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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 public be excluded from the meeting to consider appendices B and C, as they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined inParagraph 14, Part 4, of Schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 and it was deemed that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information. The Committee then went into private session to consider appendices B and C. Following deliberations the Committee then resumed in open session. The Cabinet Member with responsibility forCorporate Finance introduced the reports stating that the date of this meeting had been originally scheduled to take place before the budget seminar, therefore some information contained with the documents was now out of date but tomorrow, on 7 February 2023, the updated budget papers would be published as part of the Cabinet agenda. It was stated that the provisional Welsh Government financial settlement which the Authority received in December 2022 had been as good as could have been expected, and had assisted in reducing the expected £28m funding gap by around £9m, leaving the gap now in excess of £18m. It was recognised that to bridge the funding gap a balance would need to be struck between an increase in Council Tax and a range of budget savings and Members were asked to consider using some income generated through the second homes council tax fund. It was noted that it was made clear during the Education finance seminar that significant cuts would need to be made within all areas of the Authority, although refinements had been based around how the education budget could be supported to face less severe cuts than some other areas. The Director of Resources reiterated the significant challenge that lay ahead for the Authority in bridging the funding gap and added that it was a pressure which would be felt for the duration of the medium term financial plan at the very least. A reminder was provided that Pembrokeshire still had the lowest Band D Council Tax rate in Wales with any increase generating less in monetary terms than other Welsh Local Authorities. It was stated that over the course of the seminars and Committees which had taken place, refinements had been made in line with priorities outlined by Members and it was hoped that the final proposals being reported to Cabinet would now be an accurate reflection of Member feedback. In response to comments made by the Chair, the Cabinet Member for Finance advised that extensive work had been undertaken by the finance team to provide a solution which would allow the Authority to continue with the enhancing Pembrokeshire scheme, albeit due to the plan that was already in the pipeline for the scheme to be reviewed by the Cabinet Member for Corporate Improvements and Communities the scheme would continue, but with a number of alterations. The Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language reiterated that although the settlement had been slightly better than expected, the Authority still had a number of difficult decisions to make to bridge the funding gap, and requested that if any Members had any specific areas they wished to be considered as part of the Education budget, then to please make them clear. Councillor Rhys Jordan highlighted the difficulties schools were experiencing regarding large increases in utilities costs and requested an update as to how the predicted utilities figures were looking for next year. The Director of Resources advised that the predicted pressures had reduced slightly but were still significantly higher than previous years. It was added that an in-year spike of £1.6m for energy costs was being seen, but it was being proposed that it would be funded from reserves and it was hoped that over the course of the MTFP energy costs would level out, although it was unlikely they would drop to previous levels. Councillor Huw Murphy Moved that the Committee declineto advise Cabinet of its position in respect of the County Council Budget for 2023-24 and the MTFP for 2023-24 to 2026-27; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett. The Committee then proceeded to the vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, which was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Pat Davies, David Howlett, Rhys Jordan, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart and Rev John Cecil and Tom Moses (PGR) [13]. There were no votes against the motion or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the Committee considered and scrutinised the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2023-24, the Outline Draft MTFP for 2023-24 to 2026-27 and the Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2023-24. (b) That the Committee declines to advise Cabinet of its position in respect of the County Council Budget for 2023-24 and the MTFP for 2023-24 to 2026-27.
RESOLVED That the Committee considered the information provided in relation to the Formula Funding Review, and provided their views in relation to further formula funding updates. [Councillor Anji Tinley and Rev. John Cecil left the meeting at this juncture]
RESOLVED That the Committee considered the findings from Estyn’s school inspection visits since September 2022 and did not wish to make any further recommendations at this time.
RESOLVED That the Committee were pleased to note that no referrals were made during the financial year 2021-2022 but would continue to review any incidents of whistleblowing and the response to them to ensure appropriate action is taken to whistleblowing, on an annual basis.
RESOLVED (a) To acknowledge the dated condition of the building and to support, where appropriate, plans for a new build to capture all provisions under one roof as outlined in the Sustainable Communities for Learning forward programme. (b) For the Director to support, where possible, securing the provision of a school nurse for the PLC. (c)To further explore the lack of referrals being received from the North of the County, and to ascertain whether anything was being missed. (d) To further explore the need for an increase in provision due to the ongoing peak in referrals from schools.
