Agenda item
Pre-Scrutiny
- Meeting of Education Skills and Culture Scrutiny Committee, Thursday, 11th April, 2019 2.00 pm (Item 4.)
- View the declarations of interest for item 4.
Minutes:
The
committee scrutinised the following cabinet board items:
Cabinet
Board Proposals
Library
Service Review: A Sustainable Library Service 2020-2025
Members
received an overview of the Library Service Review 2020-2025, as detailed in
the circulated report.
Members
were pleased that the outcome of the Library Service Review would be to develop
a sustainable library service going forward.
In
response to Members queries an update was given on how the consultation would
be undertaken. It would include meetings
in libraries with all interested parties, these would include Members, library
users, groups and community trustees of libraries who have successfully
transferred over. Also, prior to these
meetings data was being collated on who users each library so that it can
inform the consultation meetings. In
addition, officers were attending public events to gain an understanding of why
libraries were not being used.
Members
identified the need to consider the effect on other community services that
share buildings with libraries and how any changes would impact on communities.
Consideration
would also be given, during the review to look at a variety of models of
delivery for the library service that were used by other local authorities
which would also inform the outcome of the review.
Officers
confirmed that a report would be submitted to a future meeting of the
Education, Skills and Culture Cabinet Board containing the outcomes from the
review for Members’ consideration.
Following
scrutiny, the committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by
Cabinet Board.
Annual
Pupil Performance Report 2017/18
Members
received a summary of the performance of Neath Port Talbot schools and its
pupils during 2017/18.
Members
discussed the increase in the numbers of children in receipt of Free School
Meals (FSM) and queried whether this increase was a contributory factor to the
reduction in school attendance numbers.
It was confirmed that it was a contributory factor as Neath Port Talbot
was amongst the highest in Wales in terms of the FSM percentages but it was not
the only factor. In addition, all
children received the support they needed to assist them progress.
Concern
was expressed at the lack of adequate initial teacher training received at
Universities and the need to include in the syllabus information on how to
recognise and deal with a variety of conditions that reflected in challenging
behaviours in the classroom. Members
felt that this should be raised with Welsh Government. Officers explained that the education
department provided a comprehensive training programme for teachers in regard
to Additional Leaning Needs which was well received in schools. Training
programmes were developed to include any new laws, changes and
information. A report would be brought
to a future meeting detailing the training provided and the effectiveness of
that training.
Attention
was drawn to the all wales statistical data and the figures contained within
that data for all councils was very close and that the attendance difference
was marginal. Officers referred to the
excellent work that was being undertaken by the Education Welfare Officers in
working with children who are persistently absent. It was emphasised that the figures for
children who are persistently absent are very low. It was explained that unauthorised school
holidays during term time was still an issue.
The Committee asked that information on how the Educational Welfare
Officers combat consistent absenteeism be included in the next Attendance
Report.
Think
Family Partnership Update
Officers
explained that the Appendix attached to the circulated report was sent in error
and would be considered as part of the Play Sufficiency Assessment 2019 – 2022
report scheduled for Members’ consideration at the next meeting of the
Education, Skills and Culture Cabinet Board.
Members
received an update on the progress made against the various elements of the
Think Families Partnership, namely Families First, the Family Information
Service, Flying Start, Children and Families Team and the Childcare Offer.
The
Committee was informed that presently 113 providers had signed up to the
Childcare Offer Wales and 700 applications had been received from working
parents of three and four year olds.
Applications were currently being actioned within 10 days and the scheme
had received very positive feedback from parents and providers. Confirmation
was also given that presently there were enough spaces to cover the demand. Welsh Government was looking at developing new
settings to be able to increase the number of places. Analysis of postcode data had highlighted
areas that had a lower take up of the offer and arrangements had been made to
target those areas with an additional promotion to encourage take up
Members
received confirmation that there were no plans by the Welsh Government to
increase the funding to Flying Start. If
new areas were to be added to the programme it would result in one of the
current areas losing their provision.
Discussion
took place on the variety of courses available to parents. The aim was to strengthen parenting capacity,
develop and build resilience and sustain positive change in the best interests
of children. It was also confirmed that
all parents within the Flying Start areas were eligible to attend Parenting
Classes and are either referred via an agency or self-referred. Officers explained that the effectiveness of
the courses were constantly being monitored and a report would be brought to a
future meeting of Education, Skills and Culture Scrutiny Committee on the
impact of this initiative.
Following
scrutiny, the report was noted.