Agenda item
Pre-Scrutiny
Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following matters:-
Cabinet
Board Proposals
4.1 Childcare Facilities within Schools in
Neath Port Talbot
Members
were updated on the current situation with regard to childcare facilities
located on school sites. Members were also provided with a list of childcare
provisions currently occupying surplus space within schools throughout the
County Borough within appendix A to the circulated report.
Member’s
queried how many children attended the services provided at each school.
Officers explained that the information wasn’t available as the information was
not collected; however officers provided information on the number of children
that were registered.
Members
complimented officers on their hard work within the department.
Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of
the proposal to be considered by the Cabinet Board.
4.2 Pupil Attendance
Members
were provided with information and data in relation to Neath Port Talbot pupil
attendance and persistent absenteeism.
Members
asked whether there was any data on unauthorised absences relating to non-attendance
due to holidays. Officers highlighted that this had been a theme for many
years. It was noted that data did not exist on this as schools’ only recorded
authorised and unauthorised holidays. It was highlighted that this had
previously been reported to the Committee.
Members
asked whether they could do anything to help increase attendance. Officers
explained that schools were very firm and refused requests for holidays during
term time. In addition, the Director of
Education had sent a letter to every family in Neath Port Talbot, explaining
the importance of attendance at school which had made a positive impact.
The
Chair informed the committee that a letter had been received from a Member of
Neath Port Talbot Council highlighting that the authority had the joint-second
lowest attendance figures compared with other Welsh authorities. The Committee
was asked to consider having information on the comparative figures, to see if
there were problems in particular schools and or areas which could be
addressed. It was noted that it would be appropriate to raise this concern
under this item and to allow Members an opportunity if they wished to take this
concern further.
Officers
explained that there would be absenteeism in all schools due to illness and
that the Authority was proactive in improving attendance. It was noted that
Neath Port Talbot were ranked at 19th Place last year; however 15th
place was less than a third of a single percentage point. It was highlighted to
Members that data could be perceived in many different ways. Officers also
explained that the authority was doing excellent in concentrating on persistent
absentees. Following this information, Members felt that they did not want to
take further action in relation to the concern raised regarding attendance at
schools.
Members
asked if there was a school closure and children were moved to a different
school as a result, would this affect their attendance. Officers confirmed that
school closures did not go against pupil attendance figures.
Members
asked would a child’s attendance rate be affected if they were to enter an
external competition which had not been organised through the school. Officers
informed Members that a report had previously been put before Members on this
topic and in that instance the absence would be authorised. However, it was
noted that each child’s attendance was monitored and if that child’s attendance
was low then it would be at the discretion of the head teacher.
Members
queried whether attendance would get worse if children were going on up to
three holidays a year. Officers explained that prosecution rates were at an
all-time high. It was noted that the Authority tracked all prosecutions and in
two thirds of those prosecuted attendance of children improved.
Members
asked whether schools looked at the experiences that the children may have
during these holidays. Officers explained that each case is judged on its own
merits. Members were reassured that there were no prosecutions for a child that
had been on one holiday, it was for those that had been on numerous holidays.
The
Cabinet Member thanked the head teachers for their efforts in aiming to improve
pupil attendance and highlighted the importance continuing to improve
attendance.
Following scrutiny, it was
agreed that the report be noted.
4.3 Additional Learning Needs Statutory Processes
Members
were provided with information in relation to Additional Learning Needs Reform
(ALNET) and information and progress in relation to the LA Local ALNET
Implementation Plan (LIP).
It
was noted that a consultation was currently being undertaken on the Draft
Additional Learning Needs Code until 22nd March, 2019. It was noted
that this would result in timescales changing and would cause pressure on the
Schools.
Members
asked whether this would be cost neutral and highlighted that there would need
to be teacher training, to help teachers identify whether a child had a
condition at an early stage. Officers explained that it was not cost neutral
and were in agreement with staff training being provided to teachers where
extra support was required.
Members
asked whether officers were confident at hitting the 2019 target. Officers
confirmed that they were confident; however it would be a challenge for the
Schools.
Members
asked what the timescale would be. Officer confirmed that it was currently in
transformation and would be rolled out in 2023. Therefore, for approximately
three years there would be two different systems running at the same time.
Members
asked whether there was ongoing work to train the Authority’s Legal Team.
Officers explained that the Legal Department were looking at an easy read guide
to help with this concern.
The
Cabinet Member highlighted his concern in relation to the legal responsibility
and cost implications.
It
was asked that the easy read on the Draft Additional Learning Needs code
Consultation Document be circulated to Members to allow Members to provide a
response to be fed in to the consultation.
Following scrutiny, it was
agreed that the report be noted.