 4.35 34.78 100.00 32.4 Chesterfield High 214 62 4.84 29.03 24.19 25.81 11.29 4.84 83.87 100.00 44.5 Christ the King 197 187 8.02 16.04 28.88 14.97 9.09 9.09 5.88 4.81 3.21 67.91 96.79 40.0 High Deyes High 236 151 8.61 19.87 31.13 23.18 10.60 3.97 1.99 0.66 82.78 100.00 44.2 Greenbank High 200 16 6.25 18.75 25.00 37.50 6.25 6.25 87.50 100.00 43.8 Hillside High 171 14 14.29 50.00 14.29 14.29 7.14 64.29 100.00 37.9 Holy Family High 126 109 11.93 15.60 20.18 22.02 8.26 10.09 4.59 6.42 0.92 69.72 99.08 40.8 Page 87 Maghull High 210 127 0.79 6.30 7.87 22.83 24.41 10.24 17.32 4.72 5.51 0.0 37.80 94.49 32.2 Maricourt High 248 244 4.92 12.70 13.11 17.21 18.03 16.39 8.61 4.92 4.10 0.0 47.95 95.90 35.8 Meols Cop High 131 80 2.50 10.00 16.25 13.75 11.25 10.00 20.00 15.00 1.25 42.50 98.75 33.1 Sacred Heart High 218 211 15.64 20.85 17.54 17.06 9.95 7.58 4.27 4.27 2.84 0.0 71.09 97.16 41.9 St Michael's C of 114 101 1.98 9.90 15.84 24.75 22.77 11.88 2.97 6.93 2.97 52.48 97.03 36.3 E High School St. Ambrose 67 54 7.41 11.11 20.37 22.22 20.37 5.56 12.96 38.89 100.00 33.7 Barlow R.C. High St. George of 108 28 7.14 14.29 17.86 35.71 17.86 7.14 39.29 100.00 36.1

England Agenda Item7 St. Wilfrid's R.C. 123 46 2.17 39.13 15.22 15.22 17.39 6.52 4.35 56.52 100.00 37.5 High 1453 6.61 14.25 19.27 19.82 14.73 10.87 7.09 5.02 2.34 0.00 59.94 97.66 38.45

15 Agenda Item7

2008-2009 Results A Level

Centre NOR NOE A B C D E N Q U X A-B A-E QCA Av Pts Christ the King 154 7 14.29 28.57 57.14 14.29 100.00 197.14 High Deyes High 277 22 27.27 50.00 13.64 9.09 77.27 100.00 238.64 Formby High 216 11 27.27 45.45 27.27 27.27 100.00 210.00 Holy Family High 170 1 100.00 100.00 180.00 Maricourt High 248 10 10.00 60.00 30.00 100.00 174.00 Range High 284 2 50.00 50.00 100.00 195.00 Sacred Heart 323 30 13.33 33.33 33.33 16.67 3.33 46.67 100.00 221.00 High Savio R.C. High 105 5 100.00 100.00 180.00 St Michael's C of 63 6 33.33 50.00 16.67 33.33 100.00 210.00 E High School Page 88 94 10.64 28.72 26.60 28.72 5.32 39.36 100.00 213.19

AS Level Centre NOR NOE A B C D E N Q U X A-B A-E QCA Av Pts Christ the King 154 4 25.00 50.00 25.00 75.00 71.25 High Deyes High 277 2 50.00 50.00 50.00 45.00 Formby High 216 1 100.00 100.00 100.00 120.00 Maricourt High 248 2 50.00 50.00 50.00 37.50 Range High 284 6 16.67 16.67 16.67 50.00 16.67 50.00 50.00 Sacred Heart 323 15 6.67 26.67 40.00 26.67 33.33 100.00 103.00 High Savio R.C. High 105 2 50.00 50.00 50.00 52.50 St Michael's C 63 10 10.00 10.00 50.00 30.00 10.00 70.00 58.50 of E High School 42 4.76 14.29 19.05 11.90 26.19 23.81 19.05 76.19 73.93

2008/2009 Exam Results by Gender

ELQ Band C

Centre Gender NOR NOE 3 2 1 F Q U X QCA Av Pts Bootle High Girls 50 8 87.50 12.50 13.8

Crosby High Boys 28 14 57.14 21.43 14.29 7.14 0.00 12.0

Crosby High Girls 8 4 75.00 25.00 13.0

Formby High Boys 67 5 100.00 14.0

Formby High Girls 101 2 50.00 50.00 13.0

Greenbank High Girls 200 1 100.00 14.0 Page 89 Hillside High Boys 99 2 100.00 14.0

Presfield Boys 7 4 75.00 25.00 13.5

Presfield Girls 4 3 66.67 33.33 13.3

Sacred Heart High Boys 123 3 66.67 33.33 12.7

Sacred Heart High Girls 95 1 100.00 14.0

47 74.47 14.89 8.51 2.13 0.00 13.06 Agenda Item7

17 Agenda Item7

Subject : Religious Studies; Exam : GCSE Short Course

Centre Gender NOR NOE A* A B C D E F G Q U X A*-C A*-G QCA Av Pts Birkdale High Boys 183 180 1.67 7.78 15.56 17.22 23.33 16.11 12.22 4.44 1.67 42.22 98.33 17.5 Bootle High Boys 36 6 16.67 66.67 16.67 100.00 11.5 Bootle High Girls 50 8 12.50 62.50 25.00 100.00 10.6 Chesterfield High Boys 102 69 2.90 13.04 13.04 20.29 13.04 13.04 18.84 5.80 0.0 28.99 94.20 14.6 Chesterfield High Girls 112 72 2.78 8.33 31.94 23.61 11.11 9.72 8.33 4.17 0.0 66.67 100.00 19.5 Christ the King Girls 102 1 100.00 100.00 14.0 High Crosby High Boys 28 10 10.00 70.00 20.00 10.00 100.00 11.3 Crosby High Girls 8 3 33.33 33.33 33.33 100.00 11.0 Deyes High Boys 110 42 11.90 26.19 16.67 9.52 9.52 26.19 0.0 11.90 73.81 11.0 Page 90 Deyes High Girls 126 34 14.71 17.65 11.76 5.88 23.53 11.76 14.71 32.35 85.29 13.3 Formby High Boys 67 60 10.00 25.00 18.33 18.33 11.67 13.33 3.33 53.33 100.00 18.5 Formby High Girls 101 95 2.11 29.47 34.74 9.47 12.63 5.26 3.16 3.16 75.79 100.00 21.6 Greenbank High Girls 200 163 4.29 22.70 30.06 20.86 9.20 7.98 3.68 1.23 0.0 77.91 100.00 21.4 Hillside High Boys 99 53 7.55 13.21 28.30 32.08 9.43 5.66 3.77 49.06 100.00 18.4 Hillside High Girls 72 50 4.00 10.00 20.00 26.00 30.00 8.00 2.00 60.00 100.00 20.0 Litherland High Boys 85 14 14.29 7.14 14.29 14.29 21.43 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 50.00 92.86 18.1 Litherland High Girls 72 15 40.00 26.67 20.00 6.67 6.67 66.67 100.00 19.6 Meols Cop High Boys 79 22 9.09 9.09 59.09 4.55 13.64 4.55 77.27 95.45 18.1 Meols Cop High Girls 52 13 15.38 46.15 15.38 15.38 7.69 61.54 92.31 15.7 Savio R.C. High Boys 65 58 12.07 13.79 22.41 17.24 12.07 12.07 6.90 3.45 48.28 96.55 17.3 Savio R.C. High Girls 58 54 3.70 11.11 12.96 25.93 27.78 11.11 3.70 3.70 53.70 100.00 19.1 St Michael's C of Boys 59 0 [0] [0] E High School St. George of Girls 52 4 25.00 50.00 25.00 100.00 13.3 England Stanley High Boys 87 79 3.80 2.53 10.13 15.19 24.05 21.52 10.13 10.13 2.53 31.65 97.47 16.2 Stanley High Girls 89 85 10.59 15.29 17.65 18.82 16.47 7.06 8.24 4.71 1.18 0.0 62.35 98.82 19.9 1190 2.69 11.18 19.24 19.41 18.15 11.01 9.66 6.05 2.61 0.00 52.52 97.39 18.17

18 2008/09 RE GCSE Full Course Results

Centre Gender NOR NOE A* A B C D E F G Q U X A*-C A*-G QCA Av Pts Bootle High Boys 36 5 20.00 40.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 100.00 30.4 Bootle High Girls 50 18 11.11 27.78 16.67 22.22 22.22 38.89 100.00 33.0 Chesterfield High Boys 102 24 16.67 20.83 29.17 20.83 12.50 66.67 100.00 40.5 Chesterfield High Girls 112 38 7.89 36.84 26.32 23.68 5.26 94.74 100.00 47.1 Christ the King High Boys 95 89 2.25 10.11 35.96 14.61 11.24 10.11 7.87 4.49 3.37 62.92 96.63 38.0 Christ the King High Girls 102 98 13.27 21.43 22.45 15.31 7.14 8.16 4.08 5.10 3.06 72.45 96.94 41.7 Deyes High Boys 110 63 4.76 11.11 33.33 19.05 19.05 7.94 4.76 68.25 100.00 41.2 Deyes High Girls 126 88 11.36 26.14 29.55 26.14 4.55 1.14 1.14 93.18 100.00 46.3 Greenbank High Girls 200 16 6.25 18.75 25.00 37.50 6.25 6.25 87.50 100.00 43.8 Hillside High Boys 99 9 11.11 33.33 22.22 22.22 11.11 44.44 100.00 35.3 Hillside High Girls 72 5 20.00 80.00 100.00 100.00 42.4 Holy Family High Boys 57 46 15.22 8.70 21.74 19.57 10.87 13.04 2.17 6.52 2.17 65.22 97.83 40.0

