Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following matters:-
Cabinet
Board Proposals
7.1 Children and Young People Services – 2nd
Quarter (2016-17) Performance Report
Members received an overview of the Performance Management
Information within Children’s Services, for the 2nd Quarter April
2016 – September 2016 and the Monthly Key Priority Indicator Information for
October 2016 and Complaints Data April 2016 – September 2016.
It was highlighted that comparative data is unavailable due
to the recent introductions of a new set of statutory Welsh Government
Indicators for Children and Young People’s Services.
Members queried whether the current numbers for caseloads
was sustainable at 11.6 per worker and whether there was a recommended number
per worker. Officers explained that the
support measures were in place to sustain this but there was no recommended
number because the complexity of the case had to be taken into account with
some Local Authorities in Wales having more than 15 – 20 cases per worker.
Following Scrutiny, the report was noted.
7.2 Quarterly Performance Management Data 2016-2017 – Quarter 2
Performance (1st April 2016 – 30th September 2016)
Members received an overview of the quarter 2 performance
management data, complaints and compliments for the period 1April to 30
September 2016 for Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning Directorate.
Members were concerned that children can be removed from
school for by parents for Home Tuition and the Authority has no statutory
powers to monitor the standard of education received by the child or to prevent
the child being removed from school.
Officer also highlighted that ERW (Education through Regional Working)
has also voiced concern over the pattern that is developing across Wales. Members noted that there are 100 children in
Neath Port Talbot receiving Home Tuition.
Members asked whether a contributing factor to the increase in parents
opting for Home Tuition was the Fixed Penalty Notices for Non-school attendance
and whether there was any data around this issue. Officers agreed to investigate.
Following Scrutiny, the report was noted.
7.3 Home to School Travel Policy Review and Consultation
Members received an overview of the consultation exercise
to review the Home to School Travel Policy 2014 as detailed in the circulated
report.
It was asked what was the reason for the review of the
Policy. Officers explained that when the
policy was adopted in 2014 there was an agreement to review in 2016. The consultation will include the proposal of
the new policy to be introduced in September 2017.
Members asked for clarification in regard to the Post 16
students who attends St Joseph’s Roman Catholic School and 6th Form
who pay £100 per academic year which states no change. Officers explained that the £100 cost was for
post 16 students.
Members requested that on Page 99 of the Consultation
Document clarification on the wording at Pupil D to read: Attends YG Ystalyfera but it is not their nearest suitable secondary
education provision but is their nearest suitable school for Welsh-medium
secondary provision. Free home to school travel.
Members also asked that at Page 100, Under Secondary pupil
(Faith) 11- 16 age to be added.
Following Scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the
proposals to be considered by Cabinet Board subject to the provision of the
amendments as above.
7.4 Admission To Community Schools: 2018/2019
The Committee received an overview of the consultation on
the admission arrangements for community schools in relation to the 2018/2019
academic year.
Members asked what was the reason for the change in the
policy. Officers explained that it was
to enable better management of school numbers and future planning.
Members also asked for clarification on the
oversubscription criteria secondary phase education. It was proposed that the wording be amended
to read. Other Children and young people who live within the catchment area of
the school for which the application is made but do not attend a partner
primary.
Following Scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the
proposals to be considered by Cabinet Board subject to the provision of the
amendments as above.