Agenda, decisions and minutes

The chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

It was confirmed that the committee would be scrutinising items 7, 8, 9 and 13 from the Cabinet Board Agenda.

Adam Amor – Item 8 – Personal, Non-Prejudicial. Director of business who carries out occasional work for the Youth Service.

Adam Amor – Item 8 – Personal, Non-Prejudicial. Director of business who carries out occasional work for the Youth Service.

·      23^rd November 2023

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 November 2023 were approved as a true and accurate record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 November 2023 were approved as a true and accurate record.

Following scrutiny, members noted the report.

Members asked if data was held regarding progress made by schools in implementing the new Curriculum for Wales and enquired if any schools have fallen behind.

Officers confirmed that all the schools with pupils up to year 8 are planning and implementing the curriculum for Wales with all children moving towards the four purposes. The measure of progress is different to how progress was measured previously. Schools are developing a shared understanding as to what progress may look like and are implementing design within the framework of the curriculum.

Following scrutiny, members noted the report.

Following scrutiny, members noted the report.

Members referred to page 15 of the report, and questioned the timescale regarding the potential capability for solar PV panels to be installed at 14 schools. Members also queried potential costs involved, how many additional posts were required and how the installation and additional posts would be funded.

The Head of Support Services and Transformation confirmed that at present, a desktop survey has been carried out, with potential schools being identified due to their location and style of roof. The work is being undertaken by the Environment Directorate and an update will be requested and progress will be reported back to this committee.

A Co-opted member noted the mitigating actions mentioned in the report but questioned if meters and daily standing charges could be looked at further. Schools with split sites will have multiple meter boxes with multiple standing charges.

The Head of Support Services and Transformation will seek clarity on this issue from colleagues in the Environment Directorate and report back findings to this committee.

Following scrutiny, members noted the report.

To select appropriate items from the Cabinet Board agenda for Pre-Decision Scrutiny (Cabinet Board reports included for Scrutiny Members)

Standing Advisory Panel

Following scrutiny, the committee supported the recommendation to Cabinet Board.

Youth Service Update

Following scrutiny, the committee noted the report.

Transport Personal Travel Budget Update

Following scrutiny, the committee noted the report.

Standing Advisory Panel

Members referred to Appendix 1 of the report and queried the procedure for recruitment to the committee, in particular recruitment of an atheist representative.

Officers confirmed that recruitment procedures can vary by Standing Advisory Councils (SAC). The aim is to achieve a broad range of representation from all faiths and beliefs relevant to the county.  Head offices of relevant organisations are contacted to request a true and balanced representative. Once an individual is identified, discussions are held at SAC and a group decision is made on the individuals’ suitability, relevance and appropriateness. Recruitment of an atheist representative can be more challenging but is required to comply with Welsh Government Equality Legislation. Reputable atheist organisations and groups are contacted to put forward a representative and vetting is carried out.

Following scrutiny, the committee supported the recommendation to Cabinet Board.

Youth Service Update

Members asked if the service still experienced difficulties in recruiting qualified youth workers particularly for the sessional work activities. Members referred to page 20 of the report and enquired on the level of participation at the first Welsh medium youth club in Trebannws.

Officers confirmed that the progress of the Welsh medium youth club at Trebannws was positive. There have been 173 contacts within Trebannws and club membership stands at 29 boys and 16 girls. Officers confirmed that there are always difficulties in recruiting staff but the situation was currently on track with two youth clubs re-opening.

The Head of Education Development noted that Neath Port Talbot was in a more positive position than some other local authorities as staff chose to work here due to the high standards. It was noted that recruitment may continue to be an issue due to the nature of the job and this is a national issue. The previous two recruitment waves were successful and clubs have re-opened due to the re-engagement of people taking up part time posts. Nationally, the expectation of high level qualifications of sessional staff is difficult to achieve.

The Chair welcomed the Welsh-medium youth club in Trebannws and noted the difference it has made to the community and extended thanks to all staff. The Chair questioned if there are any plans for further Welsh-medium youth groups in the county.

Officers confirmed that the last club opened was externally funded, extra funding and staff would be required to enable further clubs to be opened. It was noted that work is ongoing in relation to general Welsh development with a celebratory event being held last year and a visit for Welsh speaking young people to Llangranog, but extra funding is needed longer term.

The Head of Education Development confirmed that the youth service had engaged with Bronwen Lewis who is supporting musical development in the Welsh Language.

Members enquired whether there were any bilingual clubs in the county.

Officers confirmed that in relation to the Glynneath youth club, staff provide one Welsh-medium session/awareness raising event per month, this can include games and quizzes about Welsh heritage and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The committee action log was noted.

The committee action log was noted.

The forward work programme was noted.

In relation to the Pupil Attendance update report scheduled for 14th March, members requested a thematic Estyn inspection report could be circulated.

The Head of Education Development confirmed the Estyn report would be attached as an appendix to the report.

The forward work programme was noted.

Any urgent items at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100BA(6)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

There were no urgent items.

There were no urgent items.

Access to Meetings to resolve to exclude the public for the following item(s) pursuant to Section 100A(4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the relevant exempt paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

Resolved: to exclude the public for the following item(s) pursuant to Section 100A(4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the relevant exempt paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

Resolved: to exclude the public for the following item(s) pursuant to Section 100A(4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the relevant exempt paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

To select appropriate private items from the Cabinet Board agenda for Pre-Decision Scrutiny (Cabinet Board reports enclosed for Scrutiny Members)

Royal National Lifeboat Institute

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation with the addition ‘that cover is extended to 8.00pm in the evenings to ensure safety into the twilight hours.’

Royal National Lifeboat Institute

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation with the addition ‘that cover is extended to 8.00pm in the evenings to ensure safety into the twilight hours.’