Minutes of Darnall Area Panel 14 April 2005

DARNALL AREA PANEL

Meeting held on 14th April, 2005, at Greenlands Junior School

PRESENT:		Councillors Mary Lea (Chair) and Mohammad Altaf

		Officers in attendance:-
		David Curtis	-	Lead Manager
		Martin Gazzard	-	Policy and Performance Unit
		Gerard Myers	-	Private Sector Housing & Housing Advice
		Dan Massey
		Anne-Marie Johnston	-	Home Maintenance Team
		Stella Mekonnen	-	Area Co-ordinator
		Mark Swancott	-	Area Support Officer
		Debbie Merrill	-	Development Services
		Sarah Thomson	-	Committee Secretariat

		Representatives of Panel Partners:-
		Neil Charlesworth	-	South East Sheffield PCT
		Chris Kearton	-	On Track Co-ordinator
		Andy Gardiner	-	Headteacher, Waltheof School
		Jo Jolliffe	-	United Learning Trust

		16 members of the public and representatives from local community groups attended the meeting.

…………………..

1.	APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE FROM PANEL MEMBERS
	An apology for absence was received from Councillor Harry Harpham.

2.	WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
	Councillor Mary Lea introduced and welcomed David Curtis, the new Lead Manager who had taken over from John Mothersole, in that role.

3.	MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
	The minutes of the meetings of the Panel held on the 27th January and 1st March, 2005 were approved as a correct record subject to the substitution of the word “Ryton Road” for the word “Myton Road” in the item relating to Street Force and the inclusion of the name of Councillor Mohammad Altaf in the list of Members who had submitted apologies for the meetings held on 27th January and 1st March 2005 and arising therefrom:-

	At the Area Panel meeting held on 27th January, 2005, Sally Pearse, Tinsley Parents and Children Consortium, requested that the Panel note a draft resolution which had been submitted by her. As the Panel were inquorate the resolution was deferred until this meeting. The Panel therefore noted and concurred, with the aforesaid draft resolution which is set out below. RESOLVED: That it be noted that (a) Margaret Hodge, the Minister responsible for Children’s Centres, said in a radio interview on 8th January, 2005, “so the money will go through local authorities but we will make it absolutely clear in the guidance that we give to local authorities around the SureStart programmes that we expect that very essence of SureStart – which is the community involvement – which gives parents that feeling of confidence that was expressed in that package that you did, we will make sure that this is sustained and maintained. It is very important for us” (Radio 4, Today programme);
	(b) at the Education Scrutiny Board held on 12th November, 2003, Dawn Walton stated that “there were issues around the development of the Phase One hub model. Darnall would need to combine with Tinsley SureStart and it was proposed that there should be a dual hub approach to include the Tinsley SureStart local programme and the wider Darnall Ward”;
	(c) (i) the funding now available for services for young children and their parents provides a real opportunity to build on the existing services in Tinsley, Darnall and Handsworth and (ii) that the work led to date by voluntary sector organizations in Tinsley, Darnall and Handsworth to provide both childcare and family support services provides a firm foundation on which to build;
	(d) the Panel welcomes the Children’s Centre proposals in strengthening these foundations, but recognizes that (i) childcare provision is only one element of young children’s services and (ii) Local management and accountability is a critical element of local success, and it is this principle that has allowed local organizations to secure community backing, essential in multi-ethnic areas like Tinsley and Darnall; and
	(e) the Executive Director of Education, is requested to (i) confirm that Tinsley is a hub children’s centre (and not an “access point”), as indicated at Education Scrutiny Board in November, 2004 and (ii) revisit the management arrangements for Children’s Centres to confirm to local communities in the Darnall area that local parental leadership will be accepted and recognized by the local authority, as the Minister for Children stated.

4.	PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS
	The following questions were raised by members of the public and responses were provided as follows:-
	In relation to concerns raised with regard to traffic diversions on Prince of Wales Road, David Curtis, Head of Development Services, reported that the City Council agreed with the contractors the proposed diversion prior to the contractor undertaking the diversion works. He stated that he would investigate the matter raised.
	A local resident referred to an issue in relation to the Handsworth roundabout junction, and indicated that he had raised the same issue at an Area Panel meeting approximately two years ago in relation to road markings to prevent drivers from parking across the junction and stated that no action had been taken to resolve the problem. In response David Curtis commented that he would investigate the matter raised and report back to a future meeting.
	With regard to questions regarding the progress of the Lidl Supermarket the Chair stated she had been informed that work on the inside of the building would commence on the 3rd May, 2005 and added that she anticipated that the supermarket would open during November 2005.
	In response to concerns raised with regard to speeding traffic on Staniforth Road, the Area Co-ordinator reported that the Staniforth Road scheme had been highlighted as an Accident Reduction Scheme and added that the Panel awaited the scheme proposals and also the installation of the Darnall Road Pedestrian Crossing.
	David Curtis responded to concerns regarding speed restriction signs in urban areas adding that it was Government policy that in urban areas the speed limit was 30 mph unless otherwise stated.
	Mr Curtis stated that he would investigate the issues now raised.

