Agenda item
Pre-Scrutiny
Minutes:
The Committee chose to
scrutinise the following Cabinet items:
Cabinet Proposals
2.1 The
Report of Her Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales
(Estyn) on Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
Members received a brief
overview of the Report of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training
in Wales (Estyn) on Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, as detailed in
the circulated report.
Members thanked the
inspectors for the report as it reflects hard working. It was asked what the
number of primary schools that have had to be placed in a statutory category.
It was noted that the link inspectors would have discussed those aspects with
the Director of Education and the team; there has been support that has been
put in, however it has not been effective. The inspector referred the members to
the report on the local consortium. It was noted that in an ideal world you
would know the issues before Estyn comes in for an inspection and then there is
no surprise if a school was to go into special measures.
Members asked why in the
report it is detailed that Neath Port Talbot are not performing as well as
other schools. It was highlighted in the report that one way of monitoring
performance is through the report card system, it was highlighted although
there are issues in Primary School, there is an improvement in Secondary
Schools. It was highlighted that Members need to recognise the positives that
were highlighted in the report such as leadership and management. In the report
it is noted that the chief highlighted that the officers know their schools
well. It was noted that the challenge process also involves members as they are
on governor bodies.
Members asked where Neath
Port Talbot Schools need additional support. It was noted that it was difficult
to say as a whole, and members were directed to the individual inspector
reports as they would include more information.
Members asked in relation to
the Primary School Outcomes, the relationship between the role of ERW and the
Estyn report. It was noted that Estyn are there to inspect and improve schools.
It was noted that they could not comment for ERW, but referred members to the
inspection report on ERW.
Members queried that the high
deprivation was an area of challenge and asked for comments from the challenge
advisors. It was noted that there was high deprivation and that it needed to be
taken into account when looking at data. However, Members were referred to the
judgement for Neath Port Talbot which was overall good.
Members asked whether Estyn
had seen any trends or other techniques that other counties that the Authority
could benefit from. It was noted that in previous cycles, some counties did
well In Primary and not so well in Secondary. It was noted that in 2017 neets had decreased to 2.6%. The Director of Education
highlighted that they are aiming for a 0% neets.
Members asked why the
Authority is not doing as well in Primary as it is in Secondary School. It was
noted that within the Primary inspection reports, no school is doing excellent.
Members were referred to the inspection report on Secondary to look at why the
primary Schools are not doing as well as Secondary Schools.
The Cabinet Member for
Education highlighted that the Primary Schools are doing well under the
circumstances as it was noted that the Meas Grant was
recently pulled which may cause affect to this authority.
Members asked whether there was
any flexibility taken into account for revenue and resources when these
inspections are carried out. Estyn highlighted that there is a ‘how best we can
inspect’ consultation put forward from Welsh Government that Members could
comment on.
Members raised that there was
issue around Regional and ERW consortium on Scrutiny. It was noted that Estyn
has inspected Neath Port Talbot and ERW and that there was a need for
understanding of them both. Estyn highlighted that they could not comment on
ERW, However, highlighted that Members can request to have a presentation on
any organisationthat you are making payment to, for
them to provide you with the value of what they are providing.
Members asked if other
authorities have other knowledge that Neath Port Talbot could utilise. Estyn
highlighted that that is a very important part of their role, good practise is
key and it is shared on their website for other authorities to use.
Estyn thanked members for the
opportunity and highlighted that the judgement is good overall, it was noted
that the committee has focused on the minor aspects of improvement however
should celebrate the strong features.
Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be
noted.