1. Minutes for last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 18/03/08 were approved by those present with the following changes.

Correct date
With regard to representation of Parishes, change “opportunity” to “interest”.
With regard to APHS becoming an Academy, change “concern” to “consideration”.

Minutes and papers to be circulated at least a week in advance of the next meeting.

Regenerate interest from Parish reps.

Keep Asset Review on the agenda for the next meeting.

2. Academy Status and Alderman Peel High School

Jon Platten was invited to speak to the board members regarding the possibility of an Academy at APHS.

APHS are expressing an interest in looking in to the idea of an all through school in Wells.  Some of the advantages of this are that the teachers from primary and secondary phases can work together and liaise with each other, and that there is evidence to suggest that the fewer transitions there are in a student's education, the better they perform.

There is pressure from the DCSF to increase the diversity and standard of education in schools.  The Academy programme has changed significantly in the last 2 years and now applies to a much broader range of schools.  APHS would qualify to become an Academy due to 5 A*-C at GCSE including English and Maths being low and because there is a rapid improvement in pupils' performance from when they start at the school.  Academy status could attract a £20 million investment in Wells which would benefit the community.  It would also attract a range of sponsors, some of whom would be the Local Autority and further education establishments with which APHS already has links.

There is a set process for consultation but WAP can offer help with this due to experience from our community consultation and can act as a hub to consult the parishes. This could be a good opportunity for inward investment in the community.

There have been no objections regarding expressing interest in the project form APHS governors or staff.

The projected school roll for APHS is about  the same as the roll three years ago.

A coastal 3-16 Academy shows great diversity and can incorporate post 16 education such as the 14-19 diploma.

3. WAP Report

Business:
Due to lack of interest the business forum has been forced to fold. The Quay magazine will continue and the financial gain will remain available to the community. There was a formal request for WAP to include the interest of local businesses in their remit. There was a unanimous vote in favour of this. The vision would be for WAP to manage a database of business in the area to keep communication channels open and enable any issues or concerns regarding businesses to be brought to WAP.

Homes for Wells:
Congratulated on getting their first 2 flats.

LDF:
Presentation to be held on Monday 28th July.

Field Dalling expressed thanks to Fi for her presentation to the parish council and requested that the report be amended to read “reluctant to endorse NNHT proposals for new build in advance of public consultation.

4. Round Robin

Pete Lynn – Environment Forum:
The group are meeting monthly to work on their main project of improving housing insulation in the area. They will try to reach people via clubs and societies such as the Pensioners Association, and offer one on one information and help on applying for free or subsidised insulation. They are also trying to develop knowledge of the status of the current situation with a view to be able to monitor energy use, they are talking to Reepham for help with this. There have been discussions with Wells Town Council in regard to improving the railway cutting and they will be involved in consultation with the congregational church hall regarding the garden. They will be able to help to find grants etc. The group are also looking into street lighting in the town and how energy can be saved.

Peter Rainsford – Health:
The hospital had a very successful meeting with NNCP and are putting in a bid to fund posts at the hospital. The project at the hospital is a good example of what NNCP want to achieve. The Smart Room at the hospital is being opened by Norman Lamb on Friday 23rd May. It is a display of assistive technology which can help patients to stay at home safely for as long as possible. The first WCH newsletter has been published. The hospital are holding an open day on 10th June.

Fiona MacCallum – Housing:
Homes for Wells have their first two flats. They have employed Fran Marshall and there will be a press release in the Fakenham and Wells Times to announce applications for housing are welcome.

Emily Grecas – Youth:
WYN held a music night in the Fleece on 18th April in response to the sheep incident. They raised £238.20 for the RSPCA.

5. AOB

Financial support is needed for parish consultation in Stiffkey. UK villages was suggested as a more cost effective way of consultation.

Reg Rush has retired as Chair from the Pensioners Association. 

WAP accounts will be an agenda item at the next meeting.

This is Emily’s last WAP meeting as she will be leaving in July to volunteer as a marine research assistant in the Bahamas until September. WAP expressed its thanks to her for all her hard work and for putting young people first.

Fi and Anthony to Liaise.

WAP trustees to meet ASAP to look at employer issues