Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Members were informed that the incident that took place in a Port Talbot school yesterday was a police matter; support has been put in place for pupils and staff at the school.

Cllr. Bob Woolford, (Item 4C) – Personal,

Family member works for Urdd

Cllr. Phil Rogers, (Item 5E) – Personal

Vice Chair of Governors at Llangatwg Community School

Cllr. Bob Woolford, (Item 4C) – Personal,

Family member works for Urdd

Cllr. Phil Rogers, (Item 5E) – Personal

Vice Chair of Governors at Llangatwg Community School

·       16 January 2025

·       22 January 2025

The minutes of the meetings held on 16^th & 22^nd January 2025 were approved as accurate records of proceedings.

The minutes of the meetings held on 16^th & 22^nd January 2025 were approved as accurate records of proceedings.

Members considered items from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

Members considered items from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

Members received a verbal update.

The Head of Leisure, Tourism, Heritage and Culture provided a verbal update on the Pontardawe Swimming Pool feasibility study. Following the closure of Pontardawe Swimming Pool on health and safety grounds, Austin Smith Lord Consultants were appointed following a procurement exercise, to identify potential sites for a new pool. The consultants are architect led and have worked on numerous projects within the UK, with many sports based projects in the local and surrounding areas. The feasibility study aims to prepare for future funding rounds, as currently no funding is available. The feasibility specification asked the consultants to look at four potential sites, including the existing swimming pool site, the leisure centre site, a town centre site and other potential sites in the Swansea Valley area. The consultants are conducting assessments on each site to identify a potential favoured option through a scoring mechanism. The leisure centre site is identified as a potential strong option, but this may change. The final report is expected by the end of April.

The Chair requested that the final report is brought to scrutiny, when available. Members asked for clarification on public consultation.

The Head of Service confirmed that public consultation has not been included in the current feasibility study but will be considered at a later stage.

Members expressed concerns about the cost of identifying a site, which has previously been identified.

The Head of Service commented that it was important to keep an open mind when considering any future potential site.

Members asked for clarification on Celtic Leisure’s involvement. Members assumed that since re-contracting, that Celtic Leisure would take over management of any future pool and therefore would need to be involved in communications. For ease of management and oversight, members suggested that the Leisure Centre site would be the most appropriate.

The Head of Service confirmed that Celtic Leisure has been involved in meetings and has provided useful data for the feasibility study, including staff structures and running costs. The costs of running a standalone site would be more expensive.  The decision on who would manage a new pool would be made at a later point should this come to fruition.

Members expressed concerns about the oversight and management of finances if £30,000 is spent to identify a site.

The Chair reiterated the request to keep members fully updated on the matter.

Members noted the verbal update.

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation outlined in the draft Cabinet report.

The Head of Leisure, Tourism, Heritage and Culture provided members with an overview of the report contained within the agenda pack. The strategy is a requirement under the Welsh Public Libraries Act. The strategy aims to maintain and enhance the library services, which have been highly rated in annual assessments. It was noted that libraries serve many functions and play a crucial social role; helping with socialisation, providing information, warm spaces and supporting home education. The strategy includes a straightforward action plan with key objectives to be achieved in the coming years.

Members acknowledged the importance of the library service and were pleased to hear of the collaboration with the Home Education Department. Members enquired if there was an update on a possible re-location of Port Talbot Library.

The Head of Service confirmed that there were high service costs at the current location within Aberafan Shopping Centre, there is nothing to update at present but further updates will be provided when available.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth noted the regeneration of the Princess Royal Theatre will affect accommodation, and no decision will be made until the regeneration is completed.

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation outlined in the draft Cabinet report.

Members received a verbal update.

The Head of Leisure, Tourism, Heritage and Culture provided members with a verbal update; a report will be considered by Cabinet on the 19th of March, to inform members about the process and agree on the final budget. Over recent months, there has been significant progress in collaboration with the Urdd around the event. The key achievements to date have included:

•The registration of 700 additional members from the local Neath Port Talbot/Swansea area; Neath Port Talbot currently has the highest number of registered competitors throughout Wales. The registration numbers as a whole have increased, resulting in more children competing at the nationals and potentially increasing the number of attendees and overnight stays which will benefit the local economy.

•There has been a notable increase in Welsh learners from the Neath Port Talbot/Swansea area registering to compete, the percentage of regional Welsh learner competitors has risen from 20% to 31%. This achievement is largely attributed to the links made through shared prosperity funding and Welsh learners.  It is important to leave an ongoing legacy through the festival.

•Competitors from low-income backgrounds in the Neath Port Talbot area have increased from 20% to 22%, which is significant for maintaining opportunities.

•The local organising committee has made good progress in fundraising and engaging with local schools. The event is seen as significant for the area, with involvement from council officers, elected members and members of the public.

•The Safety Advisory Group is due to meet shortly to address safety issues; risks have been highlighted, including potential wet weather and traffic issues due to the overlap with the "In It Together" festival. Efforts are being made to mitigate these risks, including trackway preparations and coordination between the two festivals.

