Issue - meetings

The Board gave consideration to a report which provided an overview of services provided by the Heritage, Libraries and Arts to school.  Collaborative approaches and new initiatives were highlighted to the Board.  This included:

·       Library service officers of class visits, self-directed class visit and activity of staff in local schools as well as homework and study space;

·       Gallery Oldham whose offer included self-guided visits and resources provided by the gallery and cross-curricular facilitated sessions;

·       Oldham Theatre Workshop;

·       Oldham Arts Development;

·       Local Studies and Archive;

·       Oldham Music Service which provided whole class and individual music tuition; and

·       Cross-service collaborations.

New initiatives included Story Walks and Poverty Proofing Schools Project.  The Heritage Schools Programme was developed in response to the government report on cultural education in England.  Members were informed new resources available in 2019/20.  Members were also informed of challenges which included financial in response to budget pressures, transport as schools were concerned about the cost of coach hire and communications with schools. 

The integrated programme work with Oldham Theatre Workshop was highlighted to members which worked with children with special needs and mainstream schools together.  Members were informed of the offer which combined services such as using music and heritage artefacts.  Work was also ongoing to support home educated young people and this had received positive feedback.  Charges had been introduced for some workshops, but this had not impacted on the take up of classes. 

Members asked about the challenges in transport and how many schools could not come to events.  Members were informed that the service was not aware of any schools who did not choose to visit libraries.  As well as transport, risk assessments had become difficult.

Members asked about the funding strategy and were informed of the link to the Heritage Schools Programme and funding for two projects through the Prince’s Trust which had allowed engagement with schools which had not previously visited the service.  The funding had been a one-off opportunity.

Members sought further clarification on the transport issues for schools and the possibility of access funding with Friends of Schools and link to other aspects such as sport and suggested a discussion which was supported.

Members asked about the charges which had been introduced and it was clarified that charges were for facilitated workshops, schools could still visit the library for fees.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The overview of the Heritage, Libraries and Arts’ Offer to schools be noted.

2.       A discussion be scheduled related to access funding.