Page 91 Holy Family High Girls 69 63 9.52 20.63 19.05 23.81 6.35 7.94 6.35 6.35 73.02 100.00 41.3 Maghull High Boys 104 55 5.45 5.45 20.00 29.09 9.09 20.00 7.27 3.64 0.0 30.91 96.36 31.3 Maghull High Girls 106 72 1.39 6.94 9.72 25.00 20.83 11.11 15.28 2.78 6.94 0.0 43.06 93.06 32.9 Maricourt High Boys 125 121 5.79 9.92 14.88 19.01 17.36 14.88 8.26 5.79 4.13 0.0 49.59 95.87 35.8 Maricourt High Girls 123 123 4.07 15.45 11.38 15.45 18.70 17.89 8.94 4.07 4.07 46.34 95.93 35.8 Meols Cop High Boys 79 47 2.13 6.38 10.64 8.51 14.89 14.89 27.66 12.77 2.13 27.66 97.87 30.2 Meols Cop High Girls 52 33 3.03 15.15 24.24 21.21 6.06 3.03 9.09 18.18 63.64 100.00 37.1 Sacred Heart High Boys 123 118 16.95 15.25 16.95 18.64 8.47 8.47 5.08 6.78 3.39 0.0 67.80 96.61 40.5 Sacred Heart High Girls 95 93 13.98 27.96 18.28 15.05 11.83 6.45 3.23 1.08 2.15 75.27 97.85 43.8

St Michael's C of E High School Boys 59 50 2.00 4.00 12.00 26.00 26.00 14.00 2.00 10.00 4.00 44.00 96.00 34.0 Agenda Item7 St Michael's C of E High School Girls 55 51 1.96 15.69 19.61 23.53 19.61 9.80 3.92 3.92 1.96 60.78 98.04 38.6 St. Ambrose Barlow R.C. High Boys 37 27 3.70 11.11 25.93 14.81 18.52 11.11 14.81 40.74 100.00 32.4 St. Ambrose Barlow R.C. High Girls 30 27 11.11 11.11 14.81 29.63 22.22 11.11 37.04 100.00 34.9 St. George of England Boys 56 15 13.33 13.33 40.00 26.67 6.67 26.67 100.00 34.0 St. George of England Girls 52 13 15.38 15.38 23.08 30.77 7.69 7.69 53.85 100.00 38.6 St. Wilfrid's R.C. High Boys 65 20 35.00 20.00 20.00 10.00 15.00 55.00 100.00 37.0 St. Wilfrid's R.C. High Girls 58 26 3.85 42.31 11.54 11.54 23.08 7.69 57.69 100.00 37.9 1453 6.61 14.25 19.27 19.82 14.73 10.87 7.09 5.02 2.34 0.00 59.94 97.66 38.45

19 Agenda Item7

A-Level Results

Centre Gender NOR NOE A B C D E N Q U X A-B A-E QCA Av Pts Christ the King High Boys 67 1 100.00 100.00 180.00 Christ the King High Girls 87 6 16.67 33.33 50.00 16.67 100.00 200.00 Deyes High Boys 136 5 40.00 20.00 40.00 40.00 100.00 210.00 Deyes High Girls 141 17 35.29 52.94 11.76 88.24 100.00 247.06 Formby High Girls 118 11 27.27 45.45 27.27 27.27 100.00 210.00 Holy Family High Girls 70 1 100.00 100.00 180.00 Maricourt High Boys 111 7 85.71 14.29 100.00 175.71 Maricourt High Girls 137 3 33.33 66.67 100.00 170.00 Range High Boys 163 1 100.00 100.00 210.00 Range High Girls 121 1 100.00 100.00 180.00 Sacred Heart High Boys 158 15 13.33 33.33 33.33 20.00 46.67 100.00 222.00

Page 92 Sacred Heart High Girls 165 15 13.33 33.33 33.33 13.33 6.67 46.67 100.00 220.00 Savio R.C. High Girls 54 5 100.00 100.00 180.00 St Michael's C of E High School Girls 35 6 33.33 50.00 16.67 33.33 100.00 210.00

94 10.64 28.72 26.60 28.72 5.32 39.36 100.00 213.19

20 AS-Level Results

Centre Gender NOR NOE A B C D E N Q U X A-B A-E QCA Av Pts Christ the King Boys 67 1 100.00 100.00 105.00 High Christ the King Girls 87 3 66.67 33.33 66.67 60.00 High Deyes High Boys 136 2 50.00 50.00 50.00 45.00 Formby High Girls 118 1 100.00 100.00 100.00 120.00 Maricourt High Boys 111 1 100.00 0.00 Maricourt High Girls 137 1 100.00 100.00 75.00 Range High Boys 163 1 100.00 0.00 Range High Girls 121 5 20.00 20.00 20.00 40.00 20.00 60.00 60.00 Sacred Heart Boys 158 6 16.67 50.00 33.33 16.67 100.00 97.50 High Sacred Heart Girls 165 9 11.11 33.33 33.33 22.22 44.44 100.00 106.67 Page 93 High Savio R.C. High Girls 54 2 50.00 50.00 50.00 52.50 St Michael's C of Boys 28 3 66.67 33.33 66.67 50.00 E High School St Michael's C of Girls 35 7 14.29 14.29 42.86 28.57 14.29 71.43 62.14 E High School 42 4.76 14.29 19.05 11.90 26.19 23.81 19.05 76.19 73.93

Agenda Item7

21 This page is intentionally left blank

Page 94 Agenda Item 8

REPORT TO: Cabinet Member - Children, Schools & Families

DATE: 23 March 2010

SUBJECT: Participation of Parents

WARDS AFFECTED: All

REPORT OF: Strategic Director - Children, Schools & Families

CONTACT OFFICER: Mel James-Henry, 0151 934 3740

EXEMPT/ No CONFIDENTIAL:

PURPOSE/SUMMARY: The purpose of this report is to seek Cabinet Member approval for the Parents’ Participation Plan’ to support the participation of parents and carers.

REASON WHY DECISION REQUIRED:

The Cabinet Member to approve the ‘ Parents’ Participation Plan’

RECOMMENDATION(S):

The Cabinet Member is requested to approve the Parents’ Participation Plan

KEY DECISION: No

FORWARD PLAN: Not appropriate

IMPLEMENTATION DATE: Following the expiry of “call in” period for the minutes of this meeting

Page 95 Agenda Item 8

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: None

IMPLICATIONS:

Budget/Policy Framework:

Financial: There are no financial implications of this report

2006/ 2007/ 2008/ 2009/ 2007 2008 2009 2010 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE £ £ £ £ Gross Increase in Capital Expenditure Funded by: Sefton Capital Resources Specific Capital Resources REVENUE IMPLICATIONS Gross Increase in Revenue Expenditure Funded by: Sefton funded Resources Funded from External Resources Does the External Funding have an expiry date? Y/N When? How will the service be funded post expiry?

Legal: N/A

Risk Assessment: N/A

Asset Management: N/A

CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN/VIEWS Consultation with parents through forums and online/ paper questionnaires 1st July 09 – 30 th Sep 09 Continued consultation with parents and practitioners on the development of the plan through the Parents’ Participation Working Group.

Page 96 Agenda Item 8

CORPORATE OBJECTIVE MONITORING:

Corporate Positive Neutral Negative Objective Impact Impact Impact 1 Creating a Learning Community Y 2 Creating Safe Communities Y 3 Jobs and Prosperity Y 4 Improving Health and Well-Being Y 5 Environmental Sustainability Y 6 Creating Inclusive Communities Y 7 Improving the Quality of Council Services and Y Strengthening local Democracy 8 Children and Young People Y

LINKS TO ENSURING INTEGRATION: The Parents’ Participation Plan is also an appendix to and a key part of the Parenting Strategy.

IMPACT UPON CHILDREN’S SERVICES TARGETS AND PRIORITIES:

To consult with children, young people, parents and carers in Sefton, including those who are hard to reach, and communicate how their views improve services. (MPC Priority) To enhance opportunities for children and young people, parents and carers to be involved in planning, developing and evaluating services and policies that affect their lives. (MPC Priority)

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS RELIED UPON IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

Page 97 Agenda Item 8

1 BACKGROUND:

1.1 The Children Act 2004 clearly sets out the government's expectation that the views of young people and their parents and carers will influence the planning, development, management and evaluation of services. In November 2005 it was proposed by the Participation Development Group and agreed by the Making a Positive Contribution Every Child Matters sub group that two separate strategies should be developed - one for children and young people and one for parents and carers.

1.2 The ‘Get Involved, Get Informed’ participation strategy for children and young people was developed and agreed by Cabinet Member for Children's Services in March 2006.To ensure that the participation strategy for parents and carers fitted in with the Parenting Strategy for Sefton it was agreed that this would be put on hold until the Parenting Commissioner came into post in May 2009.

2 PARENT’S PATRICIPATION PLAN:

2.1 During July-September 2009 consultation has taken place on a participation strategy for parents, now called the Parents’ Participation Plan. The ‘ Parents’ Participation Plan’ is attached as Annex 1 to this report.

2.2 The Parents’ Participation Plan was agreed by the Making a Positive Contribution sub-group on the 19 th January 2010. It was agreed by the Children’s Trust Executive Group on the 2 nd February 2010, subject to recommendations to extend the membership of the Parents’ Participation Working Group as outlined in 2.4.

2.3 Monitoring will take place through the Parents’ Participation Working Group and the Making a Positive Contribution sub group as part of the Children and Young Peoples plan annual priorities and performance monitoring. The Children’s Trust Board receives regular performance information on the Children and Young People’s plan annual priorities. The Making a Positive Contribution Lead Officer will have overall responsibility for gathering the evidence and reporting to the Making a Positive Contribution Sub Group.

