i.
To select appropriate items from the Cabinet Board agenda for
pre-decision scrutiny (Cabinet Boards reports enclosed for Scrutiny Members)
Minutes:
Quarter
1 2021/22 Quarterly Performance Report
Members
were provided with the quarter 1 performance management data, complaints and
compliments for the period 1st April 2021 to 30th June 2022 for the Education,
Leisure and Lifelong Learning Directorate.
Members
paid congratulations to officers on the rapid re-opening of services and the
work during the pandemic and post pandemic.
Members
queried whether the figures for ‘CP/002 - full day care childcare places’ were
the number of places available rather than number of places being utilised.
Officers confirmed that they would get an accurate response outside of the
meeting and circulate it with the members
Members
queried whether the large take up from 16-24 year olds detailed within ‘CP/117
– communities for work’ were related to the kickstart scheme. Officers
highlighted that they were not aware that the take up were predominantly kick
start places, however, officers confirmed they would check with DWP figures and
provide a response to members outside of the meeting.
Following
scrutiny, the report was noted.
Welsh
Medium Grant - Outline Plan
Members
were updated on the sought agreement to put forward an expression of interest
application to Welsh Government for Increasing Welsh Medium Provision Capital
Grant funding (2022 – 2026), as detailed within the circulated report.
Members
asked for and update on Ysgol Gymraeg pontardawe. Officers explained that they
were in the process of appointing new contractors. In relation to timescales,
the interior work should be completed by December 2021 and the exterior to be
completed by December. Enabling pupils to back in the classrooms by Christmas.
Discussions
took place around the additional costings following Covid-19 and the
difficulties in purchasing supplies and recruiting contractors due to supply
and demand. Officers explained that Welsh Government were aware of these
pressures and would provide support if required.
The
Coed Darcy development was discussed and it was highlighted that it was
currently undergoing the planning process.
Discussion
took place around the previous unsuccessful bid for Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan.
Members were advised around the reasoning of why the bid was unsuccessful,
however, members noted that infant class size grant for a 4 classroom renovation
was accepted first. Therefore this has been incorporated into future planning.
The
Chair commended the officers on the work detailed within the report on behalf
of the committee.
Following
Scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by the
Cabinet Board
Youth
Service Update
Members
were provided with an update on the Local Authority Youth Service.
Discussions
took place around the different services that the Youth Service provide. The
officer explained that the team were always open to any queries from members or
public. It was noted that there was also a Facebook page and a newsletter that
was circulated regularly detailing all information. Members requested a copy of
the newsletter to be circulated to the Committee.
The
difficulties around recruitment of staff was discussed. It was noted that full
time posts were appointable however, part time posts were more difficult to
recruit.
Following
scrutiny, the report was noted.
Employability
and Skills Programmes within Education Leisure and Life Long Learning
Directorate
Members
were updated in relation to the Employability and Skills Programmes within
Neath Port Talbot.
Members
raised concerns around the issues raised in the report around the ending of
European funding and the lack of information around the levelling up fund.
Members asked what the contingency plans were moving forward. Officer’s
reassured members that they currently have employability projects that they
have funding for that they need to carry through and Welsh Government had given
continuation in terms of timescales. Officers reiterated that they weren’t
concerned about the employability funding and were continuing to plan ahead.
Following
scrutiny, the report was noted.