Pre-Decision Scrutiny
To
select appropriate items from the Cabinet Board agenda for Pre-Decision Scrutiny
(Cabinet Board reports included for Scrutiny Members)
Decision:
Seren Programmme
Following scrutiny, members noted the item for information.
Personal Transport Budget
Following scrutiny, members were supportive of the recommendations to be considered by Cabinet Board.
Increased Planned Places - Permission to consult
Following scrutiny, members were supportive of the recommendations to be considered by Cabinet Board.
Minutes:
Seren
Programme
The Officer
gave an overview of the report as detailed in the circulated agenda.
Members
noted it was pleasing to hear of the collaboration between Neath Port Talbot
Group of Colleges but queried if there was also collaboration with Gower
College and College Sir Gâr? Is there a breakdown of the background and type of
backgrounds of students on the programme; is funding help available and what
support is in place for the culture shock that pupils may experience? Officers
confirmed that work is carried out collaboratively and Neath Port Talbot are
part of the South Central Wales region which also includes Swansea, Bridgend,
Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil. College Sir Gâr is part of the
Carmarthenshire/Ceredigion/Pembrokeshire hub and Neath Port Talbot work with
them to ensure students can access sessions where appropriate. In relation to
finances, there is a close relationship with the Widening Participation Team.
Alumni students provide support to students throughout the process. The Seren
programme is a free of charge programme available to pupils from all
backgrounds, close work is undertaken with schools to support pupils if
additional support is needed.
Members
asked for information on the flexibility of the programme. Officers advised
that students were identified by teachers and it was pupil choice whether to
take up a place in the programme. In years 8 and 9, pupils can take part in
opportunities informally and join the Welsh Government programme formally in
year 10. Teachers will work with pupils to identify any barriers to the pupil
entering the programme
Following
scrutiny, members noted the item for information.
Personal
Transport Budget
Officers
outlined the report that was circulated with the agenda.
Members
commented on the level of flexibility the proposal would bring and the
potential benefits to individuals and queried if there had been any discussion
with Community Transport Operators? The Officer confirmed that currently we are
unable to use charity run community transport groups however community
operators could become involved if they followed the procurement process. This
may be a topic for future discussion, and will be taken up with colleagues in
Environment.
Members
questioned whether any additional funding would be incorporated into the Home
to School Transport Budget in relation to the forthcoming introduction of a
20mph speed limit, which is likely to affect operating costs. The Officer
confirmed that this has been identified as an additional risk to the Home to
School Transport budget and is currently under careful monitoring. Operators
are concerned but currently it is unclear how costs will be affected long term.
Members
queried contingency arrangements should parents’ circumstances change. Officers
confirmed there was no availability in the system to plan for unexpected
circumstances.
Members questioned whether Transport Workers could work with pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) to enable them to travel to school by school mini bus instead of taxis, this would upskill the pupil and save money long-term. Officers confirmed that an additional Transport Worker has been employed to specifically work with pupils with ... view the full minutes text for item 5