The report requests that Cabinet approve an additional contribution for activation and hosting the site, providing assistance with scaffolding and trackway.

Members expressed excitement and gratitude that the Eisteddfod would be held locally, highlighting the positive impact on young people and the Welsh language. Members shared the concern regarding potential traffic clashes with the ‘In It Together’ festival.

The Head of Service advised members that it was understood that the In It Together festival ended on the Sunday evening with participants leaving late Sunday night/early Monday morning. The Eisteddfod would commence on Monday. Assurance was given that there have been considerations made to traffic systems and signage to manage the situation.

Members enquired about logistics for moving waste from the site.

The Head of Service confirmed that the Eisteddfod and In It Together festival were on two separate sites, there would be no linkage between the sites but there may be consideration given to this in future years. It was noted that the festival brings a considerable amount of people into the local area and it would be good to see this benefit the local area more than it currently does.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth thanked officers for their work and expressed gratitude that this project was being brought  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4c

Members considered items from the Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Head of Education Development provided members with an overview of the report contained within the agenda pack. The report provides a summary of the eight main priorities within the Directorate Improvement Plan.  The plan forms part of the overall self-evaluation and planning process, connecting Service Improvement Plans, the Directorate Improvement Plan, the Corporate Improvement Plan and well-being objectives.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Head of Education Development advised members that the report outlined the progress of support visits by Education Support Officers (ESO’s) in schools. The report provided information on how the Education Development Service carries out support visits. It was noted that the report does not capture all support, as additional support is provided to schools as and when required.

The Chair commented on the high calibre of ESO’s in Neath Port Talbot and it was noted that the support given to schools is making a difference. The Chair asked officers to feedback the thoughts of the committee; the work is of high importance and much appreciated.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Head of Education Development advised members that the report provided information and data regarding the Elective Home Education service in Neath Port Talbot. The right of parents to home educate is a legal right under Section 7 of the Education Act of 1996. Currently, there are approximately 460 children registered for Elective Home Education across 34 wards.

Members enquired whether the increased number of parents opting to home educate had any financial/staffing implications for the council.

The Head of Service confirmed that the Welsh Government provided a grant of approximately £95k, which is used to provide appropriate resources for electively home educated pupils; surplus funds are used to offset staff wages. Where additional support is needed, officers will provide support. Young people are encouraged to return to a school education at an appropriate stage. It was noted that the reasons for electively home educating were varied and included anxiety, mental health issues, and cultural factors.

Officers advised members that families are offered an initial visit from the Elective Home Education Team followed by interim visits and yearly updates.

Members requested that a breakdown by ward for Electively Home Educated pupils was circulated to members of the committee. There are ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of home education and the lack of authority to enforce support. Members thanked officers for the work they were undertaking in this area.

The Head of Service confirmed that work is ongoing to engage with families.

Members enquired if support was provided to Home Education Groups and whether they were provided with any financial support.

Officers confirmed that one group had previously received financial support and were supported over a two year period, but the group had not bid for any support recently. Support is provided to other home education groups through coffee mornings for families and working with other services, including the NHS, to engage families and young people.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Chair emphasised the importance of ensuring that parents have confidence in sending their children to school, knowing that they are safe, and that the authority is doing everything possible in terms of protocol.

The Head of Education Development advised members that the report contained information and updates on the work involved in supporting safeguarding arrangements in schools. Safeguarding is a complex issue that encompasses various subject matters, including child protection, first aid, site security, and training. The report highlights the dedication of the team and school-based staff who prioritise safeguarding on a daily basis. The Education Safeguarding Officer, oversees a small team of two staff to support school staff and pupils, going above and beyond in their efforts.

Members noted the importance of DBS checks and asked for an update on the current position in schools regarding obtaining/monitoring DBS checks.

The Head of Service confirmed that as part of peer review and safeguarding audits, DBS are checked. The audit system that's run within the local authority checks DBS as part of a step by step process. There has been a significant increase in the amount of professional DBS being monitored, supported and checked. It was acknowledged that in previous years there was an issue in certain schools in relation to DBS, but this is picked up by Audit and is part of the training at all levels.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

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.

Members considered performance monitoring items.

Members considered performance monitoring items.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Members questioned whether targets were ambitious enough and whether there needed to be more challenge.

The Head of Education Development agreed that there was scope for more challenge. There are some areas of development within the directorate plan that overlap with the Corporate Plan. There is a need to explore other areas of weakness to make improvements. The current tick box system for measuring performance as on/off track can be difficult to manage. The Head of Service referred members to the areas for improvement in the directorate plan that complement this report.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Forward Work Programme was noted.

Officers advised members of the following reports that had been added to the Cabinet Forward Work Programme:

•Trading Standards officer delegation arrangements for 2025

•Admission to Community Schools for 2026/27 back from consultation, permission to approve

Members did not make a request for these reports to be selected for scrutiny.

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.