1

2

Minutes of last meeting.

2.1

Agreed as an accurate record.

2.2

Due to a systems shortfall, the minutes of previous meetings had not been able to be published on the special schools website, copies to be posted as a matter of urgency.

3

Matters Arising.

3.1

Hilary Morrison and Keith Fair had been nominated as H/T representatives for the Joint OJC for SEN reorganisation.

HM/KF

3.2

This service was being reviewed by Education Bradford who employ staff in the autism service.

3.3

This service was being reviewed by Education Bradford separate to special schools (which had been agreed by Thorn Park) and it was planned that a report would be submitted to the EPP by December 2003.

3.4

Delivery of educational services for the 2-5 age group was under review. Group members expressed concern about the potential impact on all primary special school nurseries, and stated their desire to be kept fully informed of developments.

3.5

4

Feedback from SEN Steering group 26 September.

4.1

The implementation of the Temporary Governing Bodies (TGB) was a critical date in the HR action plan. John Hesketh (Governor Support) to be invited to a future meeting to explain the recruitment/appointment process for TGB’s, particularly how these could reflect the school and community when pupils places had not been allocated and the consequent impact for parent governors.

4.2

5

A draft letter to Staff at Temple Bank was shared with the group and would be discussed at the next Joint OJC.

6

Reports/issues from schools.

6.1

Staff sought and were given reassurance that they would individually be able to confirm their employment records.

6.2

Janet Bates submitted the following queries from Branshaw.

6.2.1

Branshaw staff were concerned to know the timescale of when staff will be placed and would like a visit from the Director of Education or designated deputy.

6.2.2

Branshaw representatives said their colleagues were concerned that information concerning the reorganisation should be passed direct to individuals. Group members were advised to direct colleagues to the special schools website, to their Headteachers and to their trade union representatives for information. Additionally, the Director of Education/designated deputy had made a commitment to visit schools to explain the process and timescale once negotiations on these matters had been completed.

6.2.3

Branshaw representatives sought clarification on the implementation date. Although it was not absolutely finalised the expected date was September 2006.

6.2.4

Branshaw representatives enquired whether support assistants would be expected to transfer with the pupil to whichever school is allocated or whether they could transfer to the nearest school to their present one. Normally, staff would move with the pupil.

6.2.5

Branshaw representatives enquired whether non-teaching assistants would be treated equally to the teachers. The commitment of equality of treatment had already been given as one of the key principles of the Joint OJC negotiations, however there may be variations due to the different conditions of service between teachers and officers.