2.4 The action plans will be developed and managed through the Parents’ Participation Working Group. Terms of reference for this group are included in the Parents’ Participation Plan in annex 1. This group is comprised of the Making a Positive Contribution Lead Officer, the Parenting Commissioner, the Every Child Matters Co-ordinator and representatives from Parenting 2000, Sefton Disabled Children’s Register, Sefton Carers Centre, Extended Services, Sefton Equality Partnership, Foster Parents and Aiming High.

Parental Representation will be identified through the Parent Forum Terms of Reference.

3 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

3.1 None as the management and implementation of the plan will be carried out as part of existing capacity.

4 RECOMMENDATIONS:

4.1 The Cabinet Member is requested to approve the Parent’s Participation Plan.

Page 98 Agenda Item 8

1 Sefton’s Parent Participation Plan :

A plan to put parent’s views into action

February 2010

This document sits alongside Sefton’s Parenting Strategy, and its purpose is to inform Sefton’s Children’s Trust in regard to Parents Participation and Consultation.

Introduction

Parents 2 have a major impact on the well being of their children, so it is one of the most important roles anyone can have. There are many different ways of bringing children up well, and many different kinds of families. But being a parent is not always easy, and most parents need to have some support and advice at some stage in their children’s lives.

The aim of this Plan is to adopt a systematic approach to improving consultation and participation with parents at all levels. To use the views of parents to shape and improve services – making sure there is wide representation.

The Parenting Strategy sets out how Sefton Children’s Trust aims to support parents in bringing up their children. The vision for Sefton’s Parenting Strategy is that:

All parents in Sefton should have access to appropriate levels of Information, advice and support to help them in the vital role they play in bringing up their children and promoting their well-being

Making a Positive Contribution

Making a Positive Contribution has been identified as a high priority by the Children’s Trust and is a crosscutting theme for all our work. The Children’s Trust expects to see evidence of parents, children and young people being involved, consulted and having active opportunities to participate at all levels and in all services.

1 This is a working title, consulting with parents on choosing a more appropriate name. 2 Throughout this plan, the term “parents” has been used as shorthand to include mothers, fathers, carers and other adults with responsibility for caring for a child, including looked after children.

Page 99 Agenda Item 8

Making a Positive Contribution is about the very positive things young people do, including volunteering, taking part in decision making and democratic processes School Councils, Youth Parliament and Youth Forums, as well as being involved in planning the services they use and decisions that affect them directly. It is also about reducing the negative impact of children and young people’s behaviour; anti- bullying strategies, reducing anti-social behaviour and youth crime and disorder, as well as preventing young people from re-offending where they are already involved in this behaviour. The Making a Positive Contribution Sub Group reports directly to the Children’s Trust and is responsible for implementing the Making a Positive Contribution agenda. The ‘Get Involved, Get Informed’ Plan supports these positive things that children and young people do. The Parenting Participation Plan will be developed through the Making a Positive Contribution Sub Group and the Parents Participation Working Group.

National Perspective

Support for parents and carers are declared to be at the heart of the government’s approach to improving children’s lives where support is needed or wanted. Each of the main outcomes for children within the ECM ‘outcomes framework’ emphasizes their role:

• Be healthy • Stay safe • Enjoy and achieve • Make a positive contribution • Achieve economic well being

Sefton Perspective

The Parents Participation Plan is the working document covering consultation and participation for parents in the development of services. One of the nine stated aims of Sefton Children and Young People’s Plan 2006-2011 is to ‘recognise the importance of parents and carers’. The plan is to be refreshed on an annual basis, which gives scope for increased focus on parent support issues in future years.

Service planners should ensure a consistent approach to participation, consultation and involvement of families, and create appropriate opportunities for them to be involved in planning, development, governance and evaluation of all relevant services and policies.

The Sefton Public Engagement and Consultation framework should be adhered to at all times.

Position statement

Page 100 Agenda Item 8

Sefton’s vision is to create a systematic approach to improving consultation and participation with families using their views to shape and improve services. The Children’s Trust is committed to giving families the opportunity to be engaged at all levels in their services.

Continuing consultation with families will be very important for the future development and shaping of services, if needs are to be met. Parents are the experts on their own children, and their own needs, and must be included in decisions and services that affect the lives of their children and them.

Why we want more parents to participate 3

It is recognised that Parents are more likely to use services if they have been involved in their development.

The quality of our services improves. The Service is enhanced.

Expectations

For parent participation to work well parents have said 4

Communication

• Have open lines of communication • Be spoken to on the same level and in plain English, no jargon • See better communication • Have more informal meetings • Be consulted prior to implementation • Be listened to • Engage with multiple agencies.

Information sharing

• Be heard and receive feedback • Be kept informed and receive information in a variety of ways, e.g. working parents often excluded • Share information with others, including parents groups • See results.

Respect

3 Plan & action plan for the participation of children & young people in decisions that affect them, Sefton Children’s Services – social Care, p6, January 2005 4 Parent & Carer Participation Forum, Bootle Town Hall, 19 July 2007

Page 101 Agenda Item 8

• Be taken seriously • Take part in open, honest and positive exchanges changes • Be treated with respect - not to be patronised.

Inclusion

• Take part in an inclusive process, e.g. be offered childcare, have any additional needs met • Ensure that all groups have a voice, e.g. persons with disabilities, from different ethnic minority backgrounds etc • Build trust between all concerned • Be part of reciprocal partnerships.

Definition of Participation

We recognise that participation takes place in different forms:

Being canvassed

We will provide information to parents regarding the services being provided for them, and will ask for their views regarding those services. There will be times, however, where we will not be able to commit ourselves to acting on those views.

Consulting

Seeking the views of parents in order to inform plans or services. 5

Representing

Parents will be supported in representing their peers usually in some kind of consultative forum or group. Their views will be taken into account and service leads will feed back to them about decisions and actions.

Decision-sharing

Parents will support decision-making through a variety of formats.

Implementing

Parents will be given responsibility for a project and the outcomes.

Initiating

5 Sefton Borough Partnership, Public Engagement and Consultation Framework, November 2008

Page 102 Agenda Item 8

Parents will initiate ideas for action and make all the major decisions. Evaluation of the Plan

Each objective will be individually evaluated through its development and implementation. These evaluations will be used to update the Parents Participation Plan. The Parents Participation Plan will be an evolving process that will allow changes through this consultation and evaluation procedure.

Objectives and Methods

The objectives within the strategy are likely to remain unchanged, however, the methods used are likely to develop over time as the work progresses. There will be a separate action plan, which outlines how each methods will be developed, implemented and evaluated.

For further information on the Parents Participation Plan please contact:

Mel James-Henry Making a Positive Contribution Lead Officer

9th Floor, Merton House Stanley Road Bootle, L20 3JA

0151 934 3740

Sarah Austin Parenting Commissioner

Thornton Children's Centre Stannyfield Drive L23 4TF

0151 934 3601

Or visit our website: http://www.sefton.gov.uk/parentsparticipation

Page 103 Agenda Item 8

Objective 1

Ensure a consistent approach to participation, consultation and involvement across the Children’s Trust.

Method 1

Implementation of the public engagement & consultation framework.

Objective 2

Parents have opportunities to be involved in planning, development, management and evaluation of all relevant services, policies and strategies.

Method 2

Ensure consultation, participation and involvement of parents is a key strategy in Sefton Children’s Trust Commissioning Framework.

All Children’s Trust sub groups, work groups and other partnership groups to include reference to the Parents Participation Plan within their terms of reference.

Consult and involve parents in the development and Annual Review of the CYPP and Parents Participation Plan.

Create clear structures for the involvement of the area and borough Parents Forums at strategic and planning levels.

Objective 3

Build the capacity of service areas and agencies to fulfil their responsibilities to support the participation of all parents.

Method 3

A specific post created to support parent’s participation.

Parent participation and consultation embedded (identified and resourced) in Service Plans.

The Sefton Public Engagement and Consultation framework should be adhered to at all times.

Page 104 Agenda Item 8

Parents Participation Working Group – Agreed 5 th October 2009

Terms of Reference

The term “parents” has been used throughout this document as shorthand to include mothers, fathers, carers and other adults with responsibility for caring for a child, including looked after children.

Parents Participation Working Group

The main focus of this group is to develop and drive forward a Parents Participation Plan. The group needs to be a manageable size while ensuring representation of all Parents. Those on the group would take the Parents Participation Plan forward not only on behalf of their group/ organisation but also of the whole Parents working group.

The group reports to the Participation Development Group and the Making a Positive Contribution Sub Group.

The group also links into the Parenting Strategy Group.

Suggested Membership:

• Making a Positive Contribution Lead Officer • Parenting Commissioner • Every Child Matters Co-ordinator • Representative from Parenting 2000 • Representative from Sefton Disabled Children’s Register • Representative from Sefton Carers Centre • Representative from Extended Services • Representative from Sefton Equality Partnership • Representative from Foster Parents • Representative from Aiming High

Parental Representation will be identified through the Parent Forum Terms of Reference.

Role:

Page 105 Agenda Item 8

To develop the Parents Participation Plan including Action Plans (these action plans will be the action plans of the group) To encourage and ensure meaningful participation by parents To support services in implementing the Parents Participation Plan To monitor the implementation of the Parents Participation Plan To publicise and promote the Parents Participation Plan Consult on the Children’s and Young People’s Plan Feed into the Consultation Calendar Ensure Parents have appropriate opportunities to be involved in the development of the Parents Participation Plan.

Frequency of meetings: To meet every 2 months.

