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Contact: Charlotte Davies 01639 763745 Email: c.l.davies2@npt.gov.uk
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Minutes of Previous Meeting PDF 72 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The
Minutes of the previous meeting of the Education, Skills and Culture Scrutiny
Committee held on the 19 November 2020, were approved. |
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Verbal Update on the Impacts Covid-19 has had on the Education Department Minutes: Members
received a verbal update on the Impacts Covid-19 has had on the Education,
Skills and Culture Department. It was highlighted that the update would remain
mostly on the activity during January. It
was noted that remote learning had been in existence for all Schools since 4
January 2021, however, Schools remained open for pupils of key workers and
vulnerable learners. Physical attendance at School had increased, there were
400 pupils of key workers and/or vulnerable learners in attendance the first
week back of January 2021. That attendance had then increased to 1,000 pupils,
which equated to 5% of the pupil population. Schools were actively encouraging
those of vulnerable learners to attend school. Officers
highlighted that they hadn’t yet received the operational guidance from Welsh
Government regarding the opening of schools. However, had verbally updated
Schools on 2 specific points relating to Social Distancing and Facial
Coverings. It was noted that social distancing was deemed unnecessary for
pupils in a classroom environment before the end of December 2020, however due
to new variants, risk assessments had now been revised meaning it was deemed
necessary for pupils to comply with social distancing in Schools, particularly
Secondary Schools. Face coverings had also been deemed necessary for pupils in
classrooms and communal areas in School, particularly Secondary Schools. This
is based on local risk assessments. These arrangements would again be reviewed
by the end of February. It
was noted that there had recently been a release in the press regarding
Examination Series for Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. Resulting in centre assessment grades which
would be provided at the end of the academic year to pupils in years 10, 11, 12
and 13 where relevant. It was noted that officers were working with Schools for
a consistent approach. It was mentioned that School’s would become an appeal
centre for those pupils or parents that may not be satisfied with the results.
Officers again reassured members that they would work with schools and are
awaiting guidance from Welsh Government. Officers
highlighted to members that they were meeting with Head Teachers on a daily
basis to ensure the wellbeing of staff was being maintained. It was noted that
Health and Wellbeing Sessions had been procured to support Head Teachers. Discussions
took place around the availability of devices for pupils and connectivity
concerns. It was noted that during the first lockdown in March/April 2020, it
was identified that 1,300 pupils did not have access to a device and 228
households had a lack of suitable connectivity. For those pupils that did not
have access to a device and/or had connectivity issues, they were provided with
a Chrome book and Mifi units. Following
the recent uptake in online learning due to lockdown restrictions, the Council
had also provided Techers with appropriate devices. It
was noted that there had been a stock delay when purchasing Chromebooks in
2020, delaying receipt of these items. Members were made aware of lateral flow testing that was currently being piloted, ... view the full minutes text for item 2. |
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Consultation on 2021/22 Budget Proposals PDF 111 KB Minutes: An
overview was received on the Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning draft
budget proposals 2021/2022. It
was highlighted, that the proposals included within the report were a small
number of saving strategies which had already been scrutinised, consulted on
and were approved by Council on 6th March 2020. Members
were also provided with information on the budget pressures to the service,
along with the savings, cuts and income generation opportunities which are
detailed within the circulated report. During
the discussion of the budget, concern was raised over the impact that Covid-19
has had during these unprecedented times and the unpredictable impacts it has
had on the Community and the budget. Members wanted reassurance that Officers
were confident that their predictions for the expenditure costs wouldn’t
increase dramatically for the upcoming year. Officers highlighted the impacts
of Covid-19 would be around for a while however, the partnership between the
council and schools are strong ensuring that the actions that were being taken
as well as future planning have been carefully costed. The Cabinet Member for
Finance also highlighted the support that the Welsh Government has continued to
provide the Council through these difficult times. Members
had concerns over the take-up of the Cleaning Service due to School Budgets.
Officers reassured members that the in-house Cleaning Service has excelled
itself over the past few months due to the impacts of covifd-19 and is on a
solid footing and in demand. It
was queried whether Margam Orangery would be able to revert back to a Wedding
Venue this year, if the vaccination process were to be completed in a timely
manner. Members also queried whether the loss of 279k income at Margam Orangery
be funded by Welsh Government. It was noted that as soon as Margam Orangery
reverts back to a venue and not a vaccination centre it will be utilised again.
Officers highlighted that as mentioned previously by the Cabinet Member for
Finance, Welsh Government had been very supportive and would provide support
within reason. The
Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture thanked Scrutiny Members for
their input in to the Budget Consultation and commended Officers for their efforts. Following
Scrutiny of the budget details contained within the report, Members were
reminded that their comments from this meeting would form part of the formal
consultation response for the budget 2021/22. They were asked that if they had
any other proposals for budget savings, not included within the attached
report, that they approach Officers for their consideration. |
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Forward Work Programme 2020/21 PDF 62 KB Minutes: Members
noted the Forward Work Programme. |