5.	CITY ACADEMY PROPOSALS FOR WALTHEOF SCHOOL
	Andy Gardiner, Headteacher Waltheof School, introduced Jo Jolliffe and Martin Gazzard. Mr Gardiner reported that this meeting was the start of a process in which members of the public would be consulted on the proposal to close Waltheof School and establish an Academy in its place from September, 2006.
	He stated that Waltheof School was an improving school and in 2004 its students achieved the schools best set of GCSE results. Mr Gardiner commented that Waltheof School faced a number of challenges in relation to low attendance levels and progression of pupils to further education and added that if Academy Status was approved then the school would be able to deliver a wide range of courses that would develop students’ capacity to go on learning after the age of 16, many remaining at Waltheof School and eventually gaining employment as a result of qualifications gained.
	Martin Gazzard, referred to a list of frequently asked questions which had been provided and gave the following answers:- · The School would not close if the school did not become an Academy; · The catchment area would remain the same for Waltheof School; · The United Learning Trust would continue to provide facilities to local people which they had previously enjoyed at the school; · The School would not change into a church school because of the sponsor’s background as part of a Christian Trust; · The day-to-day running of the school would continue to be in the hands of the Headteacher or principal and their senior management team. Each Academy would have its own Governing Body, generally chaired by a representative nominated by the sponsor; · Pupils would benefit from the Academy as the school would be able to deliver a wide range of courses that would develop the students’ capacity to go on learning after the age of 16, many remaining at Waltheof school and eventually gaining employment as a result of qualifications gained; · The Local Education Authority, through the strength of the partnership with ULT, would be in a position to influence the development of the Academy. Academies are independent state funded schools; · Academy Status would provide the school with a good quality state of the art building and new equipment which would benefit the pupils; and · The school would not influence the pupils religious beliefs, the United Learning Trust want to create an inclusive Academy for all.
	Mr Gardiner stated that a report on the outcome of the public consultation would be given to Cabinet. If the Council approved the Academy, legal notices would be published in the local paper and displayed at the school, during the following six-week period, any individual may send their comments about the proposal. Any comments received, would then be forwarded to an independent committee who would make the final decision.
	In response to concerns raised by local residents Ms Jolliffe reported that the United Learning Trust were committed to ensuring that there was a smooth transitional phase from primary to secondary school adding that experience in the Manchester Academy identified that the Headteacher met regularly with headteachers from the feeder schools to report on progress and exchange information.
	Martin Gazzard stated that there were proposals for two Academy Status schools to be developed in Sheffield including Myrtle Springs and Waltheof Schools.
	In response to questions as to who would be responsible for the Academy if it were to be unsuccessful, Mr Gazzard stated that Academy Status schools would still be subjected to an Ofsted Inspection adding that the City Council would ensure that there were clauses included in the lease with regard to the buildings and land but commented that he believed that the Academy would be successful.
	With regard to concerns regarding school meals and whether Muslim pupils would be catered for at the Academy Ms Jolliffe stated that the Academy in Manchester did provide school meals for Muslim children.
	A local resident enquired as to how bullying would be controlled in the Academy School and in response Ms Jolliffe stated that Waltheof School would have bullying policies in place as would any Local Education Authority Schools.
	In response to how the United Learning Trust would influence the operation of the school Ms Jolliffe stated that the Local Governing Body would make the day to day decisions on how the school was organised adding that the ULT was a small organisation who relied upon Governing bodies and their knowledge and experience to make decisions.
	Ms Jolliffe responded to concerns regarding the post 16 students adding that neither Waltheof or Myrtle Springs would be able to provide a full range of post 16 courses but would offer a selection of courses to encourage students to remain in school and progress to further education. She stated that each Academy would provide a specialist subject which for Waltheof would be Business and Enterprise and Performing Arts for Myrtle Springs.
	Mr Gardiner reported that he believed that relationships with other schools would not be affected by replacing Waltheof School with an Academy school.
	The Chair thanked Mr Gardiner, Ms Jolliffe and Mr Gazzard for their contribution to the meeting.

6.	EXTENDED SCHOOLS UPDATE
	Chris Kearton circulated details of the On Track, Extended Schools Project in the Darnall and Tinsley area. He reported that the Project had been established in Darnall and Tinsley during 2001.
	Mr Kearton commented on the existing provision provided by the On Track Project in relation to childcare, health and social care, lifelong learning, sports and arts, ICT, family learning, parent support and study support.
	In conclusion Mr Kearton reported that On Track intended to fund a part-time Local Funding Officer to work with On Track to build on and develop existing partnerships. He added that On Track were in a good position to move quickly to access a range of funding streams to begin financing additional provision.
	The information reported was noted and Mr Kearton was thanked for his contribution to the meeting.

