Agenda item

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

Members noted that the City of London Open Spaces Department had delivered education services over a number of years. Although these services were not a statutory element of provision, prescribed in the Open Spaces Acts, they had been viewed as playing an important role in encouraging visitors to sites and increasing understanding of the ecology and heritage of the sites. In recent years grant funding from the City Bridge Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as work with partners, has led to the expansion and development of provision. This report outlined current services provided and the associated costs. It also outlined the medium term impact of the service-based review exercise on funding for education provision. The report proposed the development of a single learning programme across sites. It proposed priorities for such a programme which will constitute an education strategy for the department.

Members queried whether education work should be determined by the Education Board, as the City Corporation now had an over-arching education policy. Officers informed Members that the Board would be consulted on this work. The Committee would receive an annual information report regarding the education strategy. Officers said they met on a regular basis to share good practice and development with each other and so any overlap between duties would be highlighted at Officer level.

Members queried the role of the Epping Forest Field Studies Centre, and were informed by Officers that the Centre came under the remit of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee, however Officers would look into the educational opportunities offered by the Centre.

Members were advised that this package must be finalised before any funding or sponsorship could be sought.

Resolved: That Members:

· Agreed the proposed strategy for development of a departmental

education strategy.

· Delegate authority to the Director of Open Spaces, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, responsibility for development of an education, outreach and volunteering programme.