To
select appropriate items from the Cabinet Board agenda for Pre-Decision Scrutiny
(Cabinet Board reports included for Scrutiny Members)
Decision:
Children and Young Peoples Plan and Early Years
Strategy
Following scrutiny, the committee supported the
recommendation to Cabinet Board.
Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning
Strategic Directorate Plan
Following scrutiny, the committee noted the
report.
Minutes:
Children and Young Peoples Plan and Early Years
Strategy
The Head of Early Years, Inclusion and
Participation introduced the Children and Young Peoples Plan and Early Years
Strategy as outlined in the Cabinet Agenda report pack.
Members referred to page 17 of the report and
requested further detail on how vulnerable learners were included in the
consultation process.
The Head of Early Years, Inclusion and
Participation confirmed that it was important that the views of vulnerable
young people were captured. To achieve this a Consultant was employed and an
extensive consultation was undertaken with a wide range of stakeholders and
individuals. The views gathered were used to formulate the plan and establish
priorities, views will continue to be considered as delivery groups are
developed. In line with the new Participation & Engagement Strategy, it was
ensured that all groups of young people, particularly those who are
under-represented were consulted. It was noted that it was important to give children
skills so they can take part in the consultation process.
Members referred to page 18 of the report and
the stated positive valleys communities’ impact. Members asked for further
information on how parents and young people were consulted.
The Head of Early Years, Inclusion and
Participation confirmed that extensive consultation was undertaken with groups
of people, special schools, youth council, online drive and incentives. Views
were also sought from professionals working in various areas.
Members expressed respect for the youth council
but stated they may not be representative of all young people; views are needed
from groups of young people who historically do not engage.
Officers confirmed that consultation was
undertaken with the youth service, young carers and care experienced young
people. Links were made with LGBTQ+
groups, Flying Start, breast feeding groups and many small group consultations
were undertaken following consultation with partners.
Members commented that the plan is good but
there was a lack of any negatives; is there a clear connection between the
Directorate Plan and the Children and Young People’s Plan and Early Year’s
Strategy.
Officers confirmed that there are two strands to
the strategy; priorities for the directorate and also priorities that are
reflected and aligned with partnership plans. Progress on the strategy will be
brought back to the committee.
The Cabinet Member for Education and Early Years
thanked education staff for the huge undertaking in producing the strategy and
commented that the strategy had links to the professional learning report that
was discussed earlier.
Following scrutiny, the committee supported the
recommendation to Cabinet Board.
Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning
Strategic Directorate Plan
Members commented that the Directorate Plan was
useful in providing information and insight into delivery and requested it
should be brought back to committee as a useful tool to monitor progress,
particularly in the new model of scrutiny.
The Head of Education Development agreed to
bring the plan back to committee half way through as a monitoring document but
commented that not every target will progress at the same rate. Below the
Directorate Plan sits Service Plans and a selection of these can be brought to
committee also.
Committee Members commented that it was pleasing
to see the mention of apprenticeship schemes in the report.
Following scrutiny, the committee noted the report.