Minutes:
The
Committee chose to scrutinise the following Cabinet Board items:
4.1 Commissioning of Families First Funded
Services
Members
considered a report that sought delegated authority for the Director of Education
and Lifelong Learning to embark on a tendering process to secure new Families
First funded services for 2018 onwards.
Officers
highlighted that the aims of the programme were to ensure there was a mix of
service providers that included internal providers, third sector and private
sector. It was further stated that the negotiations would take place between
October and March and that this was a short period of time and that was the
reason behind the request for delegated authority.
Members
asked was there confidence that the grant will remain in existence and it was
confirmed that there is always a risk with grants but as part of any new
contracts there would be a clause included that should the grant to the Council
be reduced then the grant to the relevant organisation would be reduced by a
similar level.
Members
asked for clarity on what was meant by the statement “the most economically
advantageous tenders” and whether this would just be the lowest price tenders.
Officers confirmed that any tenders that are awarded will be on a price/quality
assessment.
Following
scrutiny the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by the
Cabinet Board.
4.1 Pupil Attendance Update
Members
considered a report that contained data in relation to pupil attendance during
the 2016/2017 academic year.
Officers
highlighted that there had been a slight increase in primary school attendance
and a slight decrease in secondary attendance when compared against the
previous year figures.
Members
noted there was still a potential issue with parents taking their children on
holiday during term time due to the costs. Officers confirmed that this was not
an issue they could address individually but Welsh Government were lobbying the tourism businesses in respect of their
prices when it is school holidays. It was noted that Head teachers in Wales do
have some discretion on allowing absences within term time for holidays.
Members
stated that in today’s society the problems could exacerbated due to the make up of families and pupils could have more than one
holiday a year if they are part of an extended family with step parents for
example.
Members
asked for clarity on persistent absenteeism and officers confirmed that generally
these were pupils with attendance levels below 80%. A significant number of
persistent absentees were also subject to free school meals.
Following
scrutiny the report was noted.
4.3 Quarterly Performance Management Data
2017/2018 – Quarter One Performance (1st April 2017 – 30th
June 2017)
Members
considered the quarterly performance monitoring report that covered the
Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning Directorate.
Officers
advised that a report would be brought to a future meeting as there were
concerns in relation to the figures captured for two libraries as the figures
were down more than could reasonably be expected and further research was
required on why this was the case.
Members
asked whether any investigations or conversations are had in relation to
partnership working and it was confirmed that wherever possible the
conversations are held and the relevant actions are
taken.
Following
scrutiny the report was noted.