RESOLVED That the items scheduled for the March Committee meeting be approved as appropriate with the additions outlined above.
The following declaration of interest was made in relation to educational matters: · Councillor Huw Murphy declared a general personal interest, by virtue of being a Governor at both Ysgol Bro Preseli and Ysgol Bro Ingli.
Moved by Councillor Pat Davies; Seconded by Councillor Alistair Cameron The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 24 November 2022 be approved as a correct record in both English and Welsh.
In welcoming everyone to the meeting, the Chairman drew Members attention to the latest Partneriaeth Scrutiny Councillor Group meeting Minutes, letter to the Joint Committee from Chair of the group and also the groups agreed work programme, all of which was contained within the agenda pack. The Chair made reference to the progress that had been made at Greenhill School which had led to them being removed from special measures category. It was noted that the Committee would continue to hold the school and Directorate to account to ensure standards are maintained. In response to questions raised about the new Curriculum for Wales, the Director provided a number of brief updates and reminded Members that the matter featured on the Committees work programme and would be considered, in depth, during the March 2023 meeting.
There were no public submissions or items of correspondence received.
Following the Committees request to receive an update in respect of Manorbier Primary School the following verbal update was provided by the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Education and Welsh Language: “The school suffered a major fire on the morning of Monday 10 October 2022, when smoke was seen to be issuing from the main building roof either by workmen or passers-by who alerted the Fire Service. There were 32 children and 8 staff in school at the time. All were safely evacuated and sincere thanks were expressed to everyone at the school, the emergency services and the local community for their response on the day. The Council’s insurance team responded to the incident and reported the matter to insurers in accordance with usual custom and practice. Loss adjusters were appointed to handle the claim on behalf of the Council’s insurers and representatives from Loss adjusters attended on site as soon as they could, on the day of the fire. Manorbier School is a voluntary controlled (VC) school. From an insurance perspective, the Council insures the fabric of the building and the contents therein. Most of the damage to the school building was to the roof of the main school hall and to the adjoining school house. The school house is not part of the school and is separately insured, through the Diocese. Following the fire the building maintenance team has visited and supported the school on a regular basis. Thankfully, no children or staff were injured as a result of the fire, and as part of the school’s Business Interruption Plan, all were safely evacuated to the adjacent Buttyland Caravan Park. The school resumed on Wednesday 12 October 2022 with pupils being welcomed to its temporary setting at the caravan park. Given the extent of the fire damage at the school site, and in order to allow for the damage to be fully assessed, the school re-located to the Jameston Community Hall with effect from 17 October 2022. The Leader and Chief Executive wrote to the school to express their sadness and to thank them for the work they had done in ensuring that all learners were safe and that education was able to continue with minimum disruption. Naturally, both the school and Pembrokeshire County Council are grateful to the proprietor of Buttyland Caravan Park, and Jameston Community Association for their generosity, support and assistance during what has been a difficult time. Officers have worked closely with the school to ensure that the school has been able to operate as effectively as possible following the fire, with priority given to minimising the disruption to learners and staff. As a result of the fire, the main Victorian section of the school was destroyed, although some sections of the main walls remain standing. Within the report, the insurer’s Chartered Building Surveyor confirmed that all plasterwork, windows, doors, floor coverings and kitchen units, as well as all contents, within the damaged school building were destroyed. Attached to the rear of the damaged main central building is a two storey former caretaker’s dwelling; as with the school, this dwelling is owned by the St David’s Diocese and is tenanted; this building is insured by the Diocese. This also sustained significant damage. The Council’s insurers have confirmed that the necessary work to ‘make good’ the damage can commence, and in the first instance, this has focused on the need to ensure structural safety. The Director for Education has kept the local Member updated on a regular basis, has visited the school, met with staff, Governors and families and listened to their concerns and queries. The Director outlined the range of options for the short term and as a result the school continues to be housed in the Jameston Community Hall. We are grateful for the support of the local community and families in working with us and the school has been supported by its Challenge Adviser, the Chief Officer for Resources and Governance in Education and other officers. Parents were given an update in December 2022 and a further update is planned for just before half term. I also intend to visit the school before half-term. Repairs to make the damaged school hall and any shared party walls (with the school house) safe, should progress as a matter of urgency along with discussions with the Diocese on the next steps in relation to reinstatement works”. The Chairman welcomed Councillor