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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 6 May 2025 be approved.
RESOLVED: That the forward work programme for the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved together with the combined Forward Work Programme.
RESOLVED: That the process for prioritising planned repair and maintenance works in schools be noted.
RESOLVED: That the progress in schools and the impact of programmes and provision to support Curriculum for Wales report be noted and that support continue to be provided to schools in their daily work to support the children and young people of Conwy.
It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Kay Redhead be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee. RESOLVED: That Councillor Kay Redhead be re-appointed as Vice-Chair of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2025/2026.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Carol Beard, Hannah Fleet, Jacob Williams, Aaron Wynne Roz Harrison (co-opted member), Colette Owen (co-opted member) and Stephen Williams (Parent Governor).
None.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 6 May 2025 be approved.
The minutes of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 6 May 2025 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 6 May 2025 be approved.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the forward work programme for the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved together with the combined Forward Work Programme.
The Scrutiny and Committee Services Officer presented the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme (FWP) and advised of the following: • Following Council’s approval of the recommendations from the Scrutiny Working Group, a meeting would be scheduled to look specifically at the FWP for this Committee. · Members would be provided with an opportunity to suggest items for the FWP, in line with the scrutiny scoring/criteria process. · Reports for information where there was no statutory requirement for those reports to go to democracy would be removed from the FWP and would be made available in the Members Brief or in the Library. · Members would still have the opportunity to request relevant information reports. RESOLVED: That the forward work programme for the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved together with the combined Forward Work Programme.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the process for prioritising planned repair and maintenance works in schools be noted.
The Strategic Manager Education Property and Site Management presented a report on the Education Capital Repair and Maintenance Grant. The following was discussed: • In terms of the maintenance backlog, Officers had met with Head Teachers in order to identify priority areas and a database of required works had been produced. • It was the intention to utilise funding as efficiently as possible. • A list of planned works for 2025/2026 could be shared with Members as required • All planned works in previous years had been carried out. • Welsh Government (WG) had provided separate funding to address issues relating to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). • There was currently an approximate £10m backlog of maintenance repairs. • Reactive repairs and maintenance requirements were reported by headteachers. • Where the layout of schools did not meet the requirements of the new curriculum, such as for outside learning, these matters would be addressed separately. • It was confirmed that an updated Strategy for the Modernisation of Conwy’s Primary Schools would be consulted upon and would be presented to a future meeting of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee. • By the end of 2025, approximately 30 Conwy schools would have solar panels, and it was the intention that all Conwy schools would eventually be utilising some form of solar energy. - The allocation of solar panels had been made based on the condition and orientation of the roof and in consultation with the Head Teachers. - Savings made from solar energy would be utilised to fund the installation of solar panels for other schools. • Whilst the grant allowed the Council to plan ahead for repair and maintenance works, the April 2026 deadline for spend was challenging. • £500k of Capital funding had been allocated for reactive works. • Several initiatives were being considered as part of the net zero target including the following: - A heat pump had been installed in an existing school building and the efficiency was being monitored. - Insulation, new roofs and double glazing were a consideration in order to ensure the most effective use of heat pumps. RESOLVED: That the process for prioritising planned repair and maintenance works in schools be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the progress in schools and the impact of programmes and provision to support Curriculum for Wales report be noted and that support continue to be provided to schools in their daily work to support the children and young people of Conwy.
The Education Improvement Service Manager provided Members with a presentation on the progress in schools and the impact of programmes and provision to support the Curriculum for Wales. The presentation provided an update of progress in schools and the impact of programmes and provision to support leadership, teaching and learning and the continued implementation of the Curriculum for Wales. The following was discussed: • It was confirmed that the Pupil Development Grant (PDG) was provided by the Welsh Government (WG) and was proportionate to the level of free school meals. • A school improvement review had identified a surplus of resources in some areas. • It was the intention that the new model for school improvements would maintain current standards. - There had been no significant change in school standards over the last few years and there were no indications of any imminent decline. • Concerns in respect of the UK wide attainment gap for those from lower income families. - The importance of involving pupils and considering their opinion. - The Head of Education Services advised that legislation and reform were becoming unmanageable and that Head Teachers were becoming overwhelmed. - The National Chief Officer Group had drafted a letter in respect of the insufficiency of the PDG advisory role. - The excellent service offered by Conwy’s family centres was referenced along with the integrated approach of the Social Care and Education services. - Cluster working had been successful, and good practice was being shared. - Reference was made to the Scandinavian education system which had a high attainment rate. • The Education Services worked with the Youth Council to consider a wide range of issues. - The Youth Council had links to the Senedd. - School Councils were in place but could be better utilised. • The Leader extended his thanks to hard working school staff who were meeting many competing demands. • Congratulations were extended to pupils who had recently competed in the Urdd Eisteddfod. RESOLVED: That the progress in schools and the impact of programmes and provision to support Curriculum for Wales report be noted and that support continue to be provided to schools in their daily work to support the children and young people of Conwy.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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