Agenda, decisions and minutes

It was proposed, seconded and agreed that Cllr. Phil Rogers would chair the meeting.

The chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

It was proposed, seconded and agreed that Cllr. Phil Rogers would chair the meeting.

The chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

It was confirmed that the committee would be scrutinising items 9, 11, 12 and 13 from the Cabinet Board Agenda.

There were none.

There were none.

·        8^th January 2024

·        1^st February 2024

The minutes of the meetings held on 8 January 2024 and 1 February 2024 were approved as true and accurate records.

The minutes of the meetings held on 8 January 2024 and 1 February 2024 were approved as true and accurate records.

Following scrutiny, members noted the report.

Members questioned whether attendance issues had been identified linked to pupils who are ineligible for school transport.

The Head of Education Development confirmed that transport issues were one of many reasons given for non-attendance/lateness. It was noted that attendance figures had improved compared to the same period last year.

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)

Admission to Community Schools – School Admission Policy (back from Consultation)

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

Adult Learning

Following scrutiny, the committee noted the report.

Comedy Festival

Following scrutiny, the committee noted the report.

Annual Pupil Performance Report

Following scrutiny, the committee noted the report.

Admission to Community Schools – School Admission Policy (back from Consultation)

Members expressed concern that some schools are oversubscribed due to the admission of preferred placements; pupils moving into the area during the academic year may have to travel great distances for a school place. Members asked whether representation could be made to Welsh Government for increased in-year availability.

The Head of Education Development noted the comments.

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

Adult Learning

Members asked for further information in relation to the spread of courses available in outlying communities.

Officers confirmed that a large number of courses were run at the main Tir Morfa centre due to difficulties in securing suitable venues. Welsh Government guidelines require a minimum of eight participants per course, where this is not possible, courses are offered on a hybrid basis. An Engagement Officer has been employed to work with hard to reach communities. Digital inclusion officers are working in communities to support people to increase their digital skills.   

Members questioned whether the service had links to Flying Start parenting courses as a means of supporting parents to improve school attendance.

Officers advised members that work has been undertaken in partnership with Flying Start, Community Focused Schools, Family Information Service and Team around the Family to signpost people to relevant courses. The Learning Engagement Officer regularly attends events in outlying areas and learning events are arranged where there is sufficient demand. Communities are consulted via Social media channels to identify what courses are required. Officers advised members that the Engagement Officer would welcome communication from members to identify any training gaps in their areas.

Members asked if there were any links to adult learners through youth groups.

Officers confirmed that there was a good working relationship between Adult Learning and the Youth Service and links between the services would be explored further.

Members commented that the amount of available courses was encouraging but suggested it would be useful for the information to be disseminated to all members. Officers agreed to forward information to all members in relation to their engagement work and further discussions with members would be welcomed.

Members referred to page 230 of the report contained within the agenda pack, and asked for clarification regarding the role of the Adult Learning in the Community Manager in co-ordinating a project aimed at promoting and supporting local ‘retrofitting’ opportunities.

Officers confirmed the work was being undertaken in partnership with schools and colleges to help people to upskill and gain qualifications. The project has been ongoing for under a year and has helped to promote the energy agenda and allow people to upskill. 

Following scrutiny, the committee noted the report.

Comedy Festival

Members questioned whether there would be an appropriate cross section of small venues throughout the county borough.

The Head of Leisure, Tourism, Heritage and Culture advised members that it was hoped the festival would grow over the coming years. A small amount of funding was available through the Shared  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

The committee action log was noted.

The committee action log was noted.

The forward work programme was noted.

Members requested a paper be brought to the next meeting outlining the make-up and Terms of Reference of the working group on Celtic leisure, and verbal progress of the group, if available. 

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