Phil Kidney, Local Member for Manorbier & Penally, to the meeting who addressed the Committee to express that whilst the response by the Head and teachers of the school had been remarkable along with good support being received from the Director, all in all the response from the Council had been below standard. It was stated that the Cabinet Member had made no contact or visit to the school, and whilst the school had received correspondence from the Chief Executive and Leader, they had not visited the school to offer any support which had been disappointing. It was stated that support had been received from Samuel Kurtz, MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, and Simon Hart, MP, but difficultly had been experienced when trying to obtain communication and updates from the Diocese. It was recognised that a good temporary environment had been created for learners but as a whole the School felt unsupported, both mentally and financially. The lack of support provided to the tenants of the school house had also been disappointing, as although they had lost everything they were not made a priority for Council accommodation therefore the community had to step in and assist. The Committee noted the updates provided and raised the following questions: · Following a number of questions, it was confirmed that the Council was responsible for the school insurance and the Dioceses was responsible for the house insurance and discussions were ongoing regarding the party wall. · Councillor Mike Stoddart queried whether the Authority had explored the possibility of the contractors insurance covering the cost of the repairs to the school, to which the Cabinet Member advised that legal negotiations were ongoing but he was not able to expand any further at this stage. [Amended by Minute 44 of Committee – 17 April 2023] · Following an update requested by Councillor Alistair Cameron regarding any response from the Diocese, Rev John Cecil, Diocesan Director of Education, advised that he was providing support to the school and the school house insurance matter was being dealt with by the property department. The Chair requested that Rev John Cecil continues to expedite the matter where possible. · Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall emphasised the need to ensure the welfare of staff and learners was being equally prioritised, to which the Director advised that the traumatic incident protocol was invoked on day of incident and confirmed that the Principal Phycologist had been in touch with the school to offer support to both teacher and learners. It was stated that the support had been declined in the first instance and although further support was then offered, that was also declined. The Director confirmed that the support offer will be re-offered to ensure wellbeing needs are met. · Councillor Alistair Cameron concurred with the frustrations raised by the Local Member, and requested that the Director continues to progress the matter and provide timely updates on the range of issues discussed. The Director agreed and advised that an update would be provided to the Committee at each meeting. · In response to a question from Councillor Pat Davies, the Director advised that the tenants of the school house were private tenants. · Councillor Rhys Jordan expressed his disappointment regarding the lack of support offered to the school by the Cabinet Member and voiced that a formal apology should be issued. In summing up the Committee agreed that following a suggestion by Councillor Alistair Cameron, that an offer would be made by the Schools Scrutiny Panel, to the school, to arrange a visit to the temporary school, in a support capacity. ACTION RESPONSIBLE OFFICER/MEMBERS 1 To make contact with the Headteacher of Manorbier Primary School to offer the Committees support, via a Panel visit in March, on a date and time most convenient to the school. Schools Scrutiny Panel
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the public be excluded from the meeting to consider appendices B and C, as they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined inParagraph 14, Part 4, of Schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 and it was deemed that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information. The Committee then went into private session to consider appendices B and C. Following deliberations the Committee then resumed in open session. The Cabinet Member with responsibility forCorporate Finance introduced the reports stating that the date of this meeting had been originally scheduled to take place before the budget seminar, therefore some information contained with the documents was now out of date but tomorrow, on 7 February 2023, the updated budget papers would be published as part of the Cabinet agenda. It was stated that the provisional Welsh Government financial settlement which the Authority received in December 2022 had been as good as could have been expected, and had assisted in reducing the expected £28m funding gap by around £9m, leaving the gap now in excess of £18m. It was recognised that to bridge the funding gap a balance would need to be struck between an increase in Council Tax and a range of budget savings and Members were asked to consider using some income generated through the second homes council tax fund. It was noted that it was made clear during the Education finance seminar that significant cuts would need to be made within all areas of the Authority, although refinements had been based around how the education budget could be supported to face less severe cuts than some other areas. The Director of Resources reiterated the significant challenge that lay ahead for the Authority in bridging the funding gap and added that it was a pressure which would be felt for the duration of the medium term financial plan at the