Agenda and minutes

The committee noted the minutes with the following amendments

That Councillor Nigel Hunt’s declaration be included in the minutes and that the spelling error on page 7 read as ‘Ysgol newydd Margam’ and not ‘Ysgol Newydd Maram’ as detailed in the minutes

The committee noted the minutes subject to the following amendments.

·       Item 2.1 of the minutes – Members highlighted that the following be included for accuracy in paragraph 5 ‘that the teaching and learning of Welsh should focus primarily on oracy and ensuring that pupils develop as confident and competent users of the language’ and that the Director of Education Lifelong Learning agreed that, as regards Welsh as a second language, there should be greater focus on progression and continuity of learning from primary to secondary schools. He had raised these matters with Welsh Government officials, particularly on the risks of an over-emphasis on academic learning of the language, and was continuing to pursue such discussions.

·       It was noted that Ysgol Maesteg was detailed in the minutes which was an error, the correct schools to be detailed in the minutes in its place of Ysgol Maesteg is Ysgol Cynwyd Sant and Ysgol Llangynwyd.

The committee noted the Forward Work Programme.

The Committee chose to scrutinise the following Cabinet Board items:

Cabinet Board Proposals

5.1     Childcare Facilities within Schools in Neath Port Talbot

Members were presented with the current situation with regard to childcare facilities located on school sites and were provided with an update to continue to regularise the position of childcare settings on school sites.

Members asked what particular Schools have any changes. Officers highlighted that there are changes in Flying Start in Cymmer Afan. It was noted that Llangatwg Primary School had relocated.

Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by the Cabinet Board.

4.2     Quarterly Performance Management Data 2017-2018 –  Quarter 3 Performance (1st April 2017– 31st December 2017)

          Members were updated with the quarter 3 performance management data, complaints and compliments for the period 1st April 2017 to 31st December 2017 for Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning Directorate.

          It was highlighted to members that the percentage figures for Primary school attendance for the academic year 2016/17 has risen slightly from 94.6% to 94.7% (provisional) when compared to the academic year 2015/16. These percentage figures equal 12 pupils with their attendance fluctuating.

          Officers explained that the percentage of pupils receiving a teacher assessment in Welsh (first language) at the end of key stage 2 has remained at 15.6% but has fallen by 1.5% to 11.2% at key stage 3. The pupil figure for the decrease of percentage for key stage 3 is 165 pupils instead of 191 pupils.

          The number of full day childcare places provided has increased from 2199 to 2282.It was noted that the increase of childcare places was 83; officers explained that the figures fluctuates because parents opt in and out.

          It was highlighted that the decrease of the percentage of final statements of special education needs issued within 26 weeks was not an officer issue it is due to parent’s ability to still look over the 26 week period.

          Members asked what contact meant in bullet point 6 of the appendix. It was noted that contact means available to youth service, it’s the footfall of a child attending a youth club event or the same child attending different youth clubs. It was noted that a separate Youth Service report would be coming to a future Education, Skills and Culture Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet Board.

          Members asked why Performance indicators EDU/002ii and EDU/002i are no longer being reported. Officers highlighted that the format is a Welsh Government format and that the legal changes that are currently being undertaken doesn’t require for those performance indicators to be reported any longer.

Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.

4.3     Think Family Partnership Update

          Members received a brief update on the progress against the various elements of the Think Family Partnership (TFP), namely Early Years & Childcare, Families First, Family Information Service, Flying Start, and Play.

Members asked how many enquiries come through the Family Information Service on social media. Officers highlighted that in 2016/17, the social media  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.