7.	SOUTH EAST PRIMARY CARE TRUST (PCT) PROJECT UPDATE
	Neil Charlsworth provided an update on the Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) Project commenting that such Project was a City wide initiative. He stated that the Project were a public private sector partnership set up to improve and develop local primary and community health and social care facilities by providing the opportunity to develop facilities and premises within the Primary Care Trust, enabling service development and improvement of access and quality of services.
	He stated that the Project intended to provide accommodation for a range of services within one facility which he anticipated would include a GP surgery and practice with space for nursing and health visiting staff, a dental suite and a pharmacy.
	Mr Charlsworth reported that Darnall and Tinsley had been identified within the first tranche of schemes to be developed in Sheffield adding that a number of potential sites had been examined in the area including sites on Station Road and Main Road for the proposed new facilities.
	In response to questions regarding who would make the decision as to which services would be included in the proposed centres Mr Charlsworth stated that the PCT would be open to further discussion regarding which facilities which would be included in the proposed developments.
	Mr Charlsworth stated that proposed changes would not be implemented immediately and added that members of the public would be included in the consultation process.
	In relation to concerns as to how the Project would be funded Mr Charlsworth reported that the private sector partner would provide the capital funding in order to erect the building. Space within the building would then be leased to tenants. Mr Charlsworth stated that the LIFT Project would retain the maintenance of the building which he anticipated would be a 20 year commitment.
	The Chair thanked Mr Charlsworth for his contribution to the meeting.

8.	LANDLORDS INFORMATION
	Gerard Myers and Dan Massey, gave a brief presentation on the Private Rented Project which was a new Project and which had been developed by the Neighbourhoods Directorate with the aim of to improving the quality of privately rented housing in the area.
	Mr Myers commented that Housing Market Renewal provided funding for the Project which came into effect from April 2004 and added that the initial project was aimed at the East Area Development Framework (ADF).
	Dan Massey reported that the first stage of the project would be to establish what private accommodation was rented in the East ADF by means of visiting every address in the area to determine the number of private rented landlord dwellings. Where homes were privately rented Council officers asked the tenant a number of questions regarding their tenancy, adding that the responses were then collated and entered onto a database.
	Mr Myers added that officers had recently completed the initial consultation exercise in the Darnall and Tinsley area but that the next stage was to carry out further consultation with the private rented tenants on an evening, which would then be further analysed.
	In referring to the information which had been collated in the Darnall and Tinsley area from private rented tenants, Mr Myers reported that during June/July 2005 the result of the information would be examined in order to identify whether there were specific problem areas. He added that the City Council were able to evaluate particular areas for Selective Licensing and that where private rented landlord accommodation was not up to standard the landlord would be required to have a licence in order to operate each one of their private rented homes and anticipated that there would be a cost associated with the licence but added that the Council had not yet received guidance. Mr Myers also indicated that the City Council needed to demonstrate to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister that there were anti-social behaviour problems with difficult to let properties in the proposed selected licensing area but that since the City Council already had pathfinder status in the East ADF, anti-social behaviour problems had already been identified, he therefore anticipated that Selective Licensing could be introduced.
	Mr Massey commented that in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University the City Council had established a Landlords for Excellence Programme which was based around the standards that were applied to both the physical condition of the property and the standard of management.
	He reported that the City Council were operating a number of Landlord information sessions in Darnall and Tinsley.
	Mr Myers reported that if a Selective Licensing scheme was implemented within a specific area each landlord included in the scheme would have to ensure that they met the criteria for the ‘Responsible Landlord Scheme’.
	The Chair thanked Mr Myers and Mr Massey for their contribution to the meeting.

9.	HOME OWNERS MAINTENANCE AND ADVICE SCHEME
	Annemarie Johnston, referred to the Home Owners Maintenance and Advice Scheme which was due to start in the Darnall area during 2005.
	She reported that the scheme supported by Housing Market Renewal Funding (HMF) and the City Council was targeted at owner occupiers and was designed to offer advice on short, medium and long term maintenance requirements to protect their property and investment.
	Ms Johnston reported that owner occupiers were entitled to a free external survey and maintenance advice. They were also entitled to financial assistance of up to £500 towards any routine external maintenance work identified. She commented that example of works to be undertaken included routine painting of external woodwork, cleaning and repair of rainwater goods and fall pipes, repair and restoration of paths, gates and fences, repair and restoration of pointing and rendering and minor repairs to roofs and walls.
	She also commented that any work undertak, en would be carried out at a set price agreed by Sheffield City Council’s Cost Assessors and added that local contractors would undertake the majority of the work required. As part of the scheme the City Council aim to link in with the nearby B&Q to run basic workshops to help give owners the confidence and skills to carry out some of the maintenance work themselves.
	She concluded her presentation by indicating that when starting on a block of streets all residents would receive a leaflet regarding the scheme stating. A visit would then be arranged following a request from any owner occupiers. She stated that the first street to be leafleted would be Swarcliffe Road.
	Ms Johnston was thanked for her contribution to the meeting.

10.	VOTE OF THANKS
	Councillor Mohammad Altaf expressed his thanks to John Mothersole for the contribution he had made to the work of the Area Panel and requested that the Area Co-ordinator forward a letter thanking Mr Mothersole on behalf of the Panel Members.

11.	DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
	It was noted that the next meeting of the Panel would be held on Thursday, 26th May, 2005, at 6.00 p.m., at a venue to be confirmed.

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