To
select appropriate items from the Cabinet Board agenda for Pre-Decision Scrutiny
(Cabinet Board reports included for Scrutiny Members)
Minutes:
Quarter 2 Performance
Members
reviewed the Quarter 2 Performance report, and asked Officers to explain the outcome
of PI.2.4, linked to Well-being Objective 4. Members queried the low figure of
22, against the target figure of 45.
Officers
give an overview of the challenges faced, especially in terms of funding. A
reduction in European funding along with the shared prosperity fund was
discussed. Members were also informed of the difficulties in engagement
processes with families post pandemic. Members were advised, Officers were keen
to explore an avenue of alternative tactics in combating the ongoing issues.
Members
gave thanks to the continuing efforts and progress Officers had in raising
money within communities and an increase to income generation for ongoing
events at specific locations, including Margam Orangery and the continuation of
Weddings.
The
agenda item is a matter for monitoring and will be noted.
Education Safeguarding
Members
were presented with the report which contained an update on the safeguarding of
Children within Schools across the County Borough.
Officers
received questions relating to a training event, which took place in November
2022. The Co-opted member asked Officers to confirm that the event went ahead
and requested some feedback in terms of positives and any negatives faced
during the event.
Officer’s
confirmed the event went ahead on the 28th November 2022, and was
well attended stating the event had been just short of 50 attendees. Members
were advised, following the event schools had requested a train the trainer
session in the hope of bringing the virtual training forward. Officers also
confirmed funding had been secured to run the train the trainer event.
The
report is a matter for monitoring and is noted.
Pupil Attendance
Members
were provided with an update on pupil attendance within Neath Port Talbot
Schools, and particular issues relating to this context.
Members
stated the report to be interesting, but highlighted the challenges going
forward in terms of parents opting to home school children. Members raised
concerns to the quality of home schooling and the impact to the registration of
children.
A
home schooling bill of a mandatory attendance register proposed within English
schools was tabled. Members queried if this approach had been considered for
schools in NPT.
Officers
provided Members with an explanation, stating a report would follow later in
the year as part of the forward work programme. The report would contain
details of elective home schooling. Officers went on to confirm, schools had
seen an increase in the number of pupils being home schooled. Members were
updated on the new guidance currently in draft format, and Officers divulged
pupil attendance registers were being considered, along with forms to capture
details how home schooling is being delivered and what improvements can be
made.
Members
questioned penalties notices parents faced for lack of pupil attendance, and
what if any considerations were given during ongoing tough times, especially in
terms of the cost of living crisis.
Members
were informed, schools had issued warning letters of fixed penalty charges but
this had been considered a last resort. Schools were mindful, children and
parents needed to adapt after the pandemic and the additional blended learning
programmes. Officers further elaborated the benefit of issuing fixed penalty
notices as an alternative to prosecution and court proceedings. Again this
option was outlined to be a last resort measure.
Officers
further informed Members of the collaboration work being undertaken in conjunction
with departments of the Social Services Directorate.