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PRESENT:  Councillor Wilson in the chair.

Councillors C Sherwood (vice-chairman), Cawsey, Simpson, T Foster, K Vickers and Whiteley.

Statutory Co-opted Members: Mr N Craven and Mrs A Dunkerley (Parent Governor Representatives) and Mr W Egan (Church Representative).

The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

187  DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of personal or personal and prejudicial interests.

No whip was declared.

188  PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no public requests received.

189  (18) OFSTED CHILDREN’S SERVICES ASSESSMENT FOR 2009-10 – The chair welcomed Susan Twemlow, the council’s Assistant Director for Children’s Services to the meeting.Mrs Twemlow was in attendance to inform members of the outcome of the Ofsted Children’s Services Assessment 2009-10.

The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) had a statutory duty to undertake an assessment of all Children’s Services in England and Wales in accordance with the Education and Inspections Act 2006.

Ofsted published guidance in July 2010 setting out the framework for this annual assessment process.  The new assessment was more stringent and for the first time included provision and settings for which the Local Authority does not have direct responsibility; for example private residential provision. The assessment also drew on data from relevant indicators in the National Indicator set.  The cut off point for the assessment data was August 2010.

In North Lincolnshire the inspection findings from over 300 settings including schools, child minders and children homes had been used.  These findings were from inspections that had been undertaken over the previous three years.  The judgements used in respect of some childminders relate to inspections that took place more than four years ago.

Following the oral presentation, the Chair invited members to discuss the findings from the recent Ofsted Children’s Services Assessment 2009-10.

Resolved – (a) That the information be noted, and (b) that Mrs Twemlow be thanked for her attendance and for answering members’ questions.

190  (19)  REVIEW OF THE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF PARENT GOVERNORS – The chair welcomed Steve Piper, the council’s Strategic Access Manager for Children’s Services to the meeting.Mr Piper had agreed to attend the meeting to update members on the implementation of the recommendations contained within the action plan

Members also received an update on the implications of the White Paper for the council and education in general.

Resolved – (a) That the update be noted, (b) that Mr Piper be thanked for his attendance and for answering member’s questions, and (c) that once the White Paper becomes legislation, Mr Piper be invited to a future meeting to update the members on its implications for the council.

191  (20)  LEADER OF THE COUNCIL’S FORWARD PLAN – DECEMBER 2010 TO MARCH 2011– The Service Director Legal and Democratic circulated the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council’s Forward plan for December 2010 to March 2011.

The plan contained details of all matters and issues likely to be subject of key decisions for a period of the next four months, updated on a monthly basis. Members discussed various items on the Forward Plan.

Resolved – That the Leader of the Council’s Forward Plan for December 2010 to March 2011 be noted.

192  ADDED ITEM – There was no added item for discussion at this meeting.