very least. A reminder was provided that Pembrokeshire still had the lowest Band D Council Tax rate in Wales with any increase generating less in monetary terms than other Welsh Local Authorities. It was stated that over the course of the seminars and Committees which had taken place, refinements had been made in line with priorities outlined by Members and it was hoped that the final proposals being reported to Cabinet would now be an accurate reflection of Member feedback. In response to comments made by the Chair, the Cabinet Member for Finance advised that extensive work had been undertaken by the finance team to provide a solution which would allow the Authority to continue with the enhancing Pembrokeshire scheme, albeit due to the plan that was already in the pipeline for the scheme to be reviewed by the Cabinet Member for Corporate Improvements and Communities the scheme would continue, but with a number of alterations. The Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language reiterated that although the settlement had been slightly better than expected, the Authority still had a number of difficult decisions to make to bridge the funding gap, and requested that if any Members had any specific areas they wished to be considered as part of the Education budget, then to please make them clear. Councillor Rhys Jordan highlighted the difficulties schools were experiencing regarding large increases in utilities costs and requested an update as to how the predicted utilities figures were looking for next year. The Director of Resources advised that the predicted pressures had reduced slightly but were still significantly higher than previous years. It was added that an in-year spike of £1.6m for energy costs was being seen, but it was being proposed that it would be funded from reserves and it was hoped that over the course of the MTFP energy costs would level out, although it was unlikely they would drop to previous levels. Councillor Huw Murphy Moved that the Committee declineto advise Cabinet of its position in respect of the County Council Budget for 2023-24 and the MTFP for 2023-24 to 2026-27; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett. The Committee then proceeded to the vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, which was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Pat Davies, David Howlett, Rhys Jordan, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart and Rev John Cecil and Tom Moses (PGR) [13]. There were no votes against the motion or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the Committee considered and scrutinised the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2023-24, the Outline Draft MTFP for 2023-24 to 2026-27 and the Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2023-24. (b) That the Committee declines to advise Cabinet of its position in respect of the County Council Budget for 2023-24 and the MTFP for 2023-24 to 2026-27.
The Committee considered a report by the Director of Resources on the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2023-24, Outline Draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2023-24 to 2026-27 and the Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2023-24. Councillor Huw Murphy Moved that the Committee resolve to exclude the public from the meeting to consider exempt information contained within appendices B and C; Seconded by Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall. A vote was undertaken by way of show of hands, which was carried and the votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion:Alistair Cameron, Pat Davies, David Howlett, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall and Marc Tierney and Tom Moses (PGR) [8] Against the Motion: Councillors Rhys Jordan and Mike Stoddart [2] There were no abstentions. RESOLVED That the public be excluded from the meeting to consider appendices B and C, as they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined inParagraph 14, Part 4, of Schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 and it was deemed that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information. The Committee then went into private session to consider appendices B and C. Following deliberations the Committee then resumed in open session. The Cabinet Member with responsibility forCorporate Finance introduced the reports stating that the date of this meeting had been originally scheduled to take place before the budget seminar, therefore some information contained with the documents was now out of date but tomorrow, on 7 February 2023, the updated budget papers would be published as part of the Cabinet agenda. It was stated that the provisional Welsh Government financial settlement which the Authority received in December 2022 had been as good as could have been expected, and had assisted in reducing the expected £28m funding gap by around £9m, leaving the gap now in excess of £18m. It was recognised that to bridge the funding gap a balance would need to be struck between an increase in Council Tax and a range of budget savings and Members were asked to consider using some income generated through the second homes council tax fund. It was noted that it was made clear during the Education finance seminar that significant cuts would need to be made within all areas of the Authority, although refinements had been based around how the education budget could be supported to face less severe cuts than some other areas. The Director of Resources reiterated the significant challenge that lay ahead for the Authority in bridging the funding gap and added that it was a pressure which would be felt for the duration of the medium term financial plan at the very least. A reminder was provided that Pembrokeshire still had the lowest Band D Council Tax rate in Wales with any increase generating