Communication

Minutes from the group will be circulated to the Participation Development Group, Parenting Strategy Group and Making a Positive Contribution Sub Group.

Page 106 Agenda Item 9

REPORT TO: Cabinet Member Children’s Services

DATE: 23 March 2010

SUBJECT: Youth Opportunity Fund

WARDS AFFECTED: All

REPORT OF: Peter Morgan Strategic Director - Children’s Services CONTACT OFFICER: Jacqui Kerr 0151 934 4941

EXEMPT/ No CONFIDENTIAL:

PURPOSE/SUMMARY: The purpose of this report is to advise the Cabinet Member Children’s Services of the proposed spend of the first round of Youth Opportunities Fund bids in 2010/2011 . The total Youth Opportunity Funding for 2010/2011 is £173,100.

REASON WHY DECISION REQUIRED:

The Cabinet Member to approve proposed spend of the Youth Opportunities Fund provisionally agreed by the young people on the panel.

RECOMMENDATION(S):

The Cabinet Member is recommended to: 1. Approve the expenditure of £16,462.50 from the Youth Opportunities Fund. 2. Receive further reports on proposed spend for Youth Opportunities Fund in 2010/2011

KEY DECISION: No

FORWARD PLAN: Not appropriate

IMPLEMENTATION DATE: Following the expiry of the ‘call-in’ period for the minutes of the Cabinet Member meeting.

Page 107 Agenda Item 9

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

IMPLICATIONS:

Budget/Policy Framework: These developments are in line with the emerging Youth Matters, Every Child Matters and Aiming High for Young People : A Ten Year Strategy for Positive Activities agendas

Financial: This activity is fully funded by Youth Capital Fund and Youth Opportunity Fund grants.

2006/ 2007/ 2008/ 2009/ 2010/ 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE £ £ £ £ £ Gross Increase in Capital Expenditure Funded by: Sefton Capital Resources Specific Capital Resources £133,703 £133,703 £149,700 £149,700 £149,700 DfES: Youth Capital Fund REVENUE IMPLICATIONS Gross Increase in Revenue Expenditure Funded by: Sefton funded Resources Funded from External Resources £173,084 £173,084 £173,100 £173,100 £173,100 DfES: Youth Opportunity Fund Does the External Funding have an expiry date? When? 2011 How will the service be funded post expiry?

Legal: N/a

Risk Assessment: N/a

Asset Management: Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that these capital assets remain available to young people in line with the original proposal for funding –LA circular 2006 (LAC2006).

CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN/VIEWS FINANCE DEPARTMENT IT IS A CONDITION OF GRANT THAT YOUNG PEOPLE ARE INVOLVED IN MAKING RECOMMENDTIONS ON THE USE OF THESE FUNDS

Page 108 Agenda Item 9

CORPORATE OBJECTIVE MONITORING:

LINKS TO ENSURING INTEGRATION: The proposals will encourage integration between all members of the relevant youth provision, staff and outside agencies as appropriate and maximise opportunities for young people in Sefton and support transition in to adulthood. All five Every Child Matters outcomes will be supported by the proposals.

IMPACT UPON CHILDREN’S SERVICES’ TARGETS AND PRIORITIES:

Impact will be made on sections of the CYPP, particularly on Making a Positive Contribution by assisting: 1. To develop the Integrated Youth Support Service to maximise opportunities for young people in Sefton and support transition to adult life. 2. To consult with children and young people in Sefton, including those who are hard to reach, and communicate how their views improve services.

3. To enhance opportunities for children and young people to be involved in planning, developing and evaluating services and policies that affect their lives. 4. To promote and enhance positive activities for young people in Sefton.

5. To change perceptions of young people.

6. To reduce crime

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS RELIED UPON IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT Youth Opportunity Fund and Youth Capital Fund guidance notes (ECM change for Children March 2006).

BACKGROUND:

Page 109 Agenda Item 9

This is the fourth year of funding from the Youth Opportunities Fund. The following are the bids received for the first round of this financial year’s funding which the Youth Opportunity Fund Panel have looked at and agreed. Further reports will be submitted throughout the year for as long as funds remain to update Cabinet Members on the expenditure.

Youth Opportunities Fund - North area

Youth Cabinet £16,462.50 A group of 12 young people are planning a weekend residential conference for 100 young people from throughout Sefton to attend Trafford Hall to give young people a voice about issues that effect them and give them the opportunity to speak to invited guests, eg Councillors, Senior Officers 100+ young people will benefit in the first instance TOTAL £16,462.50

Youth Opportunity Fund: Boroughwide £16,462.50

TOTAL £16,462.50

Young people benefiting from bids 100 in first instance

If the proposed scheme is approved, then a balance of £156,637.50 will remain to support further schemes. Information regarding the new Financial Year’s funding has been circulated to voluntary youth organisations, Youth Service centres/projects, and further applications are expected.

All funded projects will be required to submit evidence of expenditure and impact of the project. The panel of young people also intends to undertake a series of monitoring visits to assess the success of the programme.

Page 110 Agenda Item 9

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Page 112 Agenda Item 10

REPORT TO: CABINET MEMBER – CHILDREN, SCHOOLS & FAMILIES

DATE: 23 MARCH 2010

SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF LA REPRESENTATIVES TO GOVERNING BODIES OF MAINTAINED SCHOOLS Ainsdale; Cambridge; Church; Derby; Ford; Harington; WARDS AFFECTED: Litherland; Meols; Park; Ravenmeols; St. Oswald; and Victoria REPORT OF: PETER MORGAN STRATEGIC DIRECTOR, CHILDREN, SCHOOLS & FAMILIES

CONTACT OFFICER: FRAN STODDART – 0151 934 3353

EXEMPT/CONFIDENTIAL: NO

PURPOSE/SUMMARY:

To advise the Cabinet Member of the current situation with regard to LA vacancies on the governing bodies of Community and Voluntary Aided Schools

REASON WHY DECISION REQUIRED:

To fill LA governorship vacancies which are delegated to the Cabinet Member.

RECOMMENDATION(S):

The Cabinet Member is requested to:-

(a) Consider appointments to fill vacancies for LA governorships (b) Decide which vacancies should be referred to Area Committees.

KEY DECISION: No

FORWARD PLAN: Not appropriate

IMPLEMENTATION DATE: Following the expiry of “call in” period for the minutes of this meeting

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: NONE

Page1 113 Agenda Item 10

IMPLICATIONS:

Budget/Policy Framework:

Financial: NONE

Legal: To ensure appointments of LA representatives governors are made in accordance with Governance regulations

Risk Assessment: Not applicable

Asset Management: Not applicable

CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN/VIEWS NONE

CORPORATE OBJECTIVE MONITORING:

Page 2114 Agenda Item 10

LINKS TO ENSURING INTEGRATION:

v To lead on the drawing together of a range of services and strategies to provide integrated support for the most vulnerable children, young people and their families (CYPP 2009/10 Priority 3).

v Supporting the schools transformation agenda, which includes the development of schools as communities offering integrated services to local children, young people and families (CYPP2009/10 Priority 4).

IMPACT UPON CHILDREN, SCHOOLS & FAMILIES TARGETS AND PRIORITIES:

v Maintain and improve quality of leadership in schools to ensure they provide a good or better provision (NI 89), improve the number judged to have good or outstanding behaviour (NI 86, 114) and attendance (NI 87).

v Continually improve standards of attainment to meet and exceed government targets (NI 72, 73, 75, 76,78,84,86,92,93, 94,102A/B).

v Improve outcomes for the most vulnerable children and young people (NI 99, 100,101, 104, 105, 107, 108).

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS RELIED UPON IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

None

BACKGROUND: Under the Responsibility for Functions (the Scheme of Delegation) the Cabinet Member has authority to fill LA vacancies on school governing bodies. A list of current vacancies is attached for consideration.

SCHOOL VACANCY NOMINATION

Page3 115 Agenda Item 10

AINSDALE WARD

Shoreside Primary Mr A Spence (NP - L) Ainsdale (4 – C1, NP3) Resignation (2) ______

CAMBRIDGE WARD

Marshside Primary Mrs V Stevenson (NP - C) Southport (2 – D1, NP1) Resignation (4) ______

CHURCH WARD

St John’s CE Primary Mr H Edmondson (NP – L) Waterloo (1 – L1) Resignation (1) ______

DERBY WARD

Hillside High Mrs A Manning (NP - L) Bootle (4 – L2, D1, NP1) End of Tenure (2) ______

Cllr J McGinnity (NP – L) End of Tenure (2) ______FORD WARD

Rowan Park Mr R Lewis (NP - D) Litherland (3 – L1, NP2) Resignation (7) ______

South Sefton 6 th Form College Vacancy (C) Litherland (4 – C1, D1, L1, NP1) (3) ______

HARINGTON WARD

Woodlands Primary Mr R Jordan (NP - L) Formby (3 – C1, L2) Non attendance (5) ______

LITHERLAND WARD

Lander Road Primary Cllr Mrs P Hardy (L) Litherland (3 – L2, NP1) Resignation (5) ______

Mrs A Bamforth (NP – L) Resignation (5) ______MEOLS WARD

Larkfield Primary Mr J Myers (C) Southport (3 – C2, NP1) Resignation (2) ______

PARK WARD

Lydiate Primary Mrs A Illingworth (NP - D) Lydiate (3 – D1, NP2) Resignation (3) ______

Maghull High Mr N Avery (D) Maghull (4 – L1, D3) Resignation (5) ______

Page 4116 Agenda Item 10

RAVENMEOLS WARD

Freshfield Primary Mr J Patterson (C) Formby (2 – C1, L1) Resignation (2) ______

ST OSWALD WARD

Netherton Moss Primary Mr S Ludlow (NP – L) Netherton (2 – D1, NP1) Resignation (5) ______

VICTORIA WARD

Sacred Heart Catholic High Mr W Cowley (NP - L) Crosby (1 – L1) Resignation (4) ______

Information in brackets indicates the balance of political representation on the governing body and the number of times vacancy has been presented to Cabinet Member. Non political appointments (NP) also show the party to which the original governorship was allocated.

