Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following matters:
Cabinet
Board Proposals
8.1 Agreement between Hillside Secure Centre and Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School
(Councillor
P.A Rees reaffirmed his interest and left the meeting for this item.)
The Committee received information in relation to
Hillside Secure Centre entering into an arrangement for the provision of
educational services at Hillside with Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School as contained within the
circulated report.
Members asked if steps had been taken to negotiate Terms
and Conditions with the staff to negate some of the issues that had been raised
within the report. Officers explained that attempts had been made and certain
changes had been implemented but no real progress had been made hence the
requirement for the actions included in this report.
Members made reference to Appendix 3 referred to within the
report but noted that the appendix was not in fact included within the report.
Officers apologised and informed the Committee that the collaboration agreement
and specification as included in this appendix is still in development with the
Legal Officers within the Council.
Members asked if there would be an impact on the children
as the teachers work between both Hillside and Cefn Saeson sites. It was explained that teachers will be moved
between sites but this would not be disruptive and would be planned
accordingly.
The Committee asked what provisions were in place if Welsh
Medium Education was required. Officers drew attention to the outcome included
in the agreement stating: ‘it is aligned as far as possible to mainstream
curriculum in Wales and with appropriate reference to the Welsh culture,
heritage and language’ and confirmed that any Welsh Language requirement would
be catered for.
Members asked what protocols were in place if the staff
involved chose to appeal or challenge the decision. Officers explained that an
extensive formal consultation had taken place with all involved including Trade
Unions and Governors although there is a right of appeal if the staff so
choose. They went onto explain that an extensive benefits package had been put
in place for staff including access to training and progression through the
upper pay spine co-ordinating with continued engagement with the new
process.
The legal position of Hillside as an educational
establishment was queried and it was explained that the teaching staff will be
employed by Cefn Saeson and
not by Hillside.
The Committee asked if Officers were confident that the
existing budget allocation is adequate to cover the new arrangements. Officers
confirmed that the budget allocation is sufficient although the service will be
liable to national pay awards.
Members were confident that the new arrangements will be
managed effectively by the management within Cefn Saeson and were pleased to note that the Governing Body
were highly supportive of the proposal.
Following scrutiny, the Committee were supportive of the
proposals to be considered by the Cabinet Board.