Issue - meetings

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Head of Education Development provided an overview of the report as contained within the agenda pack. The service is helping to design, deliver and pilot innovative ways to support schools. The report highlights the strong partnership with families and collaboration with other services to provide a holistic approach to education.

Officers advised members that the first phase of grant funding has ended, and work is now ongoing to review and evaluate the progress made. The Welsh Government has indicated that funding will be extended next year up to the Senedd elections, with a possibility of longer-term work involving parents, pupils, families, and communities. The work undertaken has been recognised nationally for its innovation, with some schools highlighted for sharing good practices. Schools have received the community focused approach positively, there has also been positive engagement with communities and particularly service providers, parents and partners in this process.

Communities of Practice have been run in the Llangatwg cluster, where over 70 agencies participated to discuss how best to support families in need. School leaders in Neath Port Talbot recognise the importance of engaging with parents and communities to co-construct and develop education for vulnerable learners. Overall, the initiative has been well-received by schools, communities, service providers, and parents, with a focus on growing this approach and continuing the positive impact.

Members referred to the recruitment and upskilling of an additional team of eight Family Engagement Officers (FEO’s) with staff members within the school structure encouraged to apply through secondment. Members questioned what the impacts of this approach would be on schools.

Officers confirmed that the approach of recruiting from within schools has shown better success due to the understanding and feeling for the school and community. Funding is provided to the school to infill the budget, enabling a member of staff to be seconded and recruitment to the vacancy.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.