less in monetary terms than other Welsh Local Authorities. It was stated that over the course of the seminars and Committees which had taken place, refinements had been made in line with priorities outlined by Members and it was hoped that the final proposals being reported to Cabinet would now be an accurate reflection of Member feedback. In response to comments made by the Chair, the Cabinet Member for Finance advised that extensive work had been undertaken by the finance team to provide a solution which would allow the Authority to continue with the enhancing Pembrokeshire scheme, albeit due to the plan that was already in the pipeline for the scheme to be reviewed by the Cabinet Member for Corporate Improvements and Communities the scheme would continue, but with a number of alterations. The Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language reiterated that although the settlement had been slightly better than expected, the Authority still had a number of difficult decisions to make to bridge the funding gap, and requested that if any Members had any specific areas they wished to be considered as part of the Education budget, then to please make them clear. Councillor Rhys Jordan highlighted the difficulties schools were experiencing regarding large increases in utilities costs and requested an update as to how the predicted utilities figures were looking for next year. The Director of Resources advised that the predicted pressures had reduced slightly but were still significantly higher than previous years. It was added that an in-year spike of £1.6m for energy costs was being seen, but it was being proposed that it would be funded from reserves and it was hoped that over the course of the MTFP energy costs would level out, although it was unlikely they would drop to previous levels. Councillor Huw Murphy Moved that the Committee declineto advise Cabinet of its position in respect of the County Council Budget for 2023-24 and the MTFP for 2023-24 to 2026-27; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett. The Committee then proceeded to the vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, which was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, Pat Davies, David Howlett, Rhys Jordan, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart and Rev John Cecil and Tom Moses (PGR) [13]. There were no votes against the motion or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the Committee considered and scrutinised the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2023-24, the Outline Draft MTFP for 2023-24 to 2026-27 and the Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2023-24. (b) That the Committee declines to advise Cabinet of its position in respect of the County Council Budget for 2023-24 and the MTFP for 2023-24 to 2026-27.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Committee considered the information provided in relation to the Formula Funding Review, and provided their views in relation to further formula funding updates. [Councillor Anji Tinley and Rev. John Cecil left the meeting at this juncture]
The Committee considered an update report by the Director of Resources and the Director of Education on the Formula Funding Review. The Chair also welcomed the Finance Manager for Education to the meeting, who outlined the key points of the report and welcomed questions from Members. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · In response to a question from Councillor Rhys Jordan as to whether there was currently any indication as to what the new formula may look like, the Finance Manager for Education advised that the review was in its early stages where the team were reviewing the current formula and the full review could take as long as two years due to the highly intensive work it requires. Assurance was given that the review was being conducted in consultation with all stakeholders and the Pembrokeshire Schools Forum, of which the membership was outlined. The Director of Education added that an additional complication was also expected later in the year, when Welsh Government make changes to the grant formula distribution and it was stated that although there would inevitably be winners and losers, the Authority had a duty to ensure a detrimental effect was not had on too many schools. · A request was made by Councillor Rhys Jordan for all future reporting regarding the new formula to be presented to the Committee in an easy-read format to ensure all Members can fully grasp the new concepts, which was agreed by the Director. The Director added that the new formula would need to take into consideration the recommendations from the review undertaken by leading education economist Luke Sibieta which analysed how the school funding system could be adapted to best support policy goals and ambitions to improve the school system in Wales. It was agreed that the Director would circulate the executive summary of the review to all Committee Members. · Councillor Alistair Cameron raised concerns regarding a high number of schools experiencing declining numbers and the effect it had on their budgets. The Finance Manager for Education confirmed that budget pressures were experienced more by schools with declining numbers and advised that stakeholders would be consulted on how they feel the matter can be addressed. · Tom Moses, PGR, highlighted that it was very difficult for Governing Bodies to predict budgets and plan accordingly and queried if the condition of schools buildings was a contributing factor within the current formula. The Finance Manager for Education advised that the current formula did not address condition of buildings, but as the matter had been raised numerus times by Governing Bodies it was being considered as part of the new formula. It was added that the new formula would also hopefully assist