Agenda and minutes

The Committee noted the minutes of the previous meeting, subject to the following.

Cllr. Steffan. Ap Daffydd’s declaration be amended as he is only a Governor of St Joseph’s School and Sixth Form and not St Joseph’s Infants School or St Joseph’s Junior School as detailed in the previous minutes.

Cllr. R.Taylor’s declaration be amended, as in the previous minutes it is detailed that her mother owns a business, however her mother works but does not own the business.

Report of the Head of Participation

Members were provided information on the Cerdd Neath Port Talbot Music Service.

The Manager of Cerdd NPT Music Service was present at the meeting and commended his team and the work that they do.

Members highlighted that the indication in the report is that Welsh Government would take over the funding. The Manager of of Cerdd NPT Music Service highlighted that he is hoping that would be the case. It was highlighted that there is a music crisis in wales and hoping the pressure will be moved to Welsh Government from the Local Authorities. It was noted that the funding would be centrally funded which would be a million pound between all Authorities. It was highlighted that if Cerdd NPT Music Service can grow then that would be beneficial however, they are just hoping to sustain what they currently have.

Members queried about the buses for senior groups. Officers highlighted that the Cwmtawe Brass Centre run two buses on a Wednesday which tailor for a 100 children, the bus is run from 5.15pm, it was noted that one bus picks up in Swansea and one from Port Talbot and Neath, if the demand is there then will fund for an extra one for Thursday’s Music Centres.

Members asked how much children have taken up the free bus service offer from Port Talbot, Margam and Cymer Afan to Cwm Tawe and Dwr y Felin Centres. Officers highlighted that there were 6 people and it would cost a £100 a week, then it deducted to 3 children.

The Manager of Cerdd NPT Music Service highlighted that they would perform Peri Roadshows at each NPT Secondary School and would invite year 5 and 6 pupils from their feeder primary schools to attend which would commence the week of the 18th September 2018. He commended the standard of the Orchestra and recited an email commending the performances that had been performed at the Secondary Schools.

Members asked what the third music centre was as only two were listed in the report. It was noted that it was Pontardawe Welsh Primary School.

Members congratulated the service and highlighted that music is the route of other careers. It was noted that the council support the team and asked that a letter be sent to Welsh Government welcoming the indications to centrally fund the service.

Members asked why they do not hold percussion exams. It was highlighted that this year the drums are involved in the new Rock and Pop exams.

It was noted that the Cwmtawe Youth Brass Band aged 14 – 21 years of age came 3rd out of 18 of the National Brass Band Finals of Great Britain competition containing adult bands and commended the team work that they had to achieve this.

Members asked if the service becomes centrally funded would there be a dip in the funding. It was noted that the only difference would be the funding would be levelled across every authority, whereas now the service have a subsidy.

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

Members were provided with quarter 1 performance management data, Complaints and compliments for the period 1st April 2018 to 30th June 2018 for Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning Directorate.

Members asked that the Performance Indicators for Quarter 2 be reported to the Leisure and culture sub Committee to address any queries.

Members asked for an explanation on why statements of special education are not meeting 26 week deadline. Officers highlighted that it is not regularly the fault of the team, however, there are external factors that can push it over, for example not being made aware of a parent’s change of address. Members asked how many cases have occurred. Officer highlighted they would provide that information.

Members highlighted concerns in relation to the visual presentation on the Performance Indicator Reports. Officers noted the concerns and informed members they would take that information back to be looked at.

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

Officers explained that the Committee would be looking at the Cabinet Board Forward Work Programme on a quarterly basis to consider scrutinising particular items in advance of the meeting.

Members asked whether they could have the Implementation Plan Additional Learning Needs report at an earlier meeting to scrutinise. Officers explained that they would check with Officers.

The Committee noted the Forward Work Programme.