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Page 118 Agenda Item 11

REPORT TO: Cabinet Member Children’s Services

DATE: 23 March 2010

SUBJECT: Sefton Youth Service

WARDS All AFFECTED:

REPORT OF: Assistant Chief Executive

CONTACT Ruth Harrison (Ext: 2042) OFFICER:

EXEMPT/ No CONFIDENTIAL:

PURPOSE/SUMMARY:

The purpose of this report is to refer a recommendation from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children’s Services) to the Cabinet Member Children’s Service for consideration.

REASON WHY DECISION REQUIRED:

The Cabinet Member Children’s Services is requested to consider the following recommendation and respond accordingly to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

RECOMMENDATION(S):

That the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services be requested to examine the staffing arrangements across the youth Service specifically looking at “Worker In Charge” staff vacancies for the Borough with a view to the closure of Youth Centres being avoided.

KEY DECISION: No

FORWARD PLAN: Not appropriate

IMPLEMENTATION DATE: Following the expiry of the “ call-in” period for the Minutes of the meeting.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS : Not applicable

Page 119 Agenda Item 11

IMPLICATIONS:

Budget/Policy Framework:

Financial:

2009/ 2010/ 2011/ 2012/ 20010 2011 2012 2013 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE £ £ £ £ Gross Increase in Capital Expenditure Funded by: Sefton Capital Resources Specific Capital Resources REVENUE IMPLICATIONS Gross Increase in Revenue Expenditure Funded by: Sefton funded Resources Funded from External Resources Does the External Funding have an expiry When? date? Y/N How will the service be funded post expiry?

Legal:

Risk Assessment:

Asset Management:

CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN/VIEWS

Page 120 Agenda Item 11

CORPORATE OBJECTIVE MONITORING:

Corpor Positive Neutral Negativ ate Impact Impact e Objecti Impact ve 1 Creating a Learning Community ü 2 Creating Safe Communities ü 3 Jobs and Prosperity ü 4 Improving Health and Well-Being ü 5 Environmental Sustainability ü 6 Creating Inclusive Communities ü 7 Improving the Quality of Council ü Services and Strengthening local Democracy 8 Children and Young People ü

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS RELIED UPON IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

Page 121 Agenda Item 11

1. BACKGROUND:

1.1 The Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children’s Services) at its Meeting held on 9 February 2010 considered a verbal presentation from the three Area Managers of the Youth Service. The Minute is attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

1.2 Members also received information packs in relation to the Youth Centre Service prior to the Committee Meeting in order that they may have background knowledge and information to the service.

1.3 Within the packs Members received the Youth Service structure, which illustrated a vacancy of a “Worker In Charge” post for both the Birkdale Youth Centre and Formby Youth Centre. The structure is attached as Appendix 2 to the report.

1.4 As part of the work programme of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children’s Services) some Members have attended Youth Centre Visits to gain a greater understanding of the service. Whilst undertaking those visits it became apparent, as a result of talking with the Youth Workers, that should they not be available to open the Youth Centre and they don’t have a “Worker In Charge” to open the Centre then the Youth Centre remains closed.

1.5 It was also stated, whilst undertaking a visit, that in the time period a Youth Centre was closed, the anti-social behaviour of youths increased.

1.6 Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children’s Services) agreed to refer this issue to the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services to be investigated further. (The Minute is attached as Appendix 1 to the report).

Page 122 Agenda Item 11

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (CHILDREN'S SERVICES)

MEETING HELD AT THE TOWN HALL, SOUTHPORT ON TUESDAY 9TH FEBRUARY, 2010

PRESENT: Councillor Hands (in the Chair)

Councillor Gibson (Vice-Chair)

Councillors Bradshaw, Byrne, Byrom, Cummins, Cuthbertson, Dodd, Hough, T Jones and Mrs. S. Cain (Parent Governor Representative)

65. STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE YOUTH SERVICE (NORTH, MID AND SOUTH AREAS)

The Committee received a verbal presentation in relation to strengths and weaknesses of the Youth Service from the Area Managers for the North, Mid and South of the Borough.

The Chair, Councillor Hands reported that information packs had previously been circulated to Members in relation to the Youth Service.

The following strengths and weaknesses for the North of the Borough were reported:-

Strengths within the North:-

• Regular meetings of partners and providers of service to young people to encourage integrated working take place.

• Highly visible International Focus to develop young peoples understanding of global issues and wider community.

• Active input by staff and young people on the appropriateness of the curriculum with each defined curriculum area having a professional youth worker lead, who produce sessions that other youth workers can adapt / modify to suit the needs of their group if & when required. Good links in all Projects & Programmes as well as Plans to Every Child Matters Outcomes.

• Strong Partnership working & relationships with a range of internal & external partners, appreciating the major cultural change, undertaken by Service to become more self – evaluative & outward looking.

Page 123 Agenda Item 11

• Partnership working has improved accessibility as well as publicity of opportunities and activities to young people.

• Well-structured Commissioning process that has widened & increased the number as well as range of partners. (e.g. working with Leisure Services for the ‘Places to Go Things To Do’ programme.

• Acquisition of ‘Board Marker’ for people with disabilities to communicate.

• Development and funding of media coverage to promote positive image of young people, including their contribution to their local communities, as well as the services of Sefton Youth Service.

• Adoption of ‘Model for Participation’ based on the ‘Ladder of Participation’ with representation of Voluntary & Statutory voice groups. This has opened up opportunities for a wider range of young people to be involved and contribute to the development & delivery of Youth Services.

• Accreditation & celebration of workforce & young peoples achievements, accredited & non-accredited, including team development.

Future Challenges/Developments:

• Fully develop an area based integrated approach to youth services as some partners are unaware of the Integrated Youth Support Services.

• Better advertise the youth offer across Sefton.

• Improve ‘youth voice’ across all Sefton.

• Support Commissioned organizations to fully utilize the electronic monitoring system and to ensure regular returns of progress.

• Encourage a wider representation of young people on the media group to promote positive images of themselves and their peers.

• Refurbish buildings that are in a poor state of repair.

It was reported that the area had exceeded its expectations with the limited resources it has. However, in order to achieve the challenges/developments stated above and to meet the constant demands of others to work in other areas of the north then additional resources would be required.

The following strengths and challenges for the Mid Area of the Borough were reported:-

Page 124 Agenda Item 11

Strengths within the Mid Area:-

• Enthusiastic and committed workforce.

• Skilled and knowledgeable workforce.

• Flexible work force able to generally respond to the wide variety of issues and expectations partners have of us.

• Developed effective partnership working that has enabled young people to have the opportunity to access a breadth of provision in a user - friendly environment.

• Clear line management structure.

• Strengthened service identity.

Future Developments/Challenges within the Mid Area

• A need to increase the number of young people gaining accreditations within centre.

• Fully linking the work that is delivered to the youth service curriculum.

• A continued sharing of good practice across the area to enable all workers to understand what good practice is and to continue to raise quality of delivery.

• Fully imbed the inputting of EYS within area teams to develop accuracy in evidencing the work we deliver.

• While we respond to our partners expectations of us as positively as we can there is often a resource implication to this. To fully respond to area issues and new developments/trends and to fill gaps within geographical areas and respond to needs analysis an increase in staffing resource would be beneficial.

• Continued development of a closer working relationship between the youth service and the voluntary sector.

It was reported that the youth service aim is to create a world class workforce for children, young people and their families and have agreed that everyone who works with young people should, be:-

1. Ambitious for every young person; 2. Excellent in their practice; 3. Committed to partnership and integrated work; and 4. Respected and valued as individuals.

The following strengths and challenges for the South of the Borough were reported:-

Page 125 Agenda Item 11

Stren gths within the South:-

• Area based working/planning - Enabling movement of staff to support vacancies, sickness and annual leave.

• Youth Opportunities Funding (YOF) - All units submitted bids for YOF linked to targets within area/unit plan enabling Youth Voice and greater participation.

• Building Stock being address through youth voice.

rd • Commissioning - Greater engagement and partnership working with the 3 rd sector. Wider accessibility to funding within the 3 sector. Specific pieces of work commissioned to enable the targeting and engagement of vulnerable groups linked to hard targets and outcomes.

• Development of accredited programme delivery - All units have targets for accreditation and all staff are accountable via bi monthly staff meetings. All Full Time staff participation in the development and delivery of area wide programmes.

• Quality Assurance - Clear and accountable line management chain Unit/Area communication within scheduled team meetings Supervision/Personal Development Review schedule/structure linked to training. Recorded visits – Peer inspections – Mystery Shopper – National Youth Agency (NYA) Quality Kite Mark.

• Common Assessment Framework (CAF) - Full time staff engaging with CAF and being identified by young people.

Future Challenges/Developments:-

• Building Stock - Continued focus required to improve buildings and develop fit for purpose space. There aren’t any Local Authority buildings in the south

• Continued focus on Recorded and Accredited engagement - South staff had sharp incline and in comparison to last years figures have done well however this focus needs to become ingrained in qualitative practice and delivery

• Staffing - Greater accountability and confidence building linked to role, responsibility and the management of staff. Staff development within a change culture.

Page 126 Agenda Item 11

• Capacity - Deployment of Resource linked to the delivery of universal services, targeting and engagement of the most vulnerable and responding to hot spots. Proactive – Reactive youth work/positive activities.

