Agenda item

Notice of 2 Motion had been received and decided upon as follows:

1)  Education Commitments (full text appended)

  The above Motion was agreed.

2)  Beckenham and Penge CAB

Moved by the Councillor Peter Fookes and seconded by Councillor John Getgood

“This Council resolves to urge the Executive to support the retention of the current base of Beckenham and Penge CAB and also to provide an outreach service to local residents.”

  The above Motion was Lost.

Notice of 2 Motion had been received and these were dealt with as follows:

1)  Education Commitments

The following Motion was proposed by Councillor Stephen Wells and seconded by Councillor Nicholas Bennett JP:-

  That this Council approves the following statement setting out the Council’s Education commitments, and encourages the Government , schools in Bromley, the Council’s Executive and the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education to take the appropriate steps to enable this philosophy to be implemented:

Preamble

The Bromley Education Commitments include some matters which are the responsibility of national government or of our schools, however we believe it is important that the parents, residents and employers we serve and the staff who implement our policies should have a clear statement of the philosophy which underpins those objectives and policies.

Every child matters and deserves a first class education to suit their individual needs and talents. A rounded education is the key to a fulfilling life. The investment we make in our schools and colleges helps to ensure a successful future for our country.

General Principles

1.  we believe in the right of parents (where practicable) to have as much choice of schools as possible including faith schools;

2.  we will support and encourage all Bromley LA schools to convert to academy status;

3.  we support the creation of ‘free schools’ and, where appropriate, will encourage local parents to apply for one;

4.  we will continue to support the expansion of selective education, including Grammar Schools, particularly in the central and northern part of the Borough;

5.  we will continue to improve the provision of SEN education in the Borough;

6.  we support the concept of an education voucher system which gives additional support to children with different educational needs, including academically gifted pupils;

7.  we will continue to encourage all Bromley secondary schools to ensure that all suitable pupils are prepared for the universities which best meet their aspirations;

8.  we support the concept of a University Technical College (UTC) providing high quality technical education for 14-19 year olds;

9.  we support the creation of ‘modern apprenticeships’ for a wide variety of skilled trades;

10.we support the concept of ‘lifelong learning’ and the important work of adult education.

Within the remaining Maintained sector

1.  we will support schools in ensuring that all teachers and other staff are competent in their role;

2.  we will support schools in maintaining good discipline;

3.  we will work to improve school governance;

4.  we will work to improve the chances for underperforming children particularly in the early years and primary years and will work to encourage the continuing development of high quality early year provision in the Borough through existing and new private and voluntary providers;

5.  we will encourage schools to identify children with exceptional talents or academic ability and ensure that their needs are provided for;

6.  we will support changes to improve the quality and rigour of the exam system;

7.  we will support measures (including reading through Phonics) to ensure that no child leaves primary school unable to read and write English and without a good competence in basic maths.

On being put to the vote the Motion was CARRIED.

2)  Beckenham and Penge CAB

The following Motion was proposed by Councillor Peter Fookes and seconded by Councillor John Getgood:-

“This Council resolves to urge the Executive to support the retention of the current base of Beckenham and Penge CAB and also to provide an outreach service to local residents.”

On being put to the vote the Motion was LOST.