Governing Bodies plan for future by taking into consideration catchment areas and predicted pupil numbers. The Director added that a number of wider factors also needed to be considered which included the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan, judgments from the Welsh Language Commissioner regarding provision and also equality matters, all of which would be subject to integrated impact assessments which would be made public. · Councillor Marc Tierney requested further information as to how schools would be supported with new process and the predicted variants of budgets, to which the Finance Manager for Education responded to advise that it was too early to predict the effects the new model would have on individual schools but the team would be working hard to smooth any impact the changes may have and advised that support and training would be provided. · In response to a question from Councillor Pat Davies regarding the staff turnover of the education finance team and the capacity within, the Finance Manager for Education advised that all vacancies had been filled and the new staff were now being embedded, so he was hopeful that the capacity levels would be sufficient to successfully complete the review, although this would be closely monitored once the full scale of the project was established. · Councillor Mike Stoddart expressed the need to achieve the balance between simplicity and accuracy which the Finance Manager for Education agreed with and emphasised the importance of the consultation which will take place to capture all factors as each school operated differently. Moved by Councillor Huw Murphy; Seconded by Councillor Rhys Jordan The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Committee considered the information provided in relation to the Formula Funding Review, and provided their views in relation to further formula funding updates. [Councillor Anji Tinley and Rev. John Cecil left the meeting at this juncture]
The Meeting adjourned at 11:52am for a short comfort break and reconvened at 12:00pm.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Committee considered the findings from Estyn’s school inspection visits since September 2022 and did not wish to make any further recommendations at this time.
The Committee considered a report by the Director of Education and the Head of Education Improvement on Estyn School Inspections which took place between September 2022 and March 2023. The Chair welcomed the Head of Education Improvement to the meeting, who outlined the key points of the reports and welcomed questions from Members. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Marc Tierney commented that it was reassuring to hear that the Authority were often aware of which schools may fall into category prior to a formal decision being made by Estyn, but further information was requested as to whether the process needed to be improved to ensure early intervention could be put in place where required. The Head of Education Improvement advised that sound support plans were in place and stated that reasons for schools being placed into category were often linked to leadership and non-engagement issues. The support process was outlined which amongst a range of tools included working with stakeholders and schools, all over the Region. The Director added that Estyn had been reassured with the plans in place to support schools, commenting that they were robust. The process of the Authority taking necessary interventions was outlined to the Committee. · In response to a question from Councillor David Howlett, it was confirmed that Milford Haven Community Primary School was one of the largest primary schools in the County, with over 600 pupils. It was queried if the Cabinet Member had made contact with the school since it was placed into special measures, to which the Cabinet Member advised that he had not yet met with the new Headteacher but a request to do so had been submitted. The Director added that he was confident that the new Headteacher was the right person for the job after going out to advert four times to successfully appoint. It was stated that staffing was otherwise stable but focus would be put on recruiting staff of the highest level to any vacancies that arise, during the schools time in special measures. · In response to a number of Members commenting that it had been encouraging news to hear that Greenhill School had been released from monitoring, the Director advised that the school would continue to receive support for some time to ensure the progress embeds and continues. · Councillor Maureen Bowen requested clarification as to whether when it is identified that pupil development needs strengthening in certain subjects (i.e. maths and welsh) is it investigated whether the learners were being taught those subjects by a specialist teacher at the time, as she felt the teaching of those subjects by non-specialist teachers could be the root cause. The Director advised that it is flagged in all secondary schools when a non-specialist is teaching such classes, and although often not ideal was a knock on effect of the national teacher shortage. It was noted that the matter would form part of a recruitment campaign due to launch later in the year. Moved by Councillor Huw Murphy; Seconded by Councillor Pat Davies The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Committee considered the findings from Estyn’s school inspection visits since September 2022 and did not wish to make any further recommendations at this time.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Committee were pleased to note that no referrals were made during the financial year 2021-2022 but would continue to review any incidents of whistleblowing and the response to them to ensure appropriate action is taken to whistleblowing, on an annual basis.