• Sharing/Pooling of knowledge Resources - Operational division between rd Local Authority and the 3 Sector. Greater need for effective and ongoing transparent communication.

• Strengthen the Youth Voice in Units.

During the verbal presentation Members were given the opportunity to ask questions, share views and comment upon the content.

Members referred to the structure chart within the information packs that had previously been circulated to them and raised concerns in relation to the staff vacancies for the post of “Worker In Charge” at the Birkdale and Formby Youth Centres.

Members asked “What Youth Services were provided for Looked After Children”?

It was reported that a Youth Worker had been seconded to the Social Care team and during the Christmas period 318 young people between the ages of 11 and 19 had taken part in activities and of those 318 young people, 174 were Looked After Children. It was also reported that the Youth Worker works on a one to one basis with Looked After Children and assists with their Personal Education Plans.

Members requested reassurances on how the services were safeguarded, the following safeguarding measures were reported:-

• Educational visits procedure was in place; • System recording the location of each youth worker; • Robust Health and Safety protocols; • Acceptable behaviour contract; and • Anti-bullying contract.

RESOLVED: That:-

(1) the three area Managers be thanked for their presentations; and

(2) the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services be requested to examine the staffing arrangements across the Youth Service specifically looking at “Worker In Charge” staff vacancies for the Borough with a view to the closure of Youth Centres being avoided.

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Page 128 Agenda Item 12

REPORT TO: Cabinet Member – Children, Schools and Families Overview & Scrutiny (Children, Schools and Families)

DATE: 23 March 2010 16 March 2010

SUBJECT: Revenue and Capital Expenditure Monitoring to 31st December 2009

WARDS AFFECTED: None directly affected

REPORT OF: Peter Morgan Strategic Director – Children, Schools and Families

CONTACT OFFICER: Graham Taylor 0151-934-3678

EXEMPT/CONFIDENTIAL: No

PURPOSE/SUMMARY:

To provide the Cabinet Member with the forecast position, based on information as at 31st December 2009, in relation to the Portfolio’s 2009/10 Revenue Budget and Capital Programme.

REASON WHY DECISION REQUIRED:

Cabinet Member accountability and in line with the corporate performance management process.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

That the Cabinet Member Children, Schools and Families:

(a) Notes the progress on the Children, Schools and Families Portfolio’s revenue budgets that are subject to risk-based monitoring .

(b) Notes the position regarding the need for the Children, Schools and Families Department to find savings to offset identified overspends.

(d) Indicates whether any comments about the overall performance of this Portfolio’s Revenue Budget and schemes within the Capital Programme should be referred to Cabinet.

Page 129 Agenda Item 12

That Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children, Schools and Families)

(a) Notes the contents of this report and indicates whether any comments about the overall performance of the Children, Schools and Families Revenue Budget and schemes within the Capital Programme should be referred to Cabinet.

KEY DECISION: No.

FORWARD PLAN: Not appropriate.

IMPLEMENTATION DATE: Not appropriate.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: None.

IMPLICATIONS:

Budget/Policy Framework: None.

Financial: The report is highlighting a significant potential overspend of nearly £2m on the portfolio’s budgets. Work is ongoing to identify further savings, other than those already found, to offset this overspend.

Legal: Not appropriate.

Risk Assessment: The main risk concerns the failure to identify budget variances through the monitoring process, which will make it difficult for the Council to manage its spending within available resources. The adopted risk-based approach to monitoring, together with regular reporting, should help manage this risk.

Asset Management: Not appropriate.

CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN/VIEWS The Finance and information Services Director has been consulted and his comments have been incorporated into this report. FD No. 315

Page 130 Agenda Item 12

CORPORATE OBJECTIVE MONITORING:

Corporate Positive Neutral Negative Objective Impact Impact Impact 1 Creating a Learning Community √ 2 Creating Safe Communities √ 3 Jobs and Prosperity √ 4 Improving Health and Well-Being √ 5 Environmental Sustainability √ 6 Creating Inclusive Communities √ 7 Improving the Quality of Council √ Services and Strengthening local Democracy 8 Children and Young People √

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS RELIED UPON IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT None

Page 131 Agenda Item 12

1. Background / Issues for consideration

1.1 This report forms part of the Council’s overall monitoring process by advising the Cabinet Member of actual spend against both the revenue budget (for this Portfolio’s risk areas) and the capital programme, for the period ending 31st December 2009. Where specific budget pressures have been identified, Service Directors are being required to review other areas of their budgets for compensating savings. Service Directors have also been asked to consider whether all departmental spending, other than that identified as a risk area, can be contained with the resources allocated by the Council for 2009/10.

2. Revenue Budget

2.1 Details of this portfolio’s budgets that are monitored and reported on the risk- assessed basis are shown in Annex A. Most of these items were originally reported to the Cabinet Member meeting on 23 rd June 2009 as being most at risk of overspending or underachieving during 2009/10. The budgets for Premature Retirement Costs (potential budget saving) and CAMHS (potential budget overspend) have since been added. Also, following a report to Cabinet on 25 th November 2009, it was agreed that the balances on a number of reserve accounts could be used as mitigating savings. The following table summarises the current projected outturn figures for the main areas of concern together with those budget areas currently capable of providing some offsetting savings:

Page 132 Agenda Item 12

Forecast outturn Variance

Risk-based Budget Forecast Comments Over /(Under) £’000 Looked After Children 2,289 Based on placements as at the end of December 2009 Kirwan House Savings 169 Legal Fees 212 Predominantly for care proceedings orders Employees 113 CAMHS 86 Total forecast overspend 2,869

Mitigating/compensating savings £’000 Premature Retirement Costs (245) Management & Admin. Supplies (288) Effect of general & Services spending freeze continuing into 2009/10 Contributions from Reserves (387) Total Compensating Savings (920)

Forecast Net Overspend 1,949

2.2 The monitored risk areas above indicate a potential overspend of nearly £2million. This compares to a figure of just over £2 million reported in the second quarter monitoring report. The pressures within Children's Social Care, both locally and nationally, continue to grow as local authorities embrace the package of measures required by the Government to support increases in child protection due to the Laming Report. This will continue to have significant increases in the cost of Children's Social Care provision for Sefton, with increases in number of child placements, requirements to reduce the number of cases for each Social Worker, the need for better processes to secure child safety and the additional scrutiny of front line services.

2.3 Continuing efforts are being made to identify and implement budget savings in order to minimise the impact of these pressures on the Council's overall resources. Some savings that were achieved in 2008/09, such as the recharge of some core costs to ABG activity, have been continued into 2009/10. The freeze on all non-essential spending commitments is ongoing and all budget areas remain under scrutiny. To date these measures have already produced savings of around £530,000 which are included within the figures above (particularly within the education Employees and Management & Admin Supplies & Services lines).

2.4 However, as has been reported previously, the Department does not have the same level of flexibility that was available in 2008/09 because some budgets that generated savings last year have been cut from the budget in 2009/10. Page 133 Agenda Item 12

Alternative savings have therefore had to be sought. In part these have come from a number of staff retirements arising from the Strategic Budget Review and also from the use of balances currently held on reserve accounts where the continuing need for the reserve is considered unnecessary.

2.5 The Children, Schools and Families Director comments on the individual budget areas in the table above as follows:

a) Looked After Children The forecast overspend on the Looked After Children budget, incorporates the full year effect of placements which commenced at the end of 2008/09 together with new placements provided early in the current financial year. Despite the fact that £620,000 of the available growth for 2009/10 was applied to this budget area, there is still a forecast net overspend of £2,288,900 across the three LAC categories. The forecast overspend to December 2009 for Agency Placements alone is £2,455,180. Since September, the forecast has fluctuated markedly, following the cessation of some expensive placements coupled with an increase in the number of new placements. This again further demonstrates a considerable level of volatility within this area. As always, the Council has a statutory duty to provide for the needs of these children and will need to respond to all future referrals as they arise.

b) Kirwan House Savings The budget of £372,850 represents the estimated cost of looking after the children currently at Kirwan House, on an assumption that alternative (less expensive) provision was to be sought for these children in 2008/09 following the closure of the Home. However, the Home has remained open and although staff numbers have been reduced, the majority of the overspend remains on the staffing budget due to the layout of the building and the need to ensure proper staffing ratios.

c) Legal Fees This demand led service is expected to overspend in the region of £212,000. The expenditure relates predominantly to care proceeding orders and is often unavoidable and difficult to predict. There has been a three-fold increase in care proceedings during this financial year and these can last between 12 and 18 months. A forecast overspend of £30,000 for complaint investigation fees has been included here. In addition, the cost of a locum childcare solicitor equating to £12,000 for 3 months, who has been appointed to assist with the increasing workload from child care cases, has also been included.

d) Employees (Refer to Annex A for split)

Children and Young People Forecast outturn is estimated to be around £238,000 overspent on Social Care areas. This is an increase over the last quarter of £88,000. Care Matters Grant has been used to offset high consultancy costs, two Social Workers from Family Support Team South and one from Permanence Team. However, there is continued use of agency staff, overtime and increases over the budgeted establishment in the Family Support Team South (the latter resulting in a projected overspend of £324,000 within this reported forecast outturn figure). The overspends in Family support are therefore being partially offset by an

Page 134 Agenda Item 12

underspend on other Children's Social Care employee budgets together with a forecast underspend on Education employees of around £125,000.

