Agenda item
Verbal Update on the Impacts Covid-19 has had on the Education Department
Minutes:
Members
received a verbal update on the Impacts Covid-19 has had on the Education,
Skills and Culture Department. It was highlighted that the update would remain
mostly on the activity during January.
It
was noted that remote learning had been in existence for all Schools since 4
January 2021, however, Schools remained open for pupils of key workers and
vulnerable learners. Physical attendance at School had increased, there were
400 pupils of key workers and/or vulnerable learners in attendance the first
week back of January 2021. That attendance had then increased to 1,000 pupils,
which equated to 5% of the pupil population. Schools were actively encouraging
those of vulnerable learners to attend school.
Officers
highlighted that they hadn’t yet received the operational guidance from Welsh
Government regarding the opening of schools. However, had verbally updated
Schools on 2 specific points relating to Social Distancing and Facial
Coverings. It was noted that social distancing was deemed unnecessary for
pupils in a classroom environment before the end of December 2020, however due
to new variants, risk assessments had now been revised meaning it was deemed
necessary for pupils to comply with social distancing in Schools, particularly
Secondary Schools. Face coverings had also been deemed necessary for pupils in
classrooms and communal areas in School, particularly Secondary Schools. This
is based on local risk assessments. These arrangements would again be reviewed
by the end of February.
It
was noted that there had recently been a release in the press regarding
Examination Series for Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. Resulting in centre assessment grades which
would be provided at the end of the academic year to pupils in years 10, 11, 12
and 13 where relevant. It was noted that officers were working with Schools for
a consistent approach. It was mentioned that School’s would become an appeal
centre for those pupils or parents that may not be satisfied with the results.
Officers again reassured members that they would work with schools and are
awaiting guidance from Welsh Government.
Officers
highlighted to members that they were meeting with Head Teachers on a daily
basis to ensure the wellbeing of staff was being maintained. It was noted that
Health and Wellbeing Sessions had been procured to support Head Teachers.
Discussions
took place around the availability of devices for pupils and connectivity
concerns. It was noted that during the first lockdown in March/April 2020, it
was identified that 1,300 pupils did not have access to a device and 228
households had a lack of suitable connectivity. For those pupils that did not
have access to a device and/or had connectivity issues, they were provided with
a Chrome book and Mifi units.
Following
the recent uptake in online learning due to lockdown restrictions, the Council
had also provided Techers with appropriate devices.
It
was noted that there had been a stock delay when purchasing Chromebooks in
2020, delaying receipt of these items.
Members
were made aware of lateral flow testing that was currently being piloted, Neath
Port Talbot Schools had opted to not participate, due to the current pressures
on schools ensuring education is a key priority.
Members
received an update on the service delivery of the Inclusion Service. It was
noted that the School Based Counselling Service had set up two helplines for
school staff and primary pupils as well as a Supervision pilot. It was
highlighted that both services were grant funded.
Curriculum
reform was discussed and the importance of blended learning continuing as a key
element in Schools post Covid-19.
It
was noted that the Youth service had been awarded with a bronze quality mark.
Members
queried whether there was the possibility of pupils having an additional year
to enable them to catch up on the education that they may have missed from
Covid-19.
Discussions
took place around the support provided to non welsh medium speaking parents.
Officers highlight the pro-active approach they had achieved for the Schools
due to the difficulties that can appear from home schooling with pupils from
Welsh Medium Schools. They discussed skills that pupils had gained such as
Translanguaging and the importance of this.
Members
asked whether Lateral flow testing would be offered to Child Carers, Officers
confirmed that they would query this outside the meeting.
Scrutiny
Members and Cabinet Members commended the work of the officers.
Following
Scrutiny, the update was noted.