At the commencement of the meeting the Chairman drew attention to the newly installed Induction Loop which was now operational.
Apologies:  Mrs N Aston, Cllr S Clarkson, Cllr D Cornish, Mrs D Fleming, Ms H Pollock, Mrs B Rowland, Cllr A Rudge, Ms N Turner
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday, 28^th September 2009 were subject to the following amendments:-  Under 'Matters Arising: Bus Service 993' line 16 "People's Champions" should read "Resident Champion"
Under 'Standing Items: Boldmere Tasking Group' line 2, "St Columbas's" should read "St Columba's".
Proposed as a correct record by Rev R Tucker, and seconded by Mr D Fleming.
MATTERS ARISING
Deliverers for 'Gatepost':  The Chairman was delighted to report that following the request in the last Minutes a volunteer had come forward to help with delivery.  Unfortunately, Dave Wardle was now in poor health and has had to give up delivering in Bakers Lane.  Volunteers are still sought as Helen does three rounds and there is no-one to take over if she is away.
Bus Service 993:  See 'Correspondence" below.
Banners Gate Schools:  Four governors from the Junior School and four governors from the Infant School had met on two occasions.  At the first meeting both sides were apart but ended with some measure of concord.  The main point of contention was the need to dismiss all members of staff if amalgamation was chosen as the way ahead; the jobs of the staff would be ring-fenced and they would have to re-apply for their positions but the Head and Deputy Head jobs would

not be so covered and they would lose their appointments.  The other option was to extend years up or down, but whichever school extended the other could be seen as a failure plus the staff would lose their jobs.  The Junior School Governors did not wish to lose the Head Teacher, she was extremely efficient and had only been in post for three terms and they considered that to extend would affect the least number of people, the Infant School having lower numbers of staff than the juniors.  The Infant School governors intimated they would like to speak with Fleur Greaves, Head Teacher of the Junior School and the Junior School Chairman of Governors undertook to arrange this, thus a second meeting took place at which Ms Greaves gave a presentation on her background, training and experience in both infant and junior disciplines, and how she saw the two schools developing into the future; meanwhile, the Junior School governors retired to an adjoining room.  Following discussion between Ms Greaves and the Infant School governors the Junior School governors were invited to rejoin the meeting.  The Chairman of the Infant School governors proposed that the schools combine with Ms Greaves as the Head Teacher and both Governing Bodies would combine at the same time; dismissal notices would go out to all staff but their jobs would be ring-fenced and they would need to re-apply, but both the dismissal and the re-appointment forms would be sent out on the same day.  The Junior School governors were able to agree to the proposal, but LEA had not ever had such a proposition presented to them before and so a decision was awaited.  At a meeting with Cllr Lawrence he had stated he would not force amalgamation or merger on either school, he wished only for agreement and co-operation and would expedite whatever process

was agreed by the two Governing Bodies so the new school could open by September 2010.  The governors have agreed on a way forward and the proposal had now to be put to both full Governing Boards for confirmation.  In the meantime changes at LEA occurred and the two officers who had served as Chairmen for the joint governors meetings were no longer available to contact for advice: being left to carry on alone the governors had informed staff of the imminent changes whilst awaiting confirmation from LEA.  Governors will be arranging to fully inform parents and hope for their agreement.
Rev R Tucker expressed delight that small groups of people had successfully found a solution and was sure the community was very grateful to both Governing Bodies for keeping the momentum going until a way ahead was formed.  He said it was a hopeful moment for the schools and the whole community; he had feared a loss of parental trust which, if prolonged, would mean local children being enrolled at other schools, and he felt sure that with a united Governing Body and the strong leadership of Ms Greaves, who had many ideas for building a cohesive structure, a new chapter would open for the Banners Gate schools.
The Chairman explained the difficulties with numbers and finance that the Nursery had faced in the past, however, the Nursery had endured and would be offering full-time places in the next school year.   
CORRESPONDENCE
Bus Service 993:  The Chairman received an e-mail from Sue Atkins saying there was no further news but Cllr. Cornish had asked for an update before Christmas on discussions recently held by the Company and would hopefully report at the January meeting.

Review Announced for Birmingham NHS Commissioning - Birmingham Primary Care Trusts:  The Chairman tabled a letter re the above and a joint statement from the three Primary Care Trusts recently released to their employees and organisations asking for views on the three PCTs in Birmingham; the perspective of both individuals' and organisations' views are sought and will contribute to the emerging model of the NHS in Birmingham.  The review will explore options such as the continuation of the current number of PCTs; the efficiency savings, creating a management team and structure to support three PCTs; the possibility of merging three PCTs, and the preferred direction for community health services currently provided by the three organisations.  Anyone wishing to put forward their views should phone or fax the number given at the bottom of the letter. STANDING ITEMS
Birmingham Association of Neighbourhood Forums:  The Chairman informed the meeting that the Print Shop was still active and produced 'Gatepost' at a relatively small cost compared with estimates received from other printing companies: he urged anyone requiring printing, including full colour, to first contact the Print Shop as prices were extremely competitive.  Telephone number will always be found in 'Gatepost'.
Neighbourhood Watch/Boldmere Tasking Group:  Items raised at the last meeting:-
The bus shelter by St Columba's Church had been vandalised, the police informed and would be keeping watch; two youths arrested for criminal damage.
No street lights along the service road in Banners Gate Road so it is very dark: Councillors informed and this will be treated as a high priority in next year's budget.