Education The employee budgets include an over provision following the agreement of the 2009/2010 JNC pay award. The continuing effect of the vacancy freeze has also contributed to the underspend. e) CAMHS Partnership arrangement with NHS Sefton to provide CAMHS services for Sefton’s Children and Adolescents. This budget was overspent by £41,000 in 2008/09 and continues to be overspent this year due to the number of clinicians supported from Alder Hey. The Assistant Director for Inclusion is in negotiations with NHS Sefton over funding contributions/level of service from Alder Hey. In the meantime, the projected overspend constitutes a risk which needs to be monitored through the budget monitoring exercise. f) Premature Retirement Compensation A potential one-off underspend on Premature Retirement Costs of around £245,000 has been identified which has been added to the risk areas above since the last quarterly report was presented. This has occurred because the redundancy costs arising from the closure of Bootle High School can be charged against the delegated budget (that part retained by the LEA after the school closed) rather than to the premature retirement budget. However, this leaves no funding available for any additional severance costs that may occur prior to 31 March 2010. g) Management & Admin (Supplies & Services) The continued Council-wide freeze on uncommitted expenditure is restricting spending in this area and is forecast to produce a substantial saving at year end which has steadily increased during 2009/10. However, there is always the potential for some essential expenditure to arise throughout the year which may affect this forecast. h) Contributions from Reserves Safeguarding Grant Reserve – This funding belongs to the authority and is not part of the ‘pooled budget’ arrangements with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Its purpose was to support the strengthening arrangements and practice to improve safeguarding on the basis of recommendations from the first Lord Laming report. There is currently a large overspend on Children’s Social Care agency placements etc and additional pressures from the second Lord Laming report to increase safeguarding practices and reduce case loads of Social Workers. This reserve will be used to offset some of these pressures, e.g. increased placements, however this funding will only mitigate costs in the short term.

ESF Repayment Reserve – This reserve, which was originally created to cover any repayments that may have resulted from ESF Claims being qualified, can now be closed and applied towards offsetting overspends. The ESF claims to which the reserve related have been accepted by the grant issuing body.

Page 135 Agenda Item 12

Other one-off contributions from reserves – Further items have been identified within the accounts which can be used on a one-off basis to assist in mitigating the forecast overspends. These arise from credits rolled forward from 2008/09 which have been held pending possible use against commitments in the current year. These will not now materialise, enabling the credits to be released.

3. Capital Programme

3.1 Attached at Annex B is the current Children, Schools and Families capital programme. This programme takes account of slippage from 2008/09 and any revised requirements for individual schemes. Actual expenditure of £11.129m (col.4) has been achieved in the first six months of the year. This is 31% of the total forecast expenditure for the year of £35.911m (cols. 4 and 5). Forecast expenditure for the remainder of the year is £24.782m (col.5).

Major schemes included within the programme include:-

1. Rimrose Hope Primary School -Targeted Capital Fund £6,314,750 2. Thomas Gray Primary School Single Siting £3,158,000 3. South Sefton Sixth Form Centre £12,494,980 4. Farnborough Road School Kitchen and Dining Improvements £2,077,670 5. Fair Play Playbuilder Programme £1,116,960 6. Litherland High School One School Pathfinder £26,415,620 7. Aintree Davenhill Primary Capital Programme £2,612,000 8. Lander Road Primary Capital Programme £1,980,030

1. Rimrose Hope Primary School-Targeted Capital Fund The new school buildings are now being used fully and the governors, staff and pupils are delighted with their new school. The demolition of the existing school buildings and the site investigation works, necessary prior to completion of landscape works, are underway. The scheme has been completed within budget.

2. Thomas Gray PS – Single Siting The new extended and refurbished school was completed on time and was occupied by the school at the commencement of the new autumn term. Despite the early problems with asbestos removal, the scheme has been contained within the original budget provision, with the exception of the roofing works where extra financial provision was made to complete these works.

3. South Sefton Sixth Form Centre The Sixth Form Centre is complete and the first students were admitted in September 2009. It is proposed that the balance of the funding available will be utilised to address any outstanding requirements.

4. Farnborough Road School Kitchen and Dining Improvements The works commenced on site in July 2009 and are proceeding, on programme for a completion for the start of the autumn term 2010.

5. Fair Play Playbuilder Scheme Schemes have been developed, in conjunction with Leisure Services, to provide additional exciting and innovative play facilities in a further 8 Page 136 Agenda Item 12

locations throughout the borough. This is the second phase of a three- year programme that will deliver physically attractive play opportunities for children, including those aged 8-13 years. The phase 1 schemes have been completed successfully and the new schemes will be progressed in late summer.

6. Litherland High School One School Pathfinder Work has commenced on site for this £26+ million scheme with an expected completion date early in 2011.

7. Aintree Davenhill Primary Capital Programme This scheme, providing an extended and refurbished facility, is funded from the Primary Capital Programme. Design and procurement work continues to progress towards a programmed commencement on site early in the New Year and completion in the late autumn of 2010.

8. Lander Road Primary Capital Programme This scheme, funded through the Primary Capital Programme, will extend and refurbish the existing school facilities. Design and procurement works are well advanced and works are scheduled to commence in the spring of 2010 for completion early in 2011.

Other capital schemes are progressing well and forecast expenditure will be monitored closely during the remainder of the year.

4. Recommendations

4.1 The Cabinet Member is asked to note the progress on the Children, Schools and Families Portfolio’s revenue budgets that are subject to risk-based monitoring .

4.2 The Cabinet Member is asked to note the position regarding the need for the Children, Schools and Families Department to find savings to offset identified overspends.

4.3 The Cabinet Member is asked to note the progress made on the schemes within the portfolio’s element of the Council’s Capital Programme.

4.4 The Cabinet Member is asked to indicate whether any comments about the overall performance of this Portfolio’s Revenue Budget and schemes within the Capital Programme should be referred to Cabinet.

Page 137 Agenda Item12

Children, Schools and Families Portfolio Revenue Budget Risk Areas to 31st December 2009

ANNEX A

Forecast Forecast Outturn Outturn Full Year Budget to Actual to Variance to Forecast Variance Variance Budget Budget Date Date Date Outturn December November £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Employees – Children & Young People 12,356 9,267 9,411 144 12,594 238 373 Employees – Education 13,510 10,132 10,512 380 13,385 (125) (156) Looked After Children - Agency Placements 7,100 5,325 6,992 1,667 9,556 2,455 2,346 Looked After Children - Leaving Care 558 419 476 58 652 94 117 Looked After Children - Family Page 138 Placement 2,510 1,882 1,765 (118) 2,250 (260) (265) Legal Fees 286 214 317 103 498 212 200 Kirwan House 373 280 411 131 542 169 166 CAMHS 580 435 301 (134) 666 86 0 Supplies and Services 577 433 217 (216) 289 (288) (273) Premature Retirement Compensation 1,911 1,433 1,617 184 1,665 (245) (292) Contributions from Reserves 0 0 (386) (386) (386) (386) (386) TOTAL 39,760 29,820 31,632 1,812 41,709 1,949 1,827

Proportion of budget reported upon Expenditure Income £’000 £’000 Total key areas of budget (from above) 39,760 0 Total budget 68,131 9,710 Percentage of total budget reported 58.4% 0%

Agenda Item 12

METROPOLITAN BOROUGH OF SEFTON ANNEX CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2009/10 - 2012/13

CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

EXPEND EXPEND IN 2009/10 REF. PROJECT TO TO FORECAST FUTURE TOTAL NO. DESCRIPTION 31.3.2009 30.9.2009 BALANCE EXPEND COST

£'OOO £'OOO £'OOO £'OOO £'OOO

General

1 City Learning Centre - Savio High School 2,013.61 66.39 0.00 0.00 2,080.00

2 Schools Access Initiative 2002/04 15.66 0.00 38.32 0.00 53.98

3 City Learning Centre - Ainsdale HS 1,943.66 15.03 3.08 0.00 1,961.77

4 Great Crosby RC PS - Single Siting 309.84 0.00 17.99 0.00 327.83

5 CSF IT Strategy 1,145.79 11.72 92.49 0.00 1,250.00

6 Forefield Juniors-Alteration and Extension 209.02 0.00 13.86 0.00 222.88

7 Capitalised Maintenance 0.00 220.34 631.91 0.00 852.25

8 Improving Information Management 285.17 0.00 2.61 0.00 287.78

9 Merefield-New Classrooms 1,438.43 0.23 8.20 0.00 1,446.86

10 School Travel Plans 2004/05 - 2009/10 198.36 3.21 118.50 0.00 320.07

11 Litherland Sports Park 5,503.41 3.79 44.15 0.00 5,551.35

12 Hillside High School - Sports Hall 1,682.74 0.23 17.03 0.00 1,700.00

13 Devolved Formula Capital 0.00 874.59 3,777.44 1,754.73 6,406.76

14 Birkdale High School-Media Hall 1,297.39 24.10 17.03 0.00 1,338.52

15 Range HS - Specialist Accommodation 2,734.99 35.67 10.34 0.00 2,781.00

16 Rimrose Hope Primary School-Targeted Capital 4,406.12 1,437.68 386.95 84.00 6,314.75

17 Youth Capital Fund 429.69 6.98 147.92 149.70 734.29

18 CS IT (Single Child Record) 4.65 0.00 535.35 0.00 540.00

19 Computers for Pupils 850.80 94.51 0.49 0.00 945.80

Page 139 Agenda Item 12

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

EXPEND EXPEND IN 2009/10 REF. PROJECT TO TO FORECAST FUTURE TOTAL NO. DESCRIPTION 31.3.2009 30.9.2009 BALANCE EXPEND COST