The Committee considered an annual report by the Director of Resources and the Chief HR Officer on Whistleblowing referrals in Schools during the financial year 2021-2022.The Chair welcomed the HR Manager for Education to the meeting, who advised that no referrals were made during the financial year 2021-2022 and welcomed questions from Members. Councillor David Howlett queried how the zero referrals compared to previous years and whether referrals were low due to the policy not being well communicated. The HR Manager for Education advised that numbers are consistently low, with previous year’s referrals being between one and three. It was added that she was confident that the procedure was well embedded within schools, via the link Governors with responsibility for whistleblowing and also thought forming part of teacher training and the induction process. In response to a question raised by the Chair, the Director advised that the post of Members Champion for Whistleblowing was currently vacant and had been since the new administration started in May 2022, which led to a suggestion by the Chair for a reminder to be sent to the Leader to appoint a suitable representative. Moved by Councillor Huw Murphy; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Committee were pleased to note that no referrals were made during the financial year 2021-2022 but would continue to review any incidents of whistleblowing and the response to them to ensure appropriate action is taken to whistleblowing, on an annual basis.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) To acknowledge the dated condition of the building and to support, where appropriate, plans for a new build to capture all provisions under one roof as outlined in the Sustainable Communities for Learning forward programme. (b) For the Director to support, where possible, securing the provision of a school nurse for the PLC. (c)To further explore the lack of referrals being received from the North of the County, and to ascertain whether anything was being missed. (d) To further explore the need for an increase in provision due to the ongoing peak in referrals from schools.
The Committee considered a report by the Schools Scrutiny Panel on the monitoring visit they undertook to Pembrokeshire Learning Centre. The Chair outlined the report and welcomed questions from Members. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Pat Davies reiterated that pupils from the North of the County had to travel some distance to attend pupil referral units and although she was glad to see that it was a point recognised by the Panel, queried why such units were not provided in the North of the County, and was it linked to schools utilising learning resource centres more. The Director stated that the units based within schools North of the County worked well and allowed pupils to continue their education through the medium of Welsh whilst also receiving additional support so efforts were made to maintain provision in the learner’s locality where possible. · In response to a question from Councillor Rhys Jordan, the Director advised that work was ongoing to secure both a school nurse and a community police liaison officer for the school and added that with a number of pupils being dual registered some are likely to already be accessing those facilities within their base school. It was added that the Centre had a strong programme of re-integration where possible. · Councillor Rhys Jordan and Tom Moses, PGR, highlighted the difficulties that had been seen in securing placements for learners externally and queried if any placements could be secured within the Authority. The Director agreed that there was no reason why placements couldn’t be offered within the Authority, where appropriate. Moved by Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall; Seconded by Councillor Rhys Jordan The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) To acknowledge the dated condition of the building and to support, where appropriate, plans for a new build to capture all provisions under one roof as outlined in the Sustainable Communities for Learning forward programme. (b) For the Director to support, where possible, securing the provision of a school nurse for the PLC. (c)To further explore the lack of referrals being received from the North of the County, and to ascertain whether anything was being missed. (d) To further explore the need for an increase in provision due to the ongoing peak in referrals from schools.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the items scheduled for the March Committee meeting be approved as appropriate with the additions outlined above.
The Chair outlined the items scheduled for the March Committee meeting and requested Members views on the items proposed. Members agreed that the proposed items were timely and the following additions were requested: · Progress update on Manorbier Primary School at each Committee meeting going forward · Schools swimming programme to be added to September agenda The Committee then considered which schools the Schools Scrutiny Panel would visit within the next school term and following discussion the below was agreed: · Manorbier Primary School – in a support capacity · Goodwick C.P. School – as it was featured within a good practice case study · Ysgol Greenhill School – following the recent removal from special measure category · Ysgol Harri Tudur – for a future term later in 2023 Moved by Councillor Marc Tierney; Seconded by Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the items scheduled for the March Committee meeting be approved as appropriate with the additions outlined above.
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