£'OOO £'OOO £'OOO £'OOO £'OOO

20 Thomas Gray PS - Single Siting 1,966.74 889.30 266.96 35.00 3,158.00

21 South Sefton Sixth Form Centre 8,905.57 2,198.29 1,273.83 117.29 12,494.98

22 Churchtown CP School - SEN Facilities 139.61 0.38 2.62 0.00 142.61

23 Primary Capital Strategy External Consultancy 10.56 0.00 54.44 0.00 65.00

24 Framework Contracting - external consulting 0.00 0.00 60.00 0.00 60.00

25 Litherland OSP 0.00 2,722.94 5,049.48 18,643.20 26,415.62

26 Newfield School - Specialist College Status 61.08 77.31 11.61 9.82 159.82

27 ICT Capital Funding 280.96 2.80 150.83 0.00 434.59

28 Playing For Success - Aintree Racecourse 43.07 0.00 1.93 0.00 45.00

29 Fair Play Playbuilder Programme 282.97 14.78 409.48 409.73 1,116.96

30 Information System for Parents and Providers 15.70 0.00 8.34 0.00 24.04

31 Forefield Juniors - Outdoor Facilities 25.08 219.72 75.55 15.00 335.35

32 Primary Capital Programme 0.00 595.35 1,915.89 3,210.79 5,722.03

33 TCF SEN 0.00 0.00 300.00 2,240.44 2,540.44

34 Forefield Infant School - external play area 0.00 0.00 40.00 0.00 40.00

35 Pinefield Formby - Additional Classroom 0.00 0.00 77.00 62.00 139.00

36 Linaker PS Southport - fire doors 0.00 0.00 17.09 0.00 17.09

37 Aintree Davenhill PCP 0.00 96.27 733.73 1,782.00 2,612.00

38 Lander Road PCP 0.00 64.39 300.40 1,615.24 1,980.03

39 Low and Zero Carbon Schools 0.00 23.54 226.46 0.00 250.00

40 Play Naturally 0.00 0.00 256.78 0.00 256.78

41 Extended Schools 2008/09 - 2010/11 386.65 141.08 257.12 237.02 1,021.87

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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EXPEND EXPEND IN 2009/10 REF. PROJECT TO TO FORECAST FUTURE TOTAL NO. DESCRIPTION 31.3.2009 30.9.2009 BALANCE EXPEND COST

£'OOO £'OOO £'OOO £'OOO £'OOO

42 TCF Kitchens / Dining Rooms 0.00 15.40 43.40 498.61 557.41

43 Meols Cop Specialist College for Sport 0.00 0.00 150.00 0.00 150.00

44 Integrated Children' s System 0.00 0.00 37.23 0.00 37.23

45 Aimimg High for Disabled Children 0.00 0.00 0.00 158.70 158.70

46 Old Schemes 59.74 10.02 43.75 0.00 113.51

Total General 36,647.06 9,866.04 17,627.58 31,023.27 95,163.95

Modernisation

47 Maghull High School - Maths/ Music Rooms 1,039.27 0.64 70.09 0.00 1,110.00

48 Crossens Nursery Relocation to Larkfield CP School 631.23 8.19 52.83 0.00 692.25

49 Farnborough Road School Kitchen / Dining Imps. 97.38 214.97 1,075.65 689.67 2,077.67

50 Other NDS Modernisation Schemes 0.00 0.00 890.91 273.79 1,164.70

Total Modernisation 1,767.88 223.80 2,089.48 963.46 5,044.62

School Access Initiative

51 Litherland HS - Hygiene Area/ Lift 267.88 0.00 9.90 0.00 277.78

52 Primary School Schemes 90.33 0.00 14.82 0.00 105.15

53 Hillside High School Courtyard Extension 725.98 0.37 36.63 0.00 762.98

54 General Access Works at various schools 35.89 12.94 1.17 0.00 50.00

55 Summerhill PS - appliance store and ramps 0.00 0.00 31.50 0.00 31.50

56 Stanley HS - Special needs base 0.00 0.46 71.54 0.00 72.00

57 Improved Access to the National Curriculum 0.00 0.00 30.00 0.00 30.00

58 Waterloo PS - SEN bases 0.00 49.28 110.98 0.00 160.26

59 Other School Access Initiative Schemes 0.00 0.00 6.77 400.79 407.56

Total Schools Access Initiative 1,120.08 63.05 313.31 400.79 1,897.23 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

EXPEND EXPEND IN 2009/10

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REF. PROJECT TO TO FORECAST FUTURE TOTAL NO. DESCRIPTION 31.3.2009 30.9.2009 BALANCE EXPEND COST

£'OOO £'OOO £'OOO £'OOO £'OOO

New Pupil Places

60 Deyes High School - Repl. rotted windows 53.26 0.00 4.78 0.00 58.04

61 Oakfield PRU - Boiler Repl. 100.87 0.00 1.86 0.00 102.73

62 Birkdale High School Boiler Repl. 94.98 0.00 3.31 0.00 98.29

63 Churchtown Primary School Boiler Repl. 59.21 0.00 7.24 0.00 66.45

64 Shoreside Primary School Boiler Repl. 82.66 0.00 4.90 0.00 87.56

65 Daleacre Campus Window Repl. 1.06 0.00 48.94 0.00 50.00

66 Bedford Primary Staffroom Enlargement 93.86 1.05 1.15 0.00 96.06

67 Maghull High School Dining Room Enlargement 126.23 0.00 3.67 0.00 129.90

68 Crosby High School Car Park Imps. 1.27 0.34 28.39 0.00 30.00

69 Woodlands PS Kitchen Refurbishment 162.22 0.21 4.78 0.00 167.21

70 Northway PS Kitchen Refurbishment 0.00 30.25 139.75 0.00 170.00

71 Lydiate PS Kitchen Refurbishment 0.00 72.13 97.87 0.00 170.00

72 Hatton Hill Primary-Boiler Replacement 0.00 0.00 95.00 0.00 95.00

73 St Andrews Maghull - Repl of infant boiler 0.00 6.34 88.66 0.00 95.00

74 Northway PS - Repl wiring 0.00 1.72 98.28 0.00 100.00

75 Other New Pupil Places Schemes 0.00 0.00 343.57 619.61 963.18

Total New Pupil Places 775.62 112.04 972.15 619.61 2,479.42

TCF 14-19 Diplomas

76 Birkdale High School 0.00 6.63 24.68 316.22 347.53

77 Chesterfield High School 0.00 0.00 128.25 6.75 135.00

78 Deyes High School 0.00 25.29 0.00 724.71 750.00

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

EXPEND EXPEND IN 2009/10 REF. PROJECT TO TO FORECAST FUTURE TOTAL

Page 142 Agenda Item 12

NO. DESCRIPTION 31.3.2009 30.9.2009 BALANCE EXPEND COST

£'OOO £'OOO £'OOO £'OOO £'OOO

79 Formby High School 0.00 17.76 243.11 10.00 270.87

80 Greenbank High School 0.00 25.39 276.05 14.37 315.81

81 Hillside High School 0.00 7.57 14.91 233.14 255.62

82 Maghull High School 0.00 9.18 21.42 364.12 394.72

83 Meols Cop High School 0.00 55.66 163.34 0.00 219.00

84 Range High School 0.00 12.34 345.13 0.00 357.47

85 St George of England High School 0.00 0.40 125.00 6.60 132.00

86 Stanley High School 0.00 0.00 198.00 0.00 198.00

87 Christ the King RC High School 0.00 0.00 175.75 0.00 175.75

88 Holy Family RC High School 0.00 0.00 0.00 269.93 269.93

89 Maricourt RC High School 0.00 111.29 28.21 0.00 139.50

90 Sacred Heart RC College 0.00 0.00 0.00 266.70 266.70

91 Savio Salesian RC College 0.00 0.00 108.12 0.00 108.12

92 St Michael's High School 0.00 0.00 204.52 0.00 204.52

93 St Ambrose Barlow RC High School 0.00 0.00 0.00 135.09 135.09

94 St Wilfrid's RC High School 0.00 0.00 114.46 0.00 114.46

Total TCF 14-19 Diplomas 0.00 271.51 2,170.95 2,347.63 4,790.09

Surestart Grant Schemes

95 Grange Primary-Children's Centre 174.63 0.00 4.50 0.00 179.13

96 Waterloo Primary-Children's Centre 142.21 0.00 2.80 0.00 145.01

97 Bishop David Sheppard-Children's Centre 299.38 0.00 12.40 0.00 311.78

98 Kings Meadow Primary-Children's Centre 137.86 0.00 0.27 0.00 138.13

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

EXPEND EXPEND IN 2009/10 REF. PROJECT TO TO FORECAST FUTURE TOTAL NO. DESCRIPTION 31.3.2009 30.9.2009 BALANCE EXPEND COST

Page 143 Agenda Item 12

£'OOO £'OOO £'OOO £'OOO £'OOO

99 Bootle All Saints-Children's Centre 244.83 0.00 1.62 0.00 246.45

100 Hatton Hill -Children's Centre 98.42 0.00 5.08 0.00 103.50

101 Unallocated Contingency 5.50 0.00 50.53 0.00 56.03

102 Early Years & Childcare 2008/09 - 2010/11 693.45 187.61 1,040.86 960.96 2,882.88

103 Ph 1 & 2 Children's Centres Maintenance 2.96 22.46 113.15 92.34 230.91

104 Valewood Children's Centre 23.01 95.51 196.48 17.50 332.50

105 Freshfield Children's Centre 18.56 276.99 9.13 17.50 322.18

106 Ph 3 Children's Centres Balance 0.00 0.00 79.69 0.00 79.69

Total Surestart Capital Grant 1,840.81 582.57 1,516.51 1,088.30 5,028.19

Children's Personal Social Services 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

107 Children's PSS - 2004/05-2008/09 187.68 9.99 46.48 0.00 244.15

108 Children's PSS - 2009/10 0.00 0.00 45.94 0.00 45.94

Total Children's Personal Social Services 187.68 9.99 92.42 0.00 290.09

TOTAL CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES SCHEMES 42,339.13 11,129.00 24,782.40